ANFD administration manager Jayne West said bookings were rapidly rolling in for this year’s event, with many exhibitors heading to the Borenore site for the first time.

“We have a lot of new exhibitors booked in this year, with many bringing new technology and products we haven’t seen before,” Jayne said. “Farmers and graziers are looking forward to a strong start to spring, so we anticipate our exhibitors can also look forward to a positive event.

“Anyone interested in exhibiting is invited to call the office as we still have sites available.”

The 2106 field days will be held from Thursday to Saturday, October 20–22 and organisers are expecting about 20,000 visitors to stroll through the gates.

It will be the fourth year that part of the event has been held on a weekend, which ties in with the new direction being embraced by the ANFD committee.

“The committee has been working on a new strategy which involves creating a niche for our event within the national field days calendar,” Jayne said.

“Given that we are located on the fringe of the broadacre cropping area, the committee decided to change our focus from large cropping machinery to the livestock industry, which is a significant contributor to our region’s economy.

“For example, you won’t find a header on show at this year’s field days, but you will find much larger sheep and cattle displays, with associated exhibitors displaying state-of-the-art stock handling equipment, stock yards, feeds and feeding equipment.

“There will still be a range of farm machinery exhibited, we just won’t have that broadacre cropping focus. Holding part of the event on a Saturday also means smaller producers and hobby farmers, who work off-farm during the week, can attend.”

This year’s event will have maximum family appeal, with more free entertainment including the thrilling Flair Action Sports performing freestyle motocross, BMX and skating stunts. 

Children will again enjoy the free jumping castle and giant slide, while Cowra musician Josh Maynard will provide entertainment at the bar.

A packed program in the Style Pavilion, including the ever-popular fashion parade plus flower arranging and cooking demonstrations, will also ensure broad appeal.

Other attractions including the art exhibition, sheepdog trials and schools’ showcase will be on site again, while the feature exhibit will be a joint showcase of local success stories, the Manildra Group and MSM Milling.