THIS year’s Malanda Small Farms Field Day attracted a large crowd and boasted several new exhibitors.
The event targeted all North Queensland small farmers with over 80 exhibitors coming from all over the Tablelands and as far away as Townsville.
Adding to the wealth of information that was on offer on the day were presentations, demonstrations and competitions.
Chairman of the Malanda Small Farms Field Day Organising Committee Glen Drury said the highlights of the field day included the National Landcare Award presentation to Russell Fry, the Celebrity Goat Milking Competition and how happy the stall holders were.
For a full gallery click on the photo below.
A packed grandstand watched Bob Katter present Russell Fry with the 2014 National Landcare Award for the Australian Government Individual Landcarer.
"We all have to look after our land if we are going to be viable for the future," Mr Fry said.
Of the many information sessions held throughout the day, the Tableland Wildlife Rescue presentations proved to be hugely popular.
As well, John Reghenzani presented a valuable session on ‘Business Planning’.
Gina Dal Santo came from Adelaide, South Australia especially to judge the Home Cheesemaking competition, along with our own popular and highly experienced local Jude Nechwatal.
Gina is the head lecturer for the Artisan Cheese Making Academy Australia and has just judged the National 2014 DIAA Australian Dairy Product Competition Awards in Sydney two weeks ago.
In the Celebrity Goat Milking Competition, competitor Ray Byrnes milked an amazing 1.6 litres from his dairy goat and won the $500 prize to be donated to a charity of his choice.
Ray commented that it was great to see the commencement of work on the Malanda Horse and Pony Club's undercover arena.
"Knowing how important it is to this town, I'll donate my winnings to them," he said.
The field day proved to be a hit with this year’s new exhibitors.
“This is our first year and we’ll be back. The interest received here today is refreshing compared to the coastal areas which proved that the economy in the country areas is still better compared with the coast,” said Jason Roberts from Dingo Australia, Townsville.