Henty: farm inventor award returns

After a one-year hiatus, Henty Machinery Field Days' organising committee has decided to re-introduce the NSW Farm Inventor of the Year Awards at this year's event in September.

According to HMFD Chief Executive Officer, Belinda Anderson, the decision to renew the competition came after inventors were left disappointed with the demise of the competition last year.

The awards have been running for 51 years and took on a changed format in 2014 before folding in 2015.

Over the years, it has served as a platform for backyard tinkerers and budding entrepreneurs to showcase their masterpieces.

The competition is open to tertiary and university students, farmers and innovators looking for the ideal launch pad for their inventions.

"Entries can be any agribusiness invention, ranging from a mobile phone app or computer software program to the largest tillage machinery," Anderson says.

"There will be a small entry fee to cover ticket costs but entrants will receive a listing in the official guide, exposure to the agricultural market place, and the opportunity to network with potential manufacturers.

"The entries must have a practical on-farm application, be based on an original idea of the entrant and not be in full-scale production at the time entry."

Entries close on June 30 and the winner will be announced at this year's Henty Machinery Field Days, scheduled to take place from September 20 to 22.

For more details or to enter, call the HMFD office on (02) 6929 3305 or email admin@hmfd.com.au.