EVEN with a decline in exhibitor numbers the 26th Westpac Ag-Grow Emerald Field Days held on July 9-11 proved to be a surprisingly successful occasion according to event organiser Geoff Dein.
“We had expected a slight drop in the number of sites taken up this year due to the state of the nation’s economy but if you take into account exhibitor take-up of sites at similar exhibitions across Australia this year we fared comparatively well,” Mr Dein said.
“Even with that decline, we estimate visitor numbers reached the 18,000 mark which is up on 2014, and the amount of money being spent over the three days was truly staggering,” he said.
Mr Dein said the return to the event running from Thursday through Saturday proved to be a popular choice and is a major reason why numbers were boosted.
“By popular demand we returned to our original timeslot after holding the field days mid-week for the past four years, and it seemed to pay-off especially on the Saturday.”
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 Central Queensland is a major player in Queensland’s agricultural landscape and given some good seasonal breaks throughout the region, it is poised to capitalise on the latest markets in grain and beef production with exports worth billions.
“I really believe the farming and grazing industries should be regarded as a national security item, and should receive all the favours reserved for other sectors.
“It is only an investment of that magnitude that is going to get us in step with infrastructure needed to supply exponential demands for food and fibre.
“With Asia and in particular China developing a taste for our quality products, and with free trade agreements set in stone, the potential markets are endless.”
Special attractions were peppered over the course of the field days and drew great interest with Mr Dein stating that the Queensland Superior Beef Bull Sale result was very pleasing and showed positive signs for the slowly recovering industry.
“In total 80 bulls sold to average $5215, with a top of $11,000 and a 95 per cent clearance,” he said.
“And the depth of quality at the Premier Invitation Horse Sale was evident with the 51 lots selling for an average of $6902 with a top of $18,000 and a clearance of 95pc.”
The Working Cattle Dog Trials and Sale, CQ Colt Starting Competition, Yamaha, Honda and Polaris bike and ATV demonstrations, a hoof care demonstration presented by Lucie Swan and sponsored by Billy Hutton Equissage Therapy Queensland, a fashion parade and live entertainment all drew strong crowd numbers as well.
With another Ag-Grow in the books Mr Dein said exhibitors have already pre-booked in very high numbers for the 2016 event which will again be held Thursday to Saturday.
“I’m hoping the dark years are behind us now in the region and the committee, field day visitors and exhibitors can all look forward to good times ahead.”
