Henty field days shines a light on ag tech

The Henty Machinery Field Days is just around the corner and will feature much-loved events such as the working sheep dog trials as well as the addition of a new Agtech Alley this year to highlight the rapidly developing Agtech industry.

The field days, claimed to be Australia’s single biggest agricultural event, will run from September 17 to 19 this year. Over $200 million worth of agricultural machinery and products are expected to go on display at the three-day show.

HMFD chief executive officer, Belinda Anderson, said the event has become an institution on the farming calendar and had evolved into the nation’s agricultural shop front over its 61-year history.

“The event has a proud heritage and the HMFD Co-operative has never lost sight of the primary reason for its existence – to showcase the agricultural industry, and the very latest in new and emerging agricultural technology,” she said.

A visitor survey in 2022 revealed an incredible 78 per cent of visitors had been to the event in previous years an average of nine times.

A total of 93 per cent of all visitors came from outside of the Greater Hume local government area. Almost half of event visitors travelled more than 100km to attend and 14 per cent bought major purchases at an average of $4158.

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This year’s field days will have all the usual attractions including the prestigious Henty Machine of the Year Award, the working sheep dog trials, Country Lifestyle pavilion, Farm Gate Produce Area, Baker Seeds agronomy trials, helicopter joy rides, live entertainment, the Natural Fibre Fashion Awards and vintage farm machinery display.

“2024 will further enhance the visitor experience with Agtech Alley, a collaboration with the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry,” Anderson said.

“This hub will connect over 40 collaborating business, industry, grower and producer organisations, and delivers an extensive schedule of workshop, demonstrations, panel discussions, networking events and start-up mentoring for all attendees.

There will be hourly speaker and panel sessions and live demonstrations at Agtech Alley that will deliver practical advice to producers and industry organisations, Anderson said.

“Visitors can learn about cutting-edge innovation and how they can apply the latest technology, be it remote sensors, connectivity, or post-harvest solutions to streamline their on-farm operations,” she said.

AgTech Alley is supported by funding from the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry as part of its Support Regional Trade Events Program.

The 2024 field days will be officially opened by popular meteorologist, presenter and founder of Jane’s Weather, Jane Bunn.

The official opening on Tuesday, September 17 will include the presentation of the prestigious Henty Machine of the Year Award while Greater Hume Council will sponsor the Best Australian Designed and Manufactured Machine to be presented on Wednesday, September 18 at 10.30am.

Henty Machinery Field Days often acts as a platform for manufacturers or companies to launch new machinery and products and this year is no exception.

Some of the brand new machines customers can expect to see at the field days this year include CLAAS’ new flagship tractor, the XERION 12; Case IH’s new and improved Puma, John Deere’s upgraded S7 series combines and many more.

At Country Lifestyle, the stage will be the focus of fashion parades featuring garments from exhibitors daily at 11am and 1pm.

Designers with a flair for converting natural fibres into wearable art will compete for more than $5500 worth of prizes, including the new Business Development Award: Australian Made Fibre sponsored by JMP Developments, Wodonga, for $500.

The Henty Natural Fibre Fashion Awards showcase designs using at least 70 per cent natural fibres with parades daily and the winners announced at 1.30pm Thursday.

The display by the Henty and District Antique Farm Machinery Club members will return this year to feature a display commemorating 160 years of Furphy Engineering, including the famous Furphy water cart, and the centenary of the Sunshine Auto header, one of the nation’s most significant agricultural inventions.

Location: 22 Lubkes Road, Henty NSW 2658

Dates: September 17-19, 2024

Time: 8am to 5pm every day

Admission: (Online) Adults - $26 + booking fees, children (aged 12 to 17) - $9+ booking fees, children 11-years and under – free. Purchase tickets online here. (At the gates) Adults - $30, children (aged 12 to 17) - $10, children 11-years and under – free

Visit Henty Mahcinery Field Days' website for more information.