The Wimmera Machinery Field Days is an iconic three day event on the rural Australian calendar.

A regional volunteer committee has managed the nonprofit event, the Wimmera-Mallee’s largest annual community gathering, since 1963.

The Field Days acts as a barometer for social, economic, agricultural prosperity and growth in the entire region. Hosted at its purpose-built site at the Wimmera Events Centre at Longerenong near Horsham in western Victoria, the event has grown into one of country Australia’s largest agricultural and agribusiness trade shows.

The Field Days is a showcase of the latest developments in farming practice, machinery, equipment, technology and services. The Field Days committee has maintained a long-term charter to foster innovation and development in primary production and agribusiness.

The Wimmera Machinery Field Days is a not-for-profit community-based organisation managed by 34 volunteer members.

Executive committee

Chris Bartlett

President

Sam Eagle

Senior Vice President

Tim Rethus

Junior Vice President

Glenn Jenkinson

Steward

Harry Young

Steward

Management

Murray Wilson

Manager

Vanessa Lenehan

Office Manager

Office & Events Assistant

Office & Events Assistant

Supporting the entire region

Impact

The Wimmera Machinery Field Days provides significant economic benefit to the Wimmera. This important event injects in excess of $3 million directly into the broader Wimmera economy each year, however, the potential economic contribution to the region is significantly higher. Economic benefits continue well beyond the three-day event in sales enquiries and business.

The Wimmera Machinery Field Days places Horsham and the Wimmera on the national and international stage. More than $200 million in machinery, equipment and materials find a home at the Field Days site. Conservative estimates suggest the three days generate well over $50 million in trade.

The number of Field Days patrons without direct farming links is also growing, continuing an important evolution of the tradeshow side of the event. The success of the inaugural ‘Country Gourmet’ Pavilion in 2009, the revamped ‘Country Lifestyle’ precinct and large undercover pavilions provide another incentive for people from various backgrounds to use the Field Days as a family activity and an important ‘must see’ event in their social calendar.

Importance

The Wimmera Machinery Field Days provides a unique forum for people to gather and discuss farm-technology developments, create networks, socialise, rekindle friendships and business relationships and to stay in touch with industry advances. Field Days organisers rely heavily on support and participation of Wimmera community volunteers and regional businesses.