THE rain held off long enough for hundreds to enjoy the inaugural Swan Hill Region Field Day on Friday.
Surrounded by Woorinen’s fields of blossom in bloom, the field day drew more than 700 people keen to support the region’s businesses.
Aimed at showcasing the breadth of what the region has to offer, the field day featured more than 70 businesses, live music, children’s activities and farm machinery demonstrations.
A range of tractor and air-blast sprayer demonstrations attracted farmers interested in the latest technology.
Norwood Farm Machinery was one of four companies demonstrating their products. Sales representative Nick Kelly said he was thrilled with the level of interest shown.
“We had a successful demonstration with a stone fruit sprayer in the field nearby,” Mr Kelly said.
“I think it’s great to see a field day back in the local area with horticultural focused demonstrations. At the bigger field days sometimes the horticultural side of things can be overshadowed by grains machinery.”
Emmetts, Haeusler’s Group and Tony Iannucci also showcased the capabilities of their products.
“That doesn’t happen a lot in the area, where you see different brands together at one event,” Mr Kelly said.
“It’s a good thing and it’s in the interests of the customer. We’ll be coming back next year; I think it’s important to support all the different facets of farming in the local area.”
Home business owner Annie Steicke — who sells Arbonne products — was attracted to the field day as another platform to promote her business.
“I play netball for the Woorinen Footy and Netball Club so I wanted to get involved and support [the organisers],” Ms Steicke said.
“It’s been a great day and I’ve been talking to lots of people, doing colour matches and talking about their skin.
“You’ve got to look after the wives as well.”
Like many field days, the event drew those looking to meet up with friends.
“It’s where you have a bit of a chin-wag with everybody, where you meet people,” truck-driver Peter Crabbe said.
“I wanted to come down and have a look — it seems to be a great idea. I transport a lot of limestone so it’s good to see what gear’s out there.”
Organiser Dean Morpeth said he considered the event a success.
“I’ve seen enough to know it’s going to work [in the future],” Mr Morpeth said.
“The biggest things was to get the companies to support it, and then the public will follow. The commitment from the businesses has been great.”
Mr Morpeth said organisers would be looking at the best time of year to run future field days.
“We need to get a time slot that works,” he said.
“I’ll be sending out a survey to find out what people thought of the day and the day it was held.
“We might think of having a two-day event.
“It can only grow from here.”
