By Abby Walter

More than 350 exhibitors welcomed about 10,000 people across three days at Wimmera Events Centre, Longerenong last week.

The Wimmera Machinery Field Days returned for its second year post-COVID-19 and organisers were again pleased with the results.

President Tim Rethus said Wednesday was the strongest day for crowds, despite it being the hottest in temperature.

“We had relatively good weather, in the low 30s,” he said.

“The exhibitors had impressive sites this year and it looked busy and full.

“Of the exhibitors we spoke to, and we spoke to most of them, the majority were positive.”

Mr Rethus said different exhibitors had different attitudes and expectations of the event.

“The exhibitors selling food want to sell as much as possible on the days they are there, whereas the ones selling tractors want to sell tractors in the future and build relationships,” he said.

“There was genuine interest from attendees.

“Last year there wasn’t as much stock, but that improved and, with the cost of living, there’s more reason to be at the field days to let people know who you are and be seen.”

Mr Rethus said staff, along with manager Vanessa Lenehan, did a fantastic job in their roles.
“They made for a stress-free field days and the exhibitors were able to focus on what they were doing,” he said.

“The committee was pleased with how it went, and we always try to accommodate the exhibitors because they are what make the field days.

“We’ve had two good events now and are continuing to build our reputation of being a ‘can-do’ committee who help exhibitors deliver great sites.”

After two years at the helm, Mr Rethus will now pass the president role to current vice-president Harry Young.

Mr Rethus said it wouldn’t be long before the committee started organising the 2025 event.

“Every president brings a different flavour to the field days and it will be good to see what Harry stamps on the event,” he said.

“About every two years we move through presidents, and it’s often the vice-president who steps into the role, which is a good opportunity for leadership experience for some of our younger members.

“The committee is all about catching up with like-minded farmers and industry people, to talk, learn something and focus on doing something to give back to the community.”

The 2025 Wimmera Machinery Field Days will be at Wimmera Events Centre on March 4, 5 and 6.

The entire March 13, 2024 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!