General News
10 March, 2023
Till we meet again - Field Days deliver for farming mates
The son of a visionary Wimmera farmer whose inventions made life easier for grain growers was among thousands through the gates at this week's Wimmera Machinery Field Days. Doug Altmann was one of the first to enter, as the region's showpiece ag...
The son of a visionary Wimmera farmer whose inventions made life easier for grain growers was among thousands through the gates at this week's Wimmera Machinery Field Days.
Doug Altmann was one of the first to enter, as the region's showpiece ag event returned after a three-year absence. With him was his son Kelvin and grandson Wesley.
The Altmanns boast a long Wimmera association. The family had settled at Angip between Warracknabeal and Jeparit. They now grow wheat, barley, canola and run sheep on their property at Bannockburn, near Geelong.
Decades before bulk-handling of grain, Doug's father and uncle - twins Les and Lance - invented a bag loader to make the job of moving sewn grain bags an easier task.
This was important to farming at that time and an improvement on other models.
It wasn't their only invention. The talented brothers could turn their hand to most things mechanical.
Many, like the Altmanns, no longer live in the area but return to the Field Days when they can, to catch up with the latest farm equipment and technology - and to catch up with old acquaintances from across a wide area.
Field Days president Tim Rethus reiterated the importance of the social aspect of the three-day Wimmera event, a must on a farmer's calendar.
"People are social beasts and need that contact with others," he said.
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"Farming can be very isolating and if people spend half the time talking, then that is good."
They needed that contact.
"We're also here to solve farming problems," he said. "And our job is to deliver quality customers to businesses. And we do that."
Now in its 59th year and with the weather creating near-perfect conditions on day one, Mr Rethus said it was a positive and encouraging event for the farming community of the region.
The Longerenong site was an ideal venue for people to view and learn about products they didn't know existed, but were on the market to make their farming life easier.
"And they can see multiple numbers of the one implement or item at the same time." he said.
Some people travelled long distances and stayed for all three days.
It was also an opportunity for community groups to participate. These included Horsham's Holy Trinity Lutheran School parents and friends who worked in the entry booths, Antwerp Tennis Club and Rupanyup and Natimuk football clubs.
Scores of exhibitors were supported by countless buyers as farm business boomed once again.