Dowerin Field Days 2019 raked in a crowd

The 55th Dowerin Field Days in Western Australia had one of its biggest opening days in five years, attracting over 24,000 people through the gates over two days, according to the event organiser.

The annual field days carried the theme of “Celebrating Our Story” this year and ran on August 28 and 29, 2019.

Dowerin Events Management chairperson, Nadine McMorran, attributed the high attendance to an excellent start to the farming season as well as a welcome harvest from last year.

She said exhibitors had some excellent displays and new attractions including an Ag Education Area with an interactive display to keep visitors entertained.

Assistant event coordinator, Tiffany Davey, said the concept was to create a platform for visitors to enquire about all aspects of the industry.

“There were numerous sectors represented and a post box for anyone to write to a pen pal who works in the sector they had questions about,” she said.

“It was a great place to escape and have a break and also created relationships. It showed that the agricultural industry is huge and diverse and that as a consumer, they play an important role.”

The Young Farmers Challenge returned with the champions of the state event heading to the Royal Agricultural Show of WA for the state finals. The challenge covers a wide range of activities including animal handling, tractor control, fencing, first aid and heavy lifting.

The winners this year were the Wongan Hills Drifters who received a $500 cash prize. The Dowerin Field Days will also donate $500 to an organisation of the winner’s choice.

A Women in Rural Business Networking luncheon focused on health and wellbeing with special guests Kendall Whyte from the Blue Tree Project, the Visible Farmer Series, and Lifeline all discussing mental health.

Event coordinator, Kahli Rose, said mental health was an important topic that needed to be discussed.

“Living in regional Australia can be isolating and lonely and we want to ensure that everyone knows there is an amazing amount of support networks around them and that it is OK to not be OK,” she said.

A highlight each year was the presenting of a number of awards to acknowledge the displays and products that were exhibited on site.

Organisers said the exhibits on display were “incredible”, with John Deere dealer AFGRI Equipment Australia taking home the Most Outstanding Exhibitor category.

Judges said they were impressed by the overall appeal of the AFGRI site which included a large range of equipment, friendly staff and well-presented displays for farmers and families.

The Best New Release categories were won by CLAAS Harvest Centre for the CLAAS LEXION combine harvester; Berrima Engineering for the BRX1600 roller-bar rake; and Schinckel Hayrakes for the Opener Series hay rake.

The Best Emerging Technology award went to ARB 4x4 Accessories for the new RedVision digital distribution hub while Polaris Sales Australia won the Best Motoring Exhibit.

Solarfruit won the Best Lifestyle & Leisure Exhibit.

Complete list of exhibitor award winners:

Best Lifestyle and Leisure: Solarfruit - Natural sun-dried fruit bar manufacturer from WA.

Best Motoring Exhibit: Polaris Sales Australia

Best Emerging Technology: ARB 4x4 Accessories for the RedVision digital distribution hub for caravans and RVs. The product was also a Good Design Award winner in 2018.

Best New Release - Self-Propelled Machinery: CLAAS Harvest Centre’ LEXION combine harvester.

Best New Release - Allied Equipment: Berrima Engineering’s BRX1600 Roller Bar Rake.

Best New Release - Machinery Attachments: Schinckel Hayrakes’ Opener Series hay rake

Most Outstanding Exhibitor: AGFRI Equipment