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20/03/2023
RaboResearch analyst Tom Borowski with Paul Petering at the 2023 Wimmera Machinery Field Days.
After a two-year Covid hiatus, the highly anticipated Wimmera Machinery Field Days once again swung open the gates, with tens of thousands of visitors spilling into the iconic rural event.
It was an opportunity embraced by the ag community – the chance to browse the latest in technology and innovation, catch up with friends near and far, and of course kick a few tyres, and it was all thanks to selfless volunteers such as Paul Petering.
A fourth generation producer in the region, Paul and wife Ros, together with his brother Tim and wife Carmen and their sons Logan and Bailey, run “Wilrga Park”, a mixed enterprise consisting of wheat, barley, lentils plus fat lambs and hay.
Paul has been part of the Wimmera Machinery Field Days committee for 16 years, and while the time and energy required to pull together such an event is significant, it’s a contribution he doesn’t question.
“It’s so important to give back, if we don’t have volunteers then not-for-profit initiatives such as this will fold, and I really enjoy being on the committee with so many like-minded people, it’s a good, fun group and we have some really interesting discussions, and plenty of laughs in the meantime.”
‘Many hands make light work’ is a familiar catch-cry in our rural and regional communities, where the majority of events and clubs are volunteer based, and like many regions, it’s getting harder and harder to source volunteers.
“Australia-wide there’s an exciting renewed interest in agriculture driving a new generation of farmers and young professionals to the regions, and I would highly encourage young ones to put their hand up and join committees – it’s a great way to meet people, have fun and contribute to the social fabric of our regions.”
Wimmera Machinery Field Days, one of Australia’s best
Hosted at its purpose-built site at the Wimmera Events Centre at Longerenong near Horsham in western Victoria, the Wimmera Machinery Field Days has grown into one of country Australia’s largest agricultural and agribusiness trade shows.
Showcasing the latest developments in farming practices, machinery, equipment, technology and services, Paul said the Field Days committee has maintained a long-term charter to foster innovation and development in primary production and agribusiness.
From a community perspective, he said the event was welcomed by various local organisations for fundraising, with one particular group raising up to $14,000 running the barbeque over the three days.
“The field days represent a really valuable opportunity for industry and community, and we were so glad to see our exhibitors, such as Rabobank, committed to supporting the return of the field days.”
“After two years off we were just all really excited see it back in action,” Paul said.
A commitment to community, and agriculture
The Petering family have been farming on part of “Wilgra Park” for over 100 years, and today farm 4,000 hectares in the region.
And with his nephews Bailey and Logan now involved, Paul is heartened by the fact that the property is now home to the next generation.
A priority on timeliness and a refusal to cut corners has underpinned the Peterings’ growth, and Paul says a more recent investment into on-farm storage has definitely paid dividends.
“We have around 8,000 tonnes of grain and hay storage capacity now, which has been extremely worthwhile and ensures we no longer have to be price-takers.”
“With a good rural manager behind you and the flexibility of on-farm storage, it really gives you capacity to ride out some of the seasonal lows, and we’re very grateful to have Rabobank’s Alister Cameron supporting us.”
The storage really came into its own recently, with the wet season downgrading much of his crop.
“It was fortunate that we didn’t have to sell off-type grain, instead we can deliver it dictated by price, and the capability to do this will continue to help strengthen our business going forward.”
With good subsoil moisture going into the 2023 season, Paul said if he can get his crops in and germinated in a timely fashion then things will be looking good, and that despite the recent flood event, the sentiment across the region was upbeat.
“While the recent wet spring was devastating for many, the subsequent harvest was probably better than expected, largely thanks to good prices. The fact crops could be salvaged was incredible, and reflects the resilience of our country, and our community.”
After such a tumultuous season, he said it was more important than ever that the community can come together and look to the future, with the Wimmera Machinery Field Days providing the perfect opportunity.