QUAMBATOOK resident Ian Fisher is a self confessed "John Deere nut", so it's no surprise his most prized possession is a John Deere tractor, dating back to the mid 1930s.
It was this appreciation for old farming equipment which led to his involvement with the Quambatook Heritage Working Machinery Association.
Ian has been a member of the group since its inception five years ago, and has become more actively involved in the group as it continues to expand.
Farming has been a way of life for Ian who was born and bred on a farming property.
"I come from a long line of farmers," he said.
Ian grew up on a farm in Broadford.
"We had a farm right on the edge of town," he said.
"We were squeezed out by urban sprawl."
Unable to expand the business, the family moved to a property near Lismore in the Western District farming region.
He spent the next 10 years on the property before moving to the Mallee in 1988 with his wife.
"We branched out on our own," Ian said.
In what was a natural progression, Ian set out to establish his own dry land farming operations.
That was 24 years ago now -- and Ian hasn't looked back.
Having raised his three daughters in Quambatook, Ian said it was a "great place to raise a family".
With the youngest at university and the eldest two now married, Ian and his wife continue to be active members of the community.
They are both heavily involved in the church, while Ian has also been a member of the lion's club for more than 30 years.
According to Ian, the community and the region's great weather add to Quambatook's appeal.
Over the years the farmer has witnessed many changes and hasn't been without his fair share of challenges.
Unpredictable weather patterns, mice and low commodity prices have all taken their toll.
"Last year was one of the most difficult years we have experienced," Ian said, in reference to the floods and mice plague.
"We lost a lot of crop," he said.
Despite this, Ian said improved technology had aided his farming operations.
Looking towards the future, he said he was looking forward to new advances in farming technology.
"I'm especially keen now on the satellite technology," he said.
"There's been lots of changes -- satellite guidance is one of the biggest ones."
With new improvements such as GPS systems and auto steer, farm productivity has improved.
"We can now spray for weeds in the dark," Ian said.
"This is something we were unable to do before."
While Ian is excited by future prospects, he also has a deep appreciation for past farming processes and machinery.
It was this fascination which first encouraged him to join the Quambatook Heritage Working Machinery Association.
The concept behind the group was first envisioned by Swan Hill resident, the late John Parker, and soon after became a reality.
"John was really keen to preserve old machinery and it was a way to keep Quambatook on the map," Ian said.
"He was very community minded."
The club became fully operational in 2007 and continues to expand today.
Presently there are around 25 members, mostly farmers.
Restoring the old machinery has been a labour of love for Ian who enjoys the camaraderie that comes with sharing stories and experiences with other members of the group.
"Working on the old machines does prompt a lot of childhood stories," Ian said, adding for many it was a trip down memory lane.
Ian has been an avid collector for around 20 years, inheriting a few old things along the way.
"I would like to keep adding to it," he said.
"I like to preserve old things cause once they're gone, you can't get them back."
His latest addition is a horse drawn wagon which was given to him by an old neighbour.
"The wagon was actually made at the Charlton factory," Ian said.
The wagon is set to feature at the club's annual harvest working day and vintage tractor pull which will take place this weekend.
"We have quite a big collection," Ian said.
"We put the old machinery to work. It's more than a static display."
With machinery dating back to the late 1800s, Ian said the collection included tractors, headers, trucks and cars.
The annual event has attracted large crowds in the past, although it was cancelled last year due to the floods.
From humble beginnings the event continues to grow, attracting both local and interstate visitors.
Hopeful of further expansion in years to come, Ian said the group had lots of future projects in the pipeline.
"We have lots of machines to restore and we'll be working on those," he said.
"Hopefully we will get bigger and better."
The harvest day will take place this weekend at the Quambatook Tractor Pull Complex.
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