In the lead up to Dowerin Machinery Field Days, five combine harvesters were showcased in Perth’s CBD to highlight how the industry positively contributes to the state
Celebrating its 60th year of showcasing the latest international farm machinery and locally-made innovations, Dowerin Machinery Field Days (DMFD) has brought its innovations to downtown Perth in the lead up to the highly-anticipated event.
A procession of five combine harvesters from five different manufacturers – Case IH, New Holland, Claas, Fendt and John Deere – were transported to Langley Park in June.
This procession was highlighting the significance of the sector to the everyday lives of Western Australians, as well as highlighting the technology that is powering the state’s grain belt.
“What better way to start the celebrations in our milestone year than with this magnificent display of mighty machines,” DMFD general manager Danielle Green says.
“The display represents the tools and technologies driving the future of farming.”
Key industry groups were invited to experience the machines first-hand, with the showcase then being opened up to the public for a ‘soft launch’, Green says.
“This showcase helped raise public awareness and shed a light on the Western Australia grains industry, DMFD and the machinery that has transformed how growers farm,” she says.
“We want to connect the Wheatbelt to the city.”
Event partner CBH’s group chief executive officer Ben Macnamara says showcasing the scale and innovation of the agricultural sector is vital to ensuring the general public has a good understanding of the industry and what it contributes to the state of WA.
“Western Australia’s grain industry is one of the country’s most important agricultural sectors, and we are proud to operate a world class efficient grain supply chain for the benefit of Western Australia’s grain growers,” Macnamara says.
“Unlocking and promoting new technologies – like those on display in the harvesters – is vital to achieving the ambitious treasury target for the Australian agricultural sector to reach $100 billion by 2030.”
Green says the five DMFD exhibitors and dealerships were all happy to be part of the event and were pleased with how their combines were showcased.
“Our initial Instagram reel of the showcase has already amassed 75,000 views, so we’re hoping it’s helped raise awareness,” she says.
The showcase was followed by an invitational ‘Sundowner’ event, which Green says brought industry leaders, exhibitors, growers, government representatives and sponsors together to celebrate DMFD, along with the machinery and grains industries.
“It was fantastic to see industry insiders come together – a rare and invaluable opportunity to foster connections and celebrate the agricultural industry,” she says.
Many more agricultural innovations are set to be on display at this year’s event in Dowerin, taking place on August 28 and 29.
“Today’s farm machinery combines advanced engineering and sophisticated ag tech to drive efficiency and productivity to levels even recently thought to be unachievable,” Green says.
“As you can imagine, organising five colossal combine harvesters to get to the centre of Perth was no easy feat, so we’re grateful to our exhibitors that made this happen.”