Congratulations go to Jean Duff of Euroa, who has won second prize for her Ag Art entry in this year's Elmore Field Days competition.

Entry in the competition requires that garments be wearable, attractive, and - most importantly - made from common materials that can be found on the average farm. Jean has been entering the competition for several years, concocting fabulous clothing from such unexciting materials as bale band and silage wrapping plastic.

This year her inspiration came from a farm clearing sale, where she was taken by the many and shiny colours of drink cans in a recycling bin. She began collecting cans for a different kind of recycling, cutting them into "sequins", which she then used to decorate her couturial creation.

RSI threatened to set in as Jean doggedly persisted in her can-cutting. Then all the tinsel sequins and flowers had to be sewn onto the skirt, made from a rice-hulls bag, and a top and headband that started life as a potato bag. The skirt has two buttons at the back and the top is also secured by two at the back and one on the halter neck.

Finally the outfit was ready to go off to the parade at Elmore, where it was modelled by Jean's granddaughter, Jessie Duff. The judges obviously appreciated Jean's effort, awarding it second prize in the Ag Art Designers' Section, amidst stiff competition from other creative entrants.