General News
11 March, 2025
61st field days a success
The Wimmera Machinery Field Days (WMFD) at Longerenong came to a close on Thursday March 6 after three big days of demonstrations, shows and a variety of site displays from local and small businesses.
The annual event saw gate numbers on par with last year's event, about 400 site exhibitors showing off their products and sharing expertise.
Field days committee manager Vanessa Lenehan said the event was "really good" and ran very smoothly.
"Having the big tractors was a big hit," Ms Lenehan said.
"A checklist was being handed out to not only school kids but others who didn't want to miss any of the tractors."
Wednesday's family day proved to be popular with a special visit from Paw Patrol's Marshall, Ryder and Chase.
The characters did a meet-and-greet for the little ones in the morning, followed by two performances.
"Every second person who came to the window asked where Paw Patrol was," Ms Lenehan said.
"It was very popular."
Ms Lenehan said the heat in the afternoon did deter some people but saw the morning being very busy.
"It was great to see so many families around for the family day," she said.
Product and site awards were also handed out on Wednesday to seven lucky winners.
In the product awards, WMFD Machine of the Year went to Case 715 and Ag Business Innovation of the Year was awarded to EE GROUP – DJI Dock's state-of-the-art automated drone management solution.
Moving to the site awards, Best Ag Machinery Outdoor Site went to Traction Ag and Best General Outdoor Site was presented to Firepits R Us.
Best Alan Heard Pavilion Site was won by Farmscan, Best Moore Exhibition Centre Site went to Grampians Public Health Unit and Best Country Lifestyle Site went to Haisley Design.
Ms Lenehan said feedback received from site holders had been "really positive".
"We offer a happy and relaxed event and will fit them in with the site they want," she said.
She also said siteholders in the Local Market Square enjoyed their time, showcasing their products to locals as well as those who travelled from far and wide to attend.
"They were pleased to be a part of it," Ms Lenehan said.
On behalf of the committee she expressed her thanks to all who attended over the three days for the 61st year of WMFD.
"It's a great event and it benefits the town and the economy," she said.
"The pubs and restaurants were offering two sittings; they did very well.
"Big thanks to everyone who came.
"We're very appreciative of the community support."
