The shell-shocked farming communities of Coreen, Daysdale and Buraja have rallied in the wake of the tragic death of Broughton Bird by joining forces to assist with harvesting a bumper crop on one of his properties on Sunday.
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Fourteen headers, chaser bins and trucks worth millions of dollars converged on a property north of Coreen at short notice to strip more than 500 hectares of barley in a season many long-time farmers in the area have described as the best ever.
"Once people found out it was on, the phone started running hot," neighbour Peter Hanrahan said.
"In the Daysdale, Coreen, Buraja area, I reckon every farm owner is here or are represented by someone.
"It's what people do when someone is down and out.
"We thought we would just get in and get it all done in one day if we could.
"It's been driven by the community."
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Mr Hanrahan said the response underlined the respect Mr Bird had in the area.
"He loved farming and he was right into it," he said.
"Broughty's idea was if you are going to do it, you do it properly.
"It wasn't about speed. It was about getting it right."
A constant flow of trucks made their way to and from the Boomerang property to Mr Broughton's private receival site near Rennie.
With the machinery on hand, an estimated 250 tonnes of barley per hour was being stripped following a year where above average rainfall of around 24 inches had fallen.
Twelve months ago the region was still battling an extended drought.
Among those helping out was Burrumbuttock header driver Greg Tallent.
He conceded the hectic nature of harvest had its accompanying dangers.
"We're working in an environment where your life could be taken in a split second," he said.
"It has hit home that working in this industry it could happen to anyone.
"I'd only met him once, but I am sure there are people who are here today who have never met him.
"It's been a big effort for everyone to come together and get the job done."
No undertaking of this magnitude would be complete without a catering crew with Jenny Hanrahan and Julie Talbot spearheading the delivery of salad rolls and afternoon tea packs for the 50-strong workforce.
"It's what we do in times like these," Mrs Hanrahan said.
"My husband John and Broughton were great mates."
