THE town of Katherine in the Top End is set to become focal point of ag industry activity this year with the upcoming Northern Territory Field Days to which the town will play host smashing early exhibitor number expectations.
Fairfax Media Agricultural General Manager Grant Cochrane and Fairfax Media Northern Australia Regional Manager Jim Pola visited the Katherine Research Station recently to take a first-hand look at how the grounds are shaping up for the inaugural Field Days which are being held on September 18 and 19.
Jim said the site looked great and will provide plenty of shade and space for exhibitors and visitors to the field days alike.
“We couldn’t have picked a better location for the event, the grounds are immaculate, well-watered and in pristine condition,” he said.
“And with 63 exhibitors already booked in we are already going to be housing many more sites of great diversity than we initially expected,” he said.
Grant said there will be something to interest even the most discerning visitors that come through the gate in September.
“There will be a great mix of products and services being showcased at this premier event,” he said.
“Graziers will be able to come and peruse a vast range of cattle handling equipment through to a quality selection of stud cattle that will be on display. You’ll also be able to inspect a wide selection of tanks, troughs, irrigation solutions, solar powers setups and animal health products.
“But the days aren’t just a niche event for the beef industry; there will also be heavy representation from educational facilities, the mining and automotive sectors and some of the finest country fashion houses.”
Grant said there will also be a smorgasbord of activities to keep visitors occupied including a horsemanship demonstration which will be fronted by renowned horseman and local legend Tom Curtain.
“To coincide with Tom’s show there will be a raffle held on the Friday with the prize being a top notch steed which was donated by well-known local cattle industry identity Reg Underwood of Bunda Station.”
Jim and Grant said they really appreciated the long-term vision of the field days major sponsors: NAB Agribusiness; the NT government; the Rural Industries and Research Corporation (RIRDC) and Charles Darwin University.
“They recognised the opportunity presented by holding a field day in the top end and the excellent potential the event has to create a great following for years to come as a commercial focal point for NT agriculture,” they said.
“We’d like to thank the major sponsors and all our exhibitors; without their support the idea never would have become a reality.”
Those wanting to exhibit at the Field Days should contact Jim Pola on (07) 4759 3000 or 0408 756 438, or email jim.pola@fairfaxmedia.com.au to obtain a prospectus and booking form.
