Over 2000 companies signed up for FarmFest 2022

Toowoomba’s annual farming event and one of Queensland’s leading agricultural field days, FarmFest, is scheduled to take place at Kingsthorpe Park in Toowoomba from June 7 to 9 this year.

So far, over 2000 companies have confirmed their participation in this year’s show, a handful of whom will be launching new products at the event.

According to FarmFest organiser ACM Rural Events general manager, Kate Nugent, there will be a few improvements and new attractions at this year’s show that will surprise visitors.

“Additional activities are planned at Elders FarmFest including the Caterpillar Global Challenge, the Queensland Working Dog demonstrations and a live auction on-site to raise funding for our farmers affected by floods in south east Queensland and northern NSW.”

This year, organisers are installing ticket expressways at the ticket booths to enable visitors who have purchased tickets online with easy and quick access to the site. Other improvements include more seating, more shade and more food choices.

Organisers will work to ensure the event is as COVID safe as possible by setting up sanitiser stations across the site, as well as signage to encourage hand washing, physical distancing and going home if someone presents with COVID-19 symptoms.

FarmFest, being one of Australia’s more prominent field days, often serves as a platform for companies to launch their new products, and this year is no different.

With technology in the agriculture sector becoming more advanced by the day, FarmFest is shining a light on ag innovations, with a handful of agtech companies geared up to debut their new products at the show.

Some of these include:

FarmFest will also feature demonstration areas for a range of vehicles including four wheel drive vehicles, side-by-sides, motorbikes and farm machinery. This year, FarmFest has also set up a dedicated zone especially for drones, where visitors will be able to see a range of drones in action that cater to different needs and applications.

A highlight of this year’s show is Hastings Deering’s Caterpillar Global Operator Challenge, where machinery operators will compete for a chance to represent the region and the country at the finals in Las Vegas next year for the world champion title.

Some other demos to look forward to include saw mill demonstrations, livestock led steer and heifer competitions, farm machinery, fencing, drones, tool demonstrations, working dog demonstrations and much more.

Widespread flooding in south east Queensland and northern NSW has prompted the industry as a whole to consider what can be done to help.

ACM Rural Events will join forces with Lloyds Auctions and 20 companies to host a live auction at FarmFest to raise much-needed funds for Rural Aid.

During the field days, people can watch as an auctioneer auctions assets live from the Lloyds Auctions site. Up for grabs is an action camera, advertising space in Queensland Country Life, a solar powered travelling irrigator and much more.

All proceeds will go to Rural Aid, helping to support flood affected rural communities and farmers.

Bidding commences online from May 19 with the live auction to be held at the Lloyds Auctions site (D/18) on Wednesday, June 8, at 11am.

Location: Kingsthorpe Park, Toowoomba, QLD

Dates: June 7 to 9, 2022

Time: Tuesday and Wednesday, June 7 and 8 – 8.30am to 5pm; Thursday June 9 – 8.30am to 4pm

Admission: (Online) Adults, children (aged 12 and over), pensioners and concession - $6, children 11-years and under – free. Purchase tickets online here. (At the gates) Adults, children (aged 12 and over), pensioners and concession - $8, children 11-years and under – free

SEE ALSO: 2022 Australian farming field days calendar