Just as Wimmera Machinery Field Days has wide-reaching benefits when it takes place, there are wide-reaching consequences when it doesn't.
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Among the groups coming to terms with the 2021 event's cancellation are sports clubs, who use the three-day farming expo for fundraising and social purposes.
Natimuk United football club vice-president Adam Blake said while the club did not rely on the Field days alone, its cancellation continued a "death by a thousand cuts" trend.
"No club relies on a single fundraiser, but the cumulative effect (of the cancellations) affects us," he said.
"Over time, we've been involved in small ways: We've helped collect rubbish over the grounds, and we've also helped lay a large area with pavers.
"We backed the idea of bringing the tractor pull in last year. We thought that was a great innovation because it's an opportunity before the season proper starts to bring our supporters and players together for something."
Mr Blake said the club had had to delay some infrastructure projects during the pandemic due to the reduction in revenue.
"We've been forced to use other forums to stay connected and get money," he said.
"We've participated in a couple of things online where you talk about what you're doing with your club. While they aren't big revenue earners, they are valuable in keeping up people's spirits," he said.
"That feeling of belonging is so important: It's hard to put a dollar on it."
Pimpinio Tigers president Trevor Baker said the club made more than $3000 of the 2020 Field days event, through a combination of coming second in the tractor pull and their regular engagement as car park managers.
"We still have expenses: the ovals still have to be mowed and watered, you've got the power... it's basically a small business," he said.
Mr Baker said the support of sponsors - many of whom have continued to invest in the club during the cancelled season - and the recent salary cap reduction had helped the club balance the books in 2020.
"We've got $25,000 worth of sponsorship money and didn't play one game of footy. In a normal year, we would get $30-40,000, but I still can't believe the generosity of these people," he said.
Holy Trinity Lutheran College, Antwerp Tennis Club and Laharum Football Netball Club are among the other groups that help out and are helped by, the Field days event.
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Alexander Darling
Alexander has been a member of the Wimmera Mail-Times' editorial team since December 2018, covering politics, business and property among other rounds. He is a passionate St.Kilda and rock and roll fan, and has previously worked as a radio reporter in Port Macquarie and Gosford, NSW.
Alexander has been a member of the Wimmera Mail-Times' editorial team since December 2018, covering politics, business and property among other rounds. He is a passionate St.Kilda and rock and roll fan, and has previously worked as a radio reporter in Port Macquarie and Gosford, NSW.
