At the weekend I had the pleasure of attending the Wimmera Merino Sheep Show.
Congratulations to Horsham Agricultural Society for putting on such a successful event.
It was a sheep dog trial and fleece competition combined into one event, with entrants coming from as far afield as Echuca, Ouyen and South Australia.
What made the show special was the fact it is normally held in spring. Of course, with the pandemic wreaking havoc on events like these, it had to be called off.
But credit to the organising committee who put the heads together and came up with an autumn version of the show, which was by all reports a refreshing change – you could see all of the breeders enjoyed getting back together and showing off their sheep.
Yes, it does take more effort and rigmarole to hold a COVID safe event, but it's all worth it in the end.
This is the type of resilience that makes our community great. It was the first sheep show in Victoria since the Coronavirus hit, and I am proud that Horsham hosted it.
Another important agricultural event is on this weekend – the Natimuk Agricultural and Pastoral Society's Annual Show. I look forward to seeing lots of local faces there between 9am and 5pm on Saturday.
I have always had an interest in farming. While growing up I spent many school holidays staying on farming properties where I learnt how things worked on the land, and some important life lessons as well.
My dad was a butcher and I saw firsthand how a prospering livestock industry creates many spin-off benefits for regional people.
That's why I am so happy that our municipality's farmers were able to capitalise on favourable recent weather conditions and enjoy a great season for not only grain growers but also our region's sheep farmers.
We all know there are plenty of tough years to go with the good times. But for now, it's great to see our agricultural community, and all those who rely on our rural economy for their own livelihoods, with plenty of reasons to smile.
