Record cattle prices, timely winter rain and a potentially bumper cropping season augers well for the nation’s biggest outdoor agricultural event, the Henty Machinery Field Days.
The 52nd annual field days, which kicks off tomorrow and runs through to Thursday, fall in the school holidays this year with visitors and exhibitors expected from around the nation and overseas.
More than 800 exhibitors representing over 3500 companies will display their products on over 1200 sites in what is now the single largest agricultural and open-air event in Australia.
The event is expected to draw a crowd of 60,000 visitors keen to inspect more than $100 million worth of machinery on the 105ha site.
Chief executive officer Belinda Anderson said the HMFD team would present an event maintaining a focus on agriculture and machinery.
Riverina company Moane Fitzgerald Constructions is partnering with the HMFD Co-operative to improve the site in a staged development plan.
This year major upgrades have taken place to the amenity blocks scattered around the site, including new showers, toilets have been installed near the bar area, and additional drainage and road works completed.
There are 10 showers and two dedicated parent and disabled facilities located in the centre of the field day site.
Hume Bank is also providing two ATMs for exhibitors and visitors, including at the bank’s site in Main Road and at the corner of 8th Farm Ave and 6th Ag Place.
Visitors will be able to pre-purchase their tickets on line. Simply go to the visitor’s page on www.hmfd.com.au and click on Buy Tickets, then follow the prompts.
They can also enjoy a free tea or coffee at the VIP guest lounge at site 545 on 9th Farm Avenue.
Tired legs and heavy shopping bags will be relieved with two free shuttle buses, stopping at eight designated points around the Henty site.
Each visitor through the gate will be eligible for the gate prize of two night’s accommodation for two at the Radisson on Flagstaff in Melbourne, to be drawn at 4pm on day three. The entry barrel is at the front of the main HMFD office.
Gates are open from 8am to 5pm, with adult tickets $20, children 12 to 16 years $5, and children under 12 free when accompanied by an adult.
