SINCE its inception in 1990, Emerald’s Ag Grow Field-Days has gone from strength to strength.
Over time, it has survived droughts, floods, industry downturn and whatever the world economy had to throw at it.
This year the event, sponsored by Westpac, celebrated 25 years in operation with Field-Day Director Geoff Dein overwhelmed by the support and co-operation of local businesses.
“We have taken the time to reflect back over history and to how we have grown to become one of the state’s most successful field-day events,” he said.
“The first year had 90 exhibitors and we have only grown from there with a record 567 exhibitors and 1500 traders in 2007.”
Mr Dein said the event has become a showcase of technological innovation, business opportunities and networking for the agricultural industry.
“Our formula of having trading done by both producers and suppliers has proven successful, as it is basically getting the two groups together at the one time,” he said.
Click image below for full gallery from the 2014 Ag Grow Field Days.
With the plummeting fortunes of coal and resource mining in the region, Mr Dein said “nothing could be more comforting than being associated with agriculture.”
Despite the hype from previous years, he said the 2014 Field Days attracted fewer exhibitors with visitor numbers also down.
“Emerald has taken a bit of a tap on the chin coming off the end of the 2013-14 financial year,” he said.
“This is only the fourth year since we have transitioned to a mid-week field-day, but I’m expecting things should settle by year five or six.”
“Aside from this we have had plenty of positive feedback from exhibitors with higher results on product sales since the removal of the bar and change to mid-week.”
Over 450 traders filled the lanes at the Emerald Agricultural College on July 8-10 as well as the Working Cattle Dog Championships and Sale, Westpac Superior Bull Sale, Premier Invitation Horse Sale and the John Quintana Colt Starting Competition.
Mr Dein said the All-Breeds bull sale result was very pleasing under such trying circumstances.
“There were 109 bulls sold to average $3151, representing 63 per cent clearance,” he said.
“But it was a buyers market, with the drought in the northern half of Australia leaving financial strains on farmers.”
With another year said and done Mr Dein said 2015 exhibitors already have plenty to look forward to.
“We are currently in negotiations about four or five novelties to add to next years event, including an upgrade to the already successful Colt Starting Competition.”
