The organisers were expecting more “tyre-kickers” this year - people that come to buy the things they need but who can only look at the hi-tech wares on offer, dreaming of better times.

But numbers heading to the field day were tracking to be up on last year – which is a good sign that farmers and dealers are looking to a brighter future.

This week there was a timely message to farmers themselves - look after yourself

Across eastern Australia farmers are grappling with the Big Dry, a drought that has brought hardship to large parts of New South Wales and Queensland in the past three years.

Victorian farmers have already been warned of a dry, hot spring and summer ahead –  more tough times.

The National Centre for Farmer Health’s Tracey Hatherell said that farmers needed to think about their health just as they dealt with the challenges they were facing with livestock and their farming businesses.

Read more: Conditions dire as farmers face prospect of more dry weather

While trends had changed over time, she said it could be difficult telling people it was time to take some time for their wellbeing when they faced water issues or were trying to feed stock.

It’s good advice. Look after your physical health.

But also keep an eye out for signs of mental strain in those you know on the land.

A colleague on mine told me of a farmer who, when asked what help they could give said “nothing”.

Everything, was gone, he said. The only thing keeping him going was the fact he had to get up each morning and walk his dogs.

So they gave him some food and care for his last remaining link to the land –  man’s best friend.

It wasn’t an isolated incident, she said. And as heartbreaking as they were, the strength that was being shown by the hardest hit cases was humbling.

There will be more help needed as the long hot summer rolls in. 

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