Farmers coming off the second-best combined income on record from cropping and livestock sales continue to be careful with their farm purchase priorities
Farmer spending choices in 2024 and 2025 have been frugal, to say the least, highlighted by the lack of enthusiasm shown for high-priced tractor models, with that particular market segment continuing to receive the least interest from buyers.
Tractor sales continue to tank, with farm models in 29 to 147kW+ (40 to 200hp+) power range all down on this time last year, a pattern that has followed over the past three years from the heady days of 2021 and 2022 when a 40-year record of 17,091 and 17,702 tractors were sold, respectively.
But by 2023, tractor sales started dropping and ended up being down by 25% from the 2022 record, and that pattern of diminishing sales has followed the industry since, and into 2025.
If new tractor purchase patterns followed actual sales at the start of 2025 there would only be 9,000 tractors sold this year, however, industry estimates are more optimistic, with sales of around the same volume as 2024 when an estimated 11,000 tractors were sold.
This downturn in tractor sales signals overall caution among farmers, with many delaying major equipment purchases due to economic pressures. With ongoing high inventory prices, heady farm input costs, and even political uncertainties.
With many farmers now prioritising maintenance and repairs over new model purchases, a trip to the Field Days this year has taken on a slightly different perspective.
Take for instance distributors offering new product ranges that can save on input costs, and farmers suddenly have their interest piqued.
MagrowTec system at Farmfest and Hort Connections
Many farmers will be calling into the MagrowTec stand at Farmfest and Hort Connections to see a new retrofit system that can substantially reduce input costs and time when spraying.
Growers who have adopted this innovative technology have seen remarkable improvements in coverage, ensuring above all better protection for crops.
Recent trials have confirmed excellent coverage within lower canopies using several different nozzles, with the MagrowTec system significantly outperforming conventional sprayers by delivering up to 63.3% increased coverage.
Combined with a 50 to 60% reduction in spray drift, the cost savings through reduced product input cost will see many growers gravitate to the easy-to-retrofit MagrowTec system.
Call into the Croplands stand K-L32-33 at Farmfest Toowoomba QLD from 3 to 5 June 2025 or at stand 66C at Hort Connections Brisbane QLD from 4 to 6 June 2025 to see the retrofit system first-hand.
Also, catch the MagrowTec story on this link and learn more about the system with an instant QR code link with all product details.
Farmworld sets the standard
Farm World is positioned as one of the first major field day events each year in an era where both exhibitors and visitors alike are looking for a return on their time and investment.
Farm World is the one event you can always count on to raise optimism in the industry due mainly to the hard-working team being able to attract the best array of primary exhibits and also deliver a captivating program of demonstrations to cater to a wide array of interests.
For many visitors, Farm World is their event of choice to get a first look at cutting-edge models with technological advancements in agricultural practices that are featured in live demonstrations.
For farm industry professionals, Farm World offers an invaluable opportunity to place advance orders, ensuring timely delivery for the upcoming harvest season.
In a busy year with a shortage of products, this event provides a prime opportunity for growers and producers to lock in the equipment they need, with many major distributors and manufacturers keyed into offering early order discounts.
Farm World is all about a hands-on farming experience, with a strong emphasis on live demonstrations and is nationally the stage for numerous product launches, with many Ag dealers and manufacturers unveiling their latest offerings including hands-free navigation.
Visitors get to witness live tractor and implement demonstrations, with many exhibitors encouraging farmers to explore robotics and AI innovations for the dairy and beef industries.
Visitors will also be amazed with an extensive array of tools and equipment within the south end of the Baw Baw Pavilion. With over 1000m2 dedicated to your favourite tool brands, it’s an extravaganza you won’t want to miss if you’re considering upgrading or adding some new tools.
Enjoy multiple Food and Beverage Zones spread across the 110-acre event space. Download the program and event map from larderpark.com.au in early March to plan your culinary adventure.
Catch the village green exhibition set-up in the Baw Baw pavilion for a chance to try crafted wines, beers, gins, ciders and vodkas from local distilleries and wineries that many will surely enjoy.
See animals up close atCattle Corner and the Animals of Farm World Zone: Right in the heart of the event, explore local and interstate Beef Breeders’ displays and learn from experts about the genetics of these animals.
