Hay Today, Show Tomorrow

What started as a conversation between two local farmers, Jono Robinson and Kelvin Hepworth, has grown into a community effort to help strengthen the Donald Show.

Farmers from across the district have come together to donate hay as part of a fundraising drive, with proceeds helping boost prize money for the shearing competition and support improvements at the showgrounds.

The idea came after last year’s Donald Show, which was a success in many areas but faced challenges attracting competitors to the shearing competition.

“Last year’s Donald Show was a triumph,” Litchfield farmer Kelvin Hepworth said.

“The machinery part was unreal, we had all the emergency services vehicles, and the tractor pull was amazing; all the infrastructure, the side shows, horses and rides, and all the foodies and everything inside the pavilion was great.

“Everything, everywhere you looked was thriving, except for the shearing competition, because they didn’t have the funds to attract enough competitors.”

Kelvin said country shows often competed against each other for entrants, with prize money playing an important role in attracting shearers and wool handlers. Increasing the prizes available for each event will certainly play a part in encouraging additional participation, particularly for women. The shearing event at the Donald Show is also unique, featuring a female-only category, where women would normally compete alongside men in standard divisions in Victoria.

After discussing the issue with fellow farmer Jono Robinson, the pair began looking at ways they could support the Sports Shear.

“We first talked about doing a grain drive, but because of the season last year there wasn’t much grain around,” Kelvin said.

“But there was a heap of hay, so we started ringing around everyone we knew and got pledges of bales.”

The response from farmers exceeded expectations, with the hay drive collecting 287 bales.

“It’s been brilliant,” Kelvin said. “It’s five bales here, 10 bales there, everything added up.”

Jono said the generosity of farmers had extended beyond belief, with many going above and beyond to support the cause.

The donated hay is being stored at Gil Gil farmer, Dave Manifold’s property, which has become a central collection point for the drive. Dave has also helped with carting, while his son Tom has assisted with unloading donations.

While Jono and Kelvin managed the collection and picking up of hay, a number of farmers and businesses also contributed their time and resources to make the campaign possible.

Harbergers and Owen Perry from Perry Contracting offered to cart a load for sale, Al Paynter loaned a trailer, while Louis Brennan, Kyle Pearce and Pete Russell also helped transport hay.

The hay drive has now reached capacity for this season, with Kelvin and Jono thanking everyone who has donated hay or supported the effort.

While no further hay donations are required for this year, monetary donations are still welcome to support the Donald Show and its ongoing improvements. Locals are also encouraged to volunteer their time and help out over the show weekend.

Jono said the success of the campaign showed what could be achieved when the community worked together.

“We can do it on our own. We sure can,” he said. “But the long story short, we can’t have the show die.”

Jono and Kelvin hope the hay drive can become an ongoing initiative to support the Donald Show and its shearing events into the future.

“If the show dies, it’s gone. People from all over, from this side of Warracknabeal, Marnoo, Birchip and Wycheproof, they’re all coming over to the Donald Show now as it continues to get bigger every year.”

Kelvin and Jono said it’s about making sure the Donald Show is still around for future generations.

“Our kids are old enough now that I don’t have to hang on to their hand anymore, but it won’t be long and they’ll have kids of their own.

“And we want the show for those kids.

“You look at some of the other country shows, and they’re just dying.

“So if we can help by boosting the prize money and helping with infrastructure, we all win.”

Kelvin and Jono said the show is important for the local community, not only bringing people to the region but also providing entertainment for local families and ensuring a longstanding tradition continues.

“A lot of hard work goes into the Donald Show every year, and it shows how much the community wants the Show to keep thriving, especially the shearing competition.”