WIMMERA Machinery Field Days will be bigger and better than ever in 2020 with a variety of new events and attractions.
The region's biggest agriculture gathering will be at the Wimmera Events Centre, Longerenong from March 3 to 5.
The most significant addition to this year's field days is the introduction of the Field Days Dealers Ag Machinery and Equipment Auction, which will be on the last day of the event.
Wimmera Machinery Field Days manager Murray Wilson said it was the first time an auction of this kind was held at the field days.
"We're seeking quality new and used agriculture machinery and equipment to be placed in the first ever auction," he said.
"It is open to all exhibitors - in particular agriculture machinery and equipment dealers - exhibiting at this year's field days."
Elders Horsham will coordinate and running the auction.
"O'Connors Horsham have kicked off the listings contributing a Miller Nitro Sprayer and are working on three or four other machinery items," Mr Wilson said.
Items that are eligible to be in the auction include any second hand or new machinery related to agriculture, general items or materials, and equipment related to agriculture and farming.
Items can be unreserved or reserved, and worth between $200 and $200,000. Auction items will be on display during the first two days of field days .
Interested buyers can then look at the machinery and equipment up for auction, and visit exhibitor sites for any queries.
Mr Wilson said he hoped the auction would help draw more people to final day of field days.
"It will create a chance for dealers and exhibitors to move any surplus, new or used equipment, or other items that would suit the auction," he said.
"It also provides an opportunity for dealers and exhibitors to engage with new and potential clients."
Mr Wilson said the event could become an annual key feature of the field days if successful.
Another new addition to this year's event will be the introduction of Field Days Ag Futures Seminars and Presentations.
"It will be a program of key specialist presentations and information sessions each day in the new and dedicated 'Ag Futures Pavilion'," Mr Wilson said.
It will coincide with the inaugural Ag Ed Quest program for secondary and primary schools, which will be program of activities for schools to undertake while visiting field days.
The aim of the program will be to provide young people with information and presentations on careers and pathways into the agriculture industry.
Mr Wilson said the field days' Country Lifestyle Precinct would have a new set-up, and redesigned stage and presentation area.
The Country Lifestyle program will feature demonstrations, fashion parades, lifestyle product launches, student showcase and kids entertainment, including performances from childrens' entertainment group the Mik Maks.
On the first day of field days, a host of Wimmera football clubs will participate in the Field Days Footy Club Tractor Pull as a fundraising initiative for the clubs.
Wimmera Machinery Field Days committee president Chris Bartlett said it would take about six people to pull a tractor on each team.
After a successful introduction last year, the Twilight Ag Expo will be back on the first day of field days.
The site will be opener later with free entry from 3pm to 7pm. The expo will feature activities, live music, and food and drinks.
Mr Bartlett said there was no speaker booked to open the event.
"We have asked a few people. The problem we're finding is that both state and federal governments are sitting that week," he said.
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