Happy crowds pile up their plates
Thousands of people attended this year's Farmer On Your Plate event in Perth last Saturday.
Visitors were greeted by Farming Champions and encouraged to sample some of WA's finest produce.
Farming Champions are a group of WA women, supported by men and women, who aim to bring agricultural issues to the attention of the public.
The event was opened by WA Governor Malcolm McCusker.
Mary Nenke, a Kukerin-based farmer, former rural woman of the year winner and co-owner of business Cambinata Yabbies, said she was pleased with the event.
"The day was a huge success, thanks to our very talented committee of leading women from across rural and urban WA, who are passionate about linking the city with the country," she said.
"We are already planning the 2015 event."
Food advocate Don Hancey, Peter Mannifis (Incontro) and Chris Taylor of Frasier's Restaurant cooked up farm produce, including lamb, beef and yabbies, for the crowd to enjoy for over three hours.
The lamb was supplied by Jilakin Downs Dorpers and White Dorpers, Kulin, and was appreciated by many visitors throughout the day.
Mrs Nenke said the event's patrons, Mr McCusker and his wife Tonya, understood the importance of farm families.
"Our patrons, the Governor and Mrs McCusker, are outstanding Farming Champions," she said.
"They really care."
Hundreds of children enjoyed the free attractions on the day, including Nigel's Incredible Creatures, which allowed the kids to hold and pet a variety of farm animals.
_Other attractions included face painting and the Royal Australian Navy's Admiral Big Band, who provided entertainment throughout the morning and were enjoyed by visitors throughout the day. _
_WA Farming Champions and speakers included Crawford Taylor, of Rabobank, Farm Machinery Industry and Dealers Association president Alan Fisher, RSM Bird Cameron's Martin Livsey, and fourth-generation farmer and Shire of Tammin president Scott Uppill. _
Former Docker and AFL player Heath Black and Grain on Rail's Jane Fuschbishler also spoke, while a traditional owner from Whudjuk country around the Swan River, Glenys Yarran, made a welcoming address.
The event was deemed successful by participants.
It allowed the happy public to fill their stomachs with notable WA produce and contribute to raising awareness for the needs of West Australian farmers.
