The agriculture supermarket at Henty kicked off its 55th year and the drought did not dampen the turn out, with farmers across the region exploring the latest machinery on offer.
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The Henty Field Days showcased a range of machinery and trucks worth a total of about $120 million, spread across 14 kilometres of shopfront.
Jim Perry, a former farmer from Howlong, said he has attended for about five years but has noticed the event has become more “congested” over the years.
“All the farmers’ toys are here, plus the smorgasbord of other things,” he said.
“As far as the atmosphere, it’s getting more congested, whether that’s a distraction or a plus I’m not too sure.
“I think farmers look forward to these things as a break and 90 per cent of farmers would already know what’s available as they have already done their research, but they come to have a look, while others are prepared to buy.”
Ian Clusker from Bendigo was representing the Waste-Not Stock Feeders company.
He said over his 12 years the site has improved, however argued that farmers’ expenditure has altered this year because of the drought.
“Things have certainly changed since my first visit; the site has improved with better roads and drainage and operation,” he said.
“We’re actually here to find out whether the atmosphere has changed because of the drought.
“We are finding that farmers are not spending a lot on capital equipment this year, but they’ve been fortunate that fat lambs and cattle are fetching good money.
“So if they’ve sold their stock for a reasonable return that means when the season changes they can get back into it again,” Mr Clusker said.
Not just about the machinery and goods for sale, Mr Clusker said the three-day event was a chance for farmers to get off the farm and connect with others.
“There’s a lot of reasons why farmers attend but also it’s a social day for many of them,” he said.
“Some blokes join together and see what is available and others might come to buy something or give advice about products they bought previously.”
Similarly, farmers from Deniliquin Kevin and Joy Barnes have noticed the event has increased in size and machinery.
“We’ve been coming for about 15 years, but the first time I visited was probably back in the ‘80s and since then it’s got bigger and bigger, because of the machinery increasing,” Mr Barnes said.
For Mrs Barnes, the day also is a bit of a social day and to connect with other farmers in the regions.
“There’s a bit of everything here and I like watching the sheep-dog trials,” she said.
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