The Dowerin GWN7 Machinery Field Days wrapped up in fantastic style yesterday, with bright sunshine throughout the day and a range of events and activities once again proving why the two-day show is considered one of the biggest agricultural shows in the country.
Dowerin was once again packed, with thousands of exhibitors and attendees flooding in from areas around the state to peruse the latest trends in agricultural technology, take in the sights and, of course, to have a yarn with friends and family.
Field Days is more than just a day out, though: it's an opportunity for industry, politicians and the residents of the surrounding communities to get in touch with each other and communicate ideas on the future of regional WA.
Labor member for the Agricultural Region Darren West said it's important for events like Field Days to promote communication between residents.
"It's a big event - one of the biggest agricultural events in the country - but we still have a fully open policy of talking with anyone and everyone who wants to," he said.
"There's a lot of issues that farmers are facing, and they need a time and place to voice those issues. That's what we're here for.
"It's also an opportunity for us to show that we are local, and that we are in touch with the communities we represent."
Liberal member for the agricultural region Jim Chown said Field Days marks an important part of the year, especially for farmers.
"Obviously, things like the Wagin Woolorama are in March, so there's a good spread of these kinds of things," he said.
"That's important, because we need to showcase what the industry is doing locally, year-round.
"A lot of the other ones are quite small, regional ag shows; they don't have the same reputation as Dowerin, and as we've seen this week, people really understand how integral this is to the agricultural sector."
Both Mr West and Mr Chown said attendees had approached them with a range of issues affecting the agricultural regions of WA, including rail infrastructure, foreign trade and environmental policy.
"It's great because, in this environment, people don't feel any pressure to communicate," Mr West said.
"Plenty of people have come up to me, said hello and just had a friendly chat, and that's what we want because we're all in this together."
Big draws on the day were the sheep dog trials - with a number of flighty sheep making the competition a bit difficult - live music in the community hall, and of course the machinery displays and demonstrations.
Shane, a local farmer who was attending Dowerin to find out about new seeding technology, said the event was a welcome reprieve from the daily grind, for two reasons.
"It's a couple of days in the year where you can take a break and check out what's happening in the industry - it's really motivating in that way," he said.
"You can't complain about having a few beers with your mates in the middle of the week, either."