Dowerin showcases positive industry

A VIBRANT crowd of just over 24,000 people attended the Dowerin GWN7 Machinery Field Days last Wednesday and Thursday, again showcasing how important the two-day event is on WA’s rural calendar.

A record number of exhibitors provided a wide range of displays and kept everyone entertained and informed, showcasing the positivity of agriculture.

At the official opening on Wednesday morning, Dowerin Events Management chairman Michael Metcalf said one of the important objectives of the two-day event was to provide young Western Australians with a panoramic view of the exciting careers possible in the agriculture industry.

“The agriculture industry is forever changing and is technologically-driven,” Mr Metcalf said.

“We need government and education providers to keep up the support of our industry to meet the education outcomes that we require to continue to drive the industry well into the future,” he said.

Mr Metcalf said it was important that all visitors to Dowerin had an educative insight into the challenges rural communities faced and the care that farmers had for their land, livestock and produce.

“This is important for the future of farming throughout the world,” he said.

“One of our most valuable resources in the agricultural industry are the people involved and some communities throughout the State have experienced tough conditions.

“I would like to mention the importance of listening to a friend, checking up on them to see how they are going.

“Hearing a friendly voice in this day and age of technology is an important aspect of supporting your fellow community member.”

Mr Metcalf said the exhibitor list continued to grow each year and showed how strong the annual event was.

He thanked exhibitors and sponsors for their on-going support, along with the Shire of Dowerin that worked closely with Dowerin Events Management to improve the town and the event.

“The new short-term accommodation opened a few weeks ago is testament to the united objectives of Dowerin Events Management and the shire of Dowerin,” Mr Metcalf said.

He paid tribute to the volunteers and staff, saying their contribution could not be underestimated.

Mr Metcalf hoped visitors walked away from the two-day event with a positive and memorable experience.

Dowerin Events Management assistant co-ordinator Tiffany Davey said its new age in agriculture theme triggered a brilliant response from exhibitors.

“The displays were fantastic and there certainly was a lot of new technology on display,” Ms Davey said.

“Despite the way the season has gone for some farmers, there remains a need for machinery, to network and to see what’s out there.

“So I’m not really surprised by the positive mood and good crowds.

“The Field Days create that opportunity to speak with your peers and to the people who either make the machines or know about them.

“It’s a great link between farmers and consumers.”

Farm Machinery and Industry Association (FMIA) executive officer John Henchy said confidence levels were high.

“The rain has turned around the industry over the past five weeks and from what I’ve been told, we’ve got a scenario where a third are OK, a third will have an average season and a third remain a question mark until we get the finishing rains.”

Narembeen manufacturer Max Hebbermann, Sonic Boomsprays, said it was a “solid” two days.

“Wednesday was the pick of the days and we got pretty hectic but it was obvious there were people ready to buy,” he said.

“It was a very positive mood and it shows ag is in a good place.”

Kellerberrin manufacturer Corey Moylan, Moylan Silos, found potential buyers were “a bit circumspect”.

“They’ll wait to see what happens over the next couple of weeks before making any commitments and we’re all hoping for a soft finish,” he said.

Boekeman Machinery precision ag specialist Peter Crippen said he had encountered a lot of confidence, despite the season.

“There are some guys doing alright and may even have to assess their tax, which could translate into machinery sales,” he said.