Henty set for bumper event
The annual Henty Machinery Field Days will take place from September 20 to 22, with a prime focus on farm equipmentWidespread rain and a full house of exhibitors are expected to deliver a bumper Henty Machinery Field Days (HMFD) this year, organisers say.
Over 850 exhibitors have booked out the 105ha grounds at Cookardinia Road east of Henty, which has been the home of the field days for 40 years.
This year, about 60,000 visitors are expected to visit the event to inspect over $100 million worth of machinery.
An economic impact study conducted by accounting firm Crowe Horwarth last year shows the field days contributes $92 million to the national economy.
The field days generated $30 million in economic value and managed to sustain 321 full-time jobs in southern NSW and northern Victoria.
HMFD chairman Ross Edwards says the study reinforced the importance of the field days.
"Not only in this region but across Australia – to think this is the result of a one-day header school in the 1960s makes one feel humble to be the leader of this massive achievement," Edwards says.
One of the main attractions this year will be the popular agronomy demonstration plots where grain growers will be able to inspect 22 wheat varieties.
The Henty Machinery Field Days Co-operative has partnered with Rutherglen company Baker Seed Co to present the latest wheat varieties for field day patrons.
"Traditionally, the plots have been a highlight for farmers," says HMFD CEO, Belinda Anderson.
"This display allows for farmers to view new and existing varieties and to also compare the plots to what is happening in their own paddocks."
Another key feature for the 2016 event is the return of the NSW Farm Inventor of the Year Awards, where backyard tinkerers get an opportunity to showcase their inventions to the public.
The prestigious Henty Machine of the Year award will once again be presented this year to an outstanding piece of machinery which has the potential to revolutionise traditional farming methods.
It will be handed out at the opening ceremony on September 20. Last year, the award was taken out by TPOS Fabrications for its innovative Flatrac renovator, which repairs wheel ruts without disturbing the soil.
Other events visitors can look forward to at the show include daily demonstrations of Parelli natural horsemanship, sheep and yard dog trials, 2016 Natural Fibre Fashion Awards, vintage farm machinery displays, chainsaw carving, and the Farm Gate Produce Market Area with daily entertainment line-ups.
Event: 2016 Henty Machinery Field Days
Location: Henty-Cookardinia Rd, Henty NSW 2658
Focus: Farm machinery, technology, agricultural and rural services
Entry fee: Adult (aged 16 and above) – $20, children (aged 12-16) – $5, children under 12 – Free
Opening hours: 8am to 5pm daily
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