The Australian National Field Days (ANFD) opens its gates today with millions to flow into the coffers of Orange businesses.
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Motels, restaurants and service stations are set to reap incredible benefits as thousands of farmers and graziers make their way to Borenore.
ANFD manager Jayne West said the estimated economic benefit each year was $5 million.
“That’s everything, transport costs, fuel, food and accommodation. Some companies come for a week to setup for the field days,” Mrs West said.
There’s plenty of tractors on show but for farmers it’s more than a day off the farm, it’s a chance to learn and discover new methods and techniques.
“It’s fine to look on the internet, but I wouldn’t buy a $30,000 tractor without sitting in it or physically looking at it,” Mrs West said.
“We want people to learn about new technology, and seeing, touching and feeling what’s available.”
This year is the 65th year of the field days and there’s 490 exhibitors packing into the field days, Mrs West said the crowd numbers should be impressive.
The number of visitors won’t be known until tickets go on sale at the gate for $15 for adults, with a discounted second day ticket available for $5.
The Manildra Group and MSM Milling will be the feature exhibition with a paddock to plate demonstration each day from 9am.
Mrs West said the process of milling grain which then makes its way onto the plate would be shown. Guests will then get to taste waffles or hot chips which the flour and canola oil help make.
While visitors are expected to travel from around the state, plenty of exhibitors are making the journey from beyond the Central West.
Valton Feeding Solutions’ sales manager Leigh Byron said he’d made the journey from Warrnambool a few times. It’s a 10.5 hour drive, one way and Valton staff will have done the journey 12 times to be ready for the field days.
“We’ve got a couple of trucks and we did the Elmore field days recently so that cut some of the journey out,” Mr Byron said.
It’s always a good show up here, we’ve brought more to the show after each year.”
Mr Byron said meeting farmers face to face was everything. “It’s the best way to find out what a farmer wants to achieve.”