Following the tremendous success of the past three years, the Farm World Rodeo is back, promising to build on its popularity. The event opens to the public at 5pm on Farm World Saturday and concludes at around 9.30 to 10pm.
Farm World takes centre stage as a premier event in Victoria, setting the pace for major Field Days across the country to equal if they can. This captivating farm industry journey commences on Thursday 27 March 2025 and extends through three action-packed days until Saturday 29 March 2025.
The National Diesel Dirt & Turf Expo
For farmers expanding their fleet to include loaders,telehandlers and earthmoving equipment the Diesel Dirt & Turf Expo is a must-attend event.
Everyone involved in the earthmoving business knows how important it is to attend as it helps them stay up to date with the latest released machinery and technology and gives them a chance to spend face-to-face time with experts who are willing to share their knowledge.
Since its inception, the National Diesel Dirt & Turf Expo has proven to be a highly effective forum for seeing major product exhibitions first-hand while engaging directly with distributors.
At the National Diesel Dirt & Turf Expo, factory specialists, suppliers’ technicians and engineers are in attendance and are happy to answer questions, demonstrate the latest innovations and tell you everything you need for when you are ready to upgrade your equipment.
If you are in the market for great value used equipment, the Pickles live auction held on Friday at the Expo is always well attended. It allows you to secure some excellent deals on that special piece of machinery.
The Expo runs for three big days and the whole family can attend to enjoy the great food offerings, music and entertainment throughout the Diesel Dirt & Turf Expo, while industry professionals benefit from the equipment demonstrations, conviviality and networking opportunities.
Now is the time to add this Expo to your calendar for Friday, Saturday and Sunday the 16 to 18 May 2025 at the Sydney Dragway, Ferrers Road Eastern Creek New South Wales.
Contact the Expo manager, Marti, on tel: 0411 648 465 for late Expo opportunities.
Beef Week Casino
The Casino Beef Week Festival returns bigger than ever in 2025 with the organising committee ensuring it is the biggest event to attend in the region.
The iconic Casino Beef Week Festival will run from 24 May to 1 June 2025, bringing the heart of the Richmond Valley alive with an unforgettable celebration of community, culture, and cattle.
In 2025, organisers have worked closely with local businesses and community groups to ensure the festival benefits everyone.
Known as one of the biggest and most loved events in regional Australia, the 2025 festival has an exciting line-up of activities and entertainment, ensuring there is something for everyone.
Highlights for the 2025 event include the Saturday Street Festival Parade that showcases the best in cattle, floats, and local talent.
While the popular Farm Tours and Exhibitions offers a closer look at the region’s world-class beef industry.
Along with abundant family fun and street markets where there is plenty of activities, stalls, and live music, there’s fun for all ages.
Whether you’re a long-time attendee or a first-time visitor, Casino Beef Week 2025 will be a celebration you won’t want to miss.
Mark your calendar and get ready to join thousands of visitors in Casino NSW from 24 May to 1 June 2025.
For more information, event schedules, and ticket sales, see everything you need on this link, or follow the event regularly on social media here.
The Sheep Show
The Australian Sheep & Wool Show has been set an eclectic program for breeds and fibre in 2025, where all sheep breeders and wool producers will be treated to the most important industry trends from 18 to 20 July 2025.
This record-breaking event for the sheep industry event, the ASWS, will be held at the Prince of Wales Showgrounds located at 42-72 Holmes Road North Bendigo VIC.
The feature breed for 2025 is the White Suffolk, and it will culminate in celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Australian White Suffolk Association and the White Suffolk breed.
Sheep and wool will see more than 3000 sheep including 30-plus breeds along with 30,000-plus show attendees including over 5000 farmers and over 400 trade stallholders.
Nothing else comes close to this event, The Australian Sheep & Wool Show has gained a reputation as being the largest exhibition of its type in the world.
And on the main arena, working dogs and their handlers will showcase their incredible bond and herding skills during the Central Victorian Yard Dog Championships.
About 400 sites will be highlighted around the venue, including over 300 focussed on food, fashion, gifts and homewares. This is alongside 50-plus livestock displays and another 50 exhibits featuring agricultural trade products and services.
