
For Wimmera farmers, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced only a few adjustments to their operations, with the essential business of farming continuing almost as normal.
Longerenong farmer Isabelle Gulline said the restrictions have not dramatically changed the way her family is taking care of business on the farm.
"We've been doing the same thing we always have," she said.
"And we only go into town to pick up the necessities when we need to."
"We're an essential business, because if we don't get the crop in the ground there's going to be no food next year."
Ms Gulline, 22, who farms cereals, canola, beans, chickpeas, and lentils, said she was tuned into the news "constantly".
"We're trying to keep everybody safe because we've got elderly grandparents on the farm as well," she said.
In the small locality of Speed, wheat and sheep farmer Phil Down said interactions between farmers and suppliers have changed to ensure social distancing.
"We're finding they're being creative," he said.
"Now you have to phone through your orders, they'll load them without you getting out of the cab, the inventory is texted to your phone, you go out and tie down your load, then you travel."
Mr Down said the major impact had been in the towns, where everyday meetups such as CFA training nights and Lions Club meetings have all been cancelled.
"Community wise, it's definitely slowed things right up," he said.
But on the farm, it was business as usual.
"Farming is absolutely an essential service and we just can't stop, and we can't delay things because it's seasonal and we're working with the weather," he said.
Mr Down said that while people were not 'panic buying', he was putting in early orders for fertilisers and chemicals he'd need in July.
"I don't want to call it panic buying but we're trying to be quite cautious, hoping the supply doesn't dry up." he said.
Looking ahead to July, he said working out how to shear his sheep may be an issue, if rules around social distancing are still in place.
"I've been self-isolating but I haven't actually stopped work," he said.
"Right now I'm in the cab of a tractor sowing, and there's no one within two kilometres of me."
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