Several new additions to this year’s Henty Machinery Field Days (HMFD), coupled with timely rain and completely booked out site are expected to make the field days bigger and better than ever.
The event, which will be held in Henty, New South Wales from September 23 to 25, is expected to attract a strong crowd of 60,000 through the gates over the three days.
More than 800 exhibitors have already signed up to showcase their products and services; ranging from large tractors to livestock feeders; and from ATVs to farm utes at the field days.
HMFD Chief Executive Officer Belinda Anderson says this year’s event, while maintaining a strong focus on agriculture and machinery, will be looking into the future rather than back into the past.
Check out our coverage of the HMFD 2013
“While last year’s focus was on celebrating our 50th anniversary, this year we look to agriculture in the next 50 years and what lays beyond the horizon technology wise,” she says.
“We will officially open our new Agri-Centre on the Tuesday (September 23). It will feature a program packed full of guest speakers outlining robotic and automated intelligent systems, plus trade exhibitors.”
Some of the highlights at the new Agri-Centre are:
- Civil Aviation Authority Future Technology and Regulatory Trends Manager Jim Coyne will be speaking every day about aerial drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles and the regulations surrounding them.
- University of Sydney’s invention for the horticultural industry- an intelligent farm robot named the Ladybird will be showcased at the Agri-Centre each day from 1.30pm.
The field days will be officially opened by National Farmers Federation president Brent Finlay on Tuesday from 11am at the Stump, located in the centre of the field days site.
An annual highlight of the show is the Henty Machine of the Year award, given to the most outstanding new piece of agricultural machinery exhibited at the field days.
Some of this year’s entries include Agrifac Machinery’s massive 8000L Condor Endurance sprayer; Metalform Tow and Farm’s Tow and Fert Multi 4000 fertiliser applicator, Next Instruments’ CropScan 3000H on-combine whole grain analyser and Goldacres’ G series sprayers.
In addition, several other exhibitors will also use the show as a launch pad for their new products. This includes Claas and its brand new Axion 800 tractor; and Hutcheon & Pearce with the John Deere 6M series tractors.
On top of agricultural machinery, visitors can also expect to see a range of livestock and lifestyle related items and programs at the field days. A Country Lifestyle pavilion will host more than 70 exhibitors presenting locally made arts, crafts, and fashion to the masses.
The Farm Gate Market Produce area will feature the best in local produce; from cheese and wine to preserves, small goods, pastries, gourmet meats and vegetables.
Farm Gate Market Produce area spokesman Jason Crowley encourages visitors to see, hear, taste, touch and smell the Henty experience.
“Whilst Henty originated as an event for farmers showcasing their machinery and agricultural practices, it’s much bigger than that today, and caters for families and the non-farming community.”
“There are so many things for families to see and do, smell, touch and experience.”
Some other highlights of Henty 2014 include:
- National horsemanship demonstrations
- Henty Natural Fibre Fashion Awards
- Cooking demonstrations by My Kitchen Rules alumni Luke Hines and Scott Gooding
- Helicopter joy flight rides
- Henty and District Antique Farm Machinery club display featuring vintage farm machinery powered by Perkins diesel engines.
- Dreamfields up-and-coming musical talents’ performances and workshops.
Interested visitors can purchase tickets at the gates or, for the very first time, online from HMFD’s website. Tickets cost $20 for adults and $5 for children aged 12 to 18-years-old.
Patrons booking tickets from the website can enjoy VIP privileges such as a complimentary goodie bag, access to a VIP guest lounge situated within the grounds and free tea and coffee.
Weather conditions for Henty during the field days are expected to be sunny and fairly dry.
Look out for NewFarmMachinery magazine’s stand at AC25. Drop by, say hi and grab yourself a goodie bag or two!
Find out more about the Henty Machinery field days 2014 including location map and opening hours
Look up list of all agricultural field days in Australia for 2014
Photography: Carene Chong