This event is where people come to showcase and benchmark against the rest of Australia. And the ASWS can’t wait to welcome everyone back.
Visitors will see Australia’s best Merinos on display, with the champions from each state vying for the honour of being named the national winner. The grand champions will be announced on Friday and will take home a much-coveted $5000 prize sponsored by Riverina Wool.
The Australian Sheep and Wool Show is on at the Prince of Wales Showground in Bendigo from 18 to 20 July 2025. Tickets start at $26 for adults and $17 for concessions and students aged 16+. Children 15 and under are free.
See more on this link.
Dowerin Machinery Field Days
The Dowerin Machinery Field Days (DMFD) hold a special place for farm operations in western Australia as the recognised event to showcase everything farming for some of the biggest grain producers in the country.
The exhibitors on show in this expansive marketplace in 2025 will be celebrating the rise of machines, tech and big farms
Over the decades, DMFD has kept up with the rapidly expanding technology and has it on display each year, including farm equipment advances and sophisticated ag technology to drive efficiency and productivity to levels previously thought to be unachievable.
This combination of design and technology and current farming management practices has allowed farmers to improve their resilience to better manage the myriad of risks that come with running complex farm.
By every measure, the pace of change is speeding up. The next wave of productivity improvements will be driven by advances in automation, robotics, remote sensing, data analytics and digital platforms, along with genetic tools and continuing crop and soil science research.
The DMFD held at Dowerin WA is proud to be there every step of the way and be the leading platform to showcase the scale and innovation of WA’s grain growers
DMFD has undergone its own transformation to meet the needs of farmers by adding a 64m x 24m multipurpose display and refurbished the Euroz Hartleys Pavilion, plus other other building upgrades around the grounds to improve the amenities.
A strategic site layout has evolved to improve zoning to create hubs and clusters between relevant suppliers and this has enabled the full utilisation of the event site to meet the ever-growing demand for exhibitor applications.
The Dowerin Machinery Field Days in 2025 will be held on Wednesday 27 August and Thursday 28 August, at Memorial Avenue Dowerin WA.
For exhibitor and visitor information, see more here, or call on tel: 08 9631 1021, or email: eventco@dowerinfielddays.com.au
Yorke Peninsular Field days
The Yorke Peninsula Field Days will highlight the best of the farming region with over 500 exhibitors on show across a three-day biennial event where the latest farming trends will be on show from 30 September 2025.
Despite drought conditions and a setback for some farm operations last season, the Yorke Peninsula continues to be a major grain-growing region in South Australia, with a focus on wheat, barley, and pulse crops. Next season is expected to return to normal conditions.
Grain growers and livestock producers in the region will all be flocking towards the site areas to see extensive displays of the latest agriculture machinery and equipment to add to their arsenal for another promising season ahead.
Other agriculture services high on the list for visitors will the latest time-saving technology ideas as well as information and services for everyone living on the land.
Overall, the event provides a wide variety of quality displays and demonstrations designed to be of interest and appeal to both rural and urban families.
The event program includes popular working sheep dogs, wool and sheep, and excellent guest speaker presentations. There are fashion parades and quality crafts on display, along with a wide variety of general interest products and services.
Held at Paskeville South Australia, the event is located approximately 120km north of Adelaide and is easily accessed via a dual-lane highway.
There is a lot of history at play here, with the Yorke Peninsula Field Days acknowledged as the oldest in Australia with the first trial held near Bute SA, on 31 July 1895. While the current permanent site at Paskeville was established in 1975.
With a history spanning over 130 years this biennial event is now a multi-million dollar showcase of the latest innovations in agricultural machinery, rural services and technology.
Public opening hours are 9am to 5pm on each day of the event and entry fees are $20 per adult for a day pass, or $50 for a three-day pass, while children under 12 are free or $5 per day for children 12 to 18.
For more information on the Yorke Peninsula Field Days 2025, call on tel: 08 8827 2040, or email ceo@ypfielddays.com.au or see more at www.ypfielddays.com.au
The management and staff extend a cordial welcome to all exhibitors and visitors to be in attendance from Tuesday 30 September, Wednesday 1 October and Thursday 2 October 2025.
