Henty field days turning 60

Planning is underway for a special 2023 Henty Machinery Field Days (HMFD) as the leading agriculture trade show turns 60 this year.

The celebrations will take place from September 19 to 21, and will include a series of special events to commemorate the milestone, with further details to be announced closer to the date.

Organisers can confirm the 60th anniversary event will feature all the usual attractions including the prestigious Henty Machine of the Year Award, the working and three sheep dog trials, Country Lifestyle pavilion, Farm Gate Produce Market, Baker Seeds agronomy trials, helicopter joy rides, live entertainment and the Natural Fibre Fashion Awards.

Visitors can also look forward to a special vintage display by the Henty and District Antique Farm Machinery Club to commemorate the change in technology over the past six decades.

Also back this year will be the exhibitor awards for Best Outdoor Large Commercial, Best Outdoor General, Best Indoor (Country Lifestyle and Farm Gate).

The first official field day was held at the Henty Showgrounds in 1963 following a one-day header school in November 1961 organised by Milton Taylor, secretary of the Henty branch of the Farmers and Settlers’ Association.

Culcairn farmer, Eddie Thomas, stepped into the position of chairman of the newly formed Henty Machinery Field Days committee for the first official event in October 1963 at the Henty showground.

The event was held on private properties in the Henty area until 1976 when it found a permanent site on a former travelling stock reserve on the Cookardinia Road.

Last year’s event drew a crowd of 70,000 over three days and showcased over $120 million worth of machinery and technology from 750 exhibitors on the 105ha site.

Despite visitor numbers being capped on the final day, a visitor survey has revealed 90 per cent of visitors felt the 2022 Henty Machinery Field Days met their expectations.

When it came to visitor spend, the average was $105 per person and 14 per cent of visitors bought major purchases valued at over $1000 to average $4158.

Many aspects of the event met high levels of satisfaction including the venue, atmosphere and organisation.

HMFD chief executive officer, Belinda Anderson, said the survey validated the efforts of a large number of cooperative members who gave their time and passion to ensure the success of the event.

Anderson said the not-for-profit HMFD Cooperative managed to raise almost $400,000 for regional sporting clubs, community organisations and schools from the 2022 event.

“Community groups of all types, including sporting clubs, schools and improvement committees from around the region contribute to the preparation and running of the event through catering and providing services,” Anderson said.

“The vision of our founding members is what you see today. Sixty years on we have become one of the largest agricultural field days in Australia and must-see destination on the agricultural calendar.”

Exhibitor applications are open now.

The 2023 Henty Machinery Field Days will be held from September 19 to 21. Visit HMFD's website for more information.

Related: 2023 Australian farming field days calendar