Dowerin Field Days 2017 showcased positivity of agriculture

A record number of exhibitors provided a wide range of displays and kept everyone entertained and informed, showcasing the positivity of agriculture.

At the official opening on Wednesday morning, Dowerin Events Management chairman Michael Metcalf said one of the important objectives of the two-day event was to provide young Western Australians with a panoramic view of the exciting careers possible in the agriculture industry.

“The agriculture industry is forever changing and is technologically-driven,” Mr Metcalf said. “We need government and education providers to keep up the support of our industry to meet the education outcomes that we require to continue to drive the industry well into the future,” he said.

Mr Metcalf said it was important that all visitors to Dowerin had an educative insight into the challenges rural communities faced and the care that farmers had for their land, livestock and produce.

“This is important for the future of farming throughout the world,” he said. “One of our most valuable resources in the agricultural industry are the people involved and some communities throughout the State have experienced tough conditions.

“I would like to mention the importance of listening to a friend, checking up on them to see how they are going. “Hearing a friendly voice in this day and age of technology is an important aspect of supporting your fellow community member.”

Mr Metcalf said the exhibitor list continued to grow each year and showed how strong the annual event was.

He thanked exhibitors and sponsors for their on-going support, along with the Shire of Dowerin that worked closely with Dowerin Events Management to improve the town and the event.

“The new short-term accommodation opened a few weeks ago is testament to the united objectives of Dowerin Events Management and the shire of Dowerin,” Mr Metcalf said.