The drought has held a tight grip on the country for months and it has been pushed to the forefront of people’s minds in recent times.
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Investigations from media outlets across the country into how their areas have been affected has highlighted the devastating conditions.
The Henty Machinery Field Days has been held for the past 55 years and come a long way since its humble beginners as a one-day event.
Regular visitors and exhibitors to the region know what to expect – a showcase of expensive and innovative farming machinery and equipment to help make life on the land easier.
Children in Akubras and flannelette shirts enjoy climbing on the farm machinery, there are market stalls, food outlets, award presentations, demonstrations, fashion parades and live animals.
It’s the highlight of the social and business calendar for many farming families from right across the country.
It sounds cliche but there really is something for everyone.
Millions of dollars worth of equipment was on display this year off the back of a season that wasn’t particularly profitable for most farmers.
While we are still waiting for official gate numbers, those who attend the event regularly said it did not appear to be as populated this year.
There was always the chance of this year being tougher than previous ones.
No matter how high the interest is, if farmers do not have the money to spend, would they still bother to attend?
If farmers are struggling to yield crops or keep livestock alive, are they going to spend money this year on the latest technology when faced with closing their farms?
Sure, next season could pick up, it could rain, livestock could be replenished.
Who knows what’s around the corner?
It’s important to remember to keep supporting farmers and the wider farming industry because they will bounce back.
It might be the trick that boosts the Henty Machinery Field Days for a bumper year in 2019.