Wheels turning for Wimmera Field Days 2022 as Vanessa Lenehan takes manager role

Wimmera Machinery Field Days have appointed former officer manager Vanessa Lenehan to the role of events manager following the 13-year tenure of Murray WIlson.

Mrs Lenehan said she was excited to start in the role and get the wheels turning for 2022's event.

"I'm only just getting my teeth into it, figuring out the systems, what needs to be done and the timeframe - setting up a bit of a work plan to make sure everything is under control," she said.

"It is exciting, it will be challenging, but I have the support of the committee, so it is good knowing I have those guys behind me."

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Originally from South Australia, Mrs Lenehan has a long background in agriculture, having grown up on and managed a farm, completing an agriculture degree, and working for the Department of Prime Industries in Adelaide.

Before joining the field days team, Mrs Lenehan worked in the Wimmera for eight years with Vic No-Till.

She said 2022's event would be complicated by the uncertainty of possible COVID-19 restrictions and lockdowns.

"COVID is adding another element of what we have to do. So there is a lot of planning and a lot of boxes you have to tick to make the event happen," she said.

"This just adds one more layer of complexity to it that we don't want but has to be there. We are just trying to build it into what we do and make it happen."

Wimmera Field Days President Sam Eagle said the committee was impressed with Mrs Lenehan's attitude to the job.

"She naturally fits the job, and we thought we would see if we could convince her," he said.

"I think she just brings a bit of diversity to the committee, we are a bit male-heavy at the moment as well. Having another female provides a different perspective and that is important because a lot of our customers now are female.

"She is a fresh set of eyes over the field days. Having someone else new coming in gives you a fresh look at your business."

The Wimmera Field Days, which occur on the first Tuesday of March, require a year-long planning effort involving many different exhibitors and sellers.

Mr Eagle said the event was a great opportunity for farmers to inspect the latest equipment.

"I think we are a bit unique with the field days. A lot of farm equipment is there that is worth a lot of money," he said.

"The internet is good for doing research, but when it comes down to it you want to see that bit of gear.

"At our field days half-a-million dollars is not really out of the ballpark - so the field days give farmers that unique opportunity to see and sit in that tractor.

"Where else can you see five different half-a-million dollar tractors to make up your mind. At the moment, for me to do that, as a farmer, would mean visiting different dealerships between Lake Bolac and Mildura."

Mr Eagle said the field days also offered an opportunity to socialise with other famers.

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"A lot of farmers hang out by themselves a fair bit so it is really good for them to get out. Some of them spend two days socialising and then one day actually looking at the gear," he said.

"It is really a relationship building event as well. They can get a lot of networking done in those three days of the field day."

Ms Lenehan said while the focus was on a strong return, the committee would have to consider the risk of a snap-lockdown or restrictions before planning too far forward.

"The wheels are in motion and things are going ahead - in what way, shape or form we are still figuring out," she said.

"Our focus for next year will be to really look after the exhibitors, because businesses have been hit hard from COVID.

" So we are just going to focus on them and say 'we are going to have field days, give you guys an opportunity to see your clients again, create new client opportunities'.

"I think it will be really good for some of those businesses to see customers again.

"Fingers crossed COVID behaves."

Anyone interesting in getting involved with the Wimmera Field Days can contact Vanessa Lenehan on 0437 588 306 or email infor@wimmerafielddays.com.au.

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