SHOWGOERS will have an opportunity to experience farm life during harvest thanks to a “virtual header”.
The simulator will create a virtual experience which will allow the user to harvest a paddock of wheat in real time.
The new attraction, which is just starting to make its way around the show circuit, was created by the Natimuk Agricultural Society and was the brainchild of show secretary Judith Bysouth.
She said the Natimuk Agricultural Society was lucky enough to secure a Federal Government grant prior to COVID, with one of the requirements to “invent something new as a show day attraction”.
The avid volunteer has been involved with the Natimuk Show for many years and has been secretary for more than two decades.
She knows only too well the importance and role local shows play in enhancing rural townships.
“I grew up in the show circuit,” Ms Bysouth said, noting her dad was a horse steward.
“The annual show brings people together and connects the local community.”
Ms Bysouth said she had fond memories of attending her local show while growing up.
“It was the one time of year when everyone would come into town and I would have a new dress and new shoes.”
While times have changed, Ms Bysouth said it was important for show committees to diversify and modernise in a bid to remain relevant to the younger generation.
With this in mind, the region’s rich agricultural history was combined with computer gaming technology to create the header simulator.
“You have to be creative and think outside the square,” Ms Bysouth said, noting the committee worked alongside a local technician to bring the project to fruition.
“This bridges the generation gap and engages with youth. It also highlights the agricultural industry and has a strong educational focus.”
Having attended the Melbourne Show the past two years, Ms Bysouth said she was surprised by the number of patrons who didn’t know what a harvester was.
The group has since incorporated an educational pamphlet, highlighting the importance of the grain industry.
“Eighty per cent of the national wheat crop is exported to more than 50 countries,” Ms Bysouth said.
“Meanwhile, 20 per cent is used domestically for flour, bread, noodles, biscuits, cakes and pasta.”
The volunteers also provide grain samples, encouraging children to grow their own crops with cotton wool, seedlings and a recycled coffee cup.
The realistic, computer-generated program allows participants to take full control of the harvest process, whilst seated in the cabin of an actual header.
Participants are given a two minute time limit to harvest their paddock, and during this time are rated on their yield, accuracy, and percentage of wheat harvested.
Taking this into account, an overall score is generated.
Ms Bysouth is looking forward to attending the Swan Hill Show this year and urges everyone to test their skills.
“It’s been a very popular attraction,” she said, noting the simulator tested a range of skills.
“They are rated on the percentage of wheat harvested, yield, and efficiency, with participants given an overall score. It’s important to take into account all factors of harvesting the paddock … you can’t go too fast, otherwise the grain will fly out the back and not go into the grain box on the harvester.”
And as for any high scoring tips, Ms Bysouth said accuracy and a steady pace would ensure success.
“Just make sure you don’t hit the fence!” she added with a laugh.
