IT’S NO secret that farmers are sick of the rain. But organisers of the Henty Machinery Field Days (HMFD) are expecting a mood of optimism at the event which runs from Tuesday to Thursday this week.
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“Prices for beef cattle are at record levels and we are seeing good returns for wool, lamb and mutton,” said HMFD chairman Ross Edwards.
Mr Edwards will notch up 10 years in the top job this year and says the boom times for livestock will inject enthusiasm and potentially generate some spending at the field days.
“We saw first cross ewes making $292 at Temora the other day …. and I am sure there are a lot of livestock producers with aging infrastructure and shearing sheds that are looking to do something to bring them up to date,” he said.
Mr Edwards said despite the rain on Sunday the site was holding up well and plenty of bark was being used to sure up walkways.
The field days are expected to attract about 60,000 people over the three days with more than 800 exhibitors showcasing their wares.
Meanwhile, Monday was also a chance for judges of the prestigious machine of the year award to get a jump start and scrutinise the entries.