Field days to explore climate of change

Climate of Change is the theme of the 49th Dowerin GWN7 Machinery Field Days - although this does not mean in relation to the weather.

Instead, chairman Ashley Jones is hoping people will come to the Dowerin field days with the idea of speaking to others about changes happening in their industry.

Official program and field day guide in the COUNTRYMAN newspaper, August 22, 2013

For Mr Jones, these include changes in farming practices for the future and political changes to ensure farming will continue to be successful in Australia.

"We want people to come and talk to their service providers about what they want for the future," Mr Jones said.

"There is no better place to come and talk to people high up in their respected industries - these are the people who make important decisions affecting our future."

Mr Jones said political parties and farming lobby groups did not have the most influence over the future of agriculture. Instead he said those in control of the science and technology affecting the industry had the most clout.

"The Dowerin GWN7 Machinery Field Days are completely apolitical - we have no bias. Instead, we provide the best forum in WA for people to come and make good decisions affecting the future of their business," he said.

Mr Jones said machinery dealers were at the forefront of change in the agricultural industry and it was these companies that farmers needed to maintain "fantastic partnerships" with to ensure the future of farming was bright.

"I'm encouraging people to come and get involved in the debate about the future of farming," he said. "Every business has its own problems and it's not just rainfall that determines if you can make a profit.

"The Dowerin GWN7 Machinery Field Days are WA's leading forum for agriculture; the event provides many different opportunities for people to grow their business."

Mr Jones said there had been exceptional support from exhibitors for this year's event.

Farm Machinery and Industry Association of WA executive chairman John Henchy said the Dowerin field days continued to showcase the most modern technology in farm machinery.

"Keeping up to date with what is available helps Australian farmers to retain their efficiency and keeps them ahead of the rest of the world," he said.

Mr Henchy said he hoped the farming community would continue its support of exhibitors at the Dowerin field days.

Dowerin Events Management event coordinator Jenna Freind said a fantastic mix of new and longstanding exhibitors were planning to attend this year's event.

"This should make for an excellent event for people attending," Ms Freind said.

"We have plenty of exciting things happening at this year's field days, including a cake decorating competition and kids cooking demonstrations in the Good Food and Getaways Pavilion, plus the old favourites including the Tractor Pull and Act Belong Commit Ag Art Wear Competition.

"Everyone comes here looking for something different, and we try to cater for everyone.

"The field days are also a social event, which is important for the agricultural industry and regional communities."