It’s a milestone event in planning for the committee of the 2023 Henty Machinery Field Days with 60th anniversary celebrations running from 19 to 21 September
Over the decades, the Henty Machinery field days not-for-profit co-operative has garnered a reputation for kick-starting the last quarter of the agricultural calendar in southern NSW and northern Victoria.
Take for instance last year’s event, it drew a record crowd of over 70,000 across three days and showcased over $120 million worth of farm equipment, machinery and technology from 750 exhibitors on the 105-ha site.
And to show what interest there was for the event, visitor numbers had to be capped on the final day due to adverse weather, otherwise, the record attendance would have been much higher.
A survey at the venue revealed 90% per cent of visitors felt the 2022 Henty Machinery Field Days had met their expectations and more.
The survey was undertaken by independent researchers at Destination Research and Development at the 2022 field days and supported by the Association of Agricultural Field Days of Australasia.
Key results of the survey were:
- 37% of visitors were primary producers
- 93% of visitors came from outside the Greater Hume Local Government Area
- 45% of visitors travelled more than 100km to the event
- 82% felt products for sale were their primary interest
- 56% felt livestock/animals were their primary interest
When it came to visitor spending, the average was $105 per person and 14% of visitors bought major purchases valued at over $1000 to an average of $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 give their time and passion to ensure the success of the event.
Belinda Anderson also said the not-for-profit HMFD Cooperative enabled fundraising of almost $400,000 to 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,” Belinda added.
“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 a must-see destination on the agricultural calendar.”
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 Cookardinia Road.
The 60th-anniversary event will have 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.
A vintage display by the Henty and District Antique Farm Machinery Club will commemorate the change in technology over the past six decades.
Also, back for 2023 will be the exhibitor awards for Best Outdoor Large Commercial, Best Outdoor General, and Best Indoor (Country Lifestyle and Farm Gate).
Applications for all exhibitors will open mid-March with returning exhibitors able to rebook their 2022 site until 30 April 2023 when they will come up for grabs.
Be part of the 60th anniversary Henty Machinery Field Days by contacting the organising committee by email, applications@hmfd.com.au or call on tel: (02) 69293305.
The permanent location is Cookardinia Road Henty NSW 2658 – 8km east of the Henty town centre.
Henty Machinery Field Days are scheduled for Tuesday to Thursday 19 to 21 September 2023. The gates open to the public daily from 8.00am to 5pm, and tickets will be sold online and at the gate.
