Despite the lingering drought affecting farmers, graziers and agri-businesses across NSW, businesses are signing up for sites at the Australian National Field Days.
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Field days manager Jayne West said there were 536 entries for the field days, which will run from Thursday, October 24 to Saturday, October 26 and she was still fielding entries for the event.
"We've got quite a few new ones," Mrs West said.
"It's above my expectations of what we'd have.
"They want to be here to fly their flag in hard times and they know it will rain again."
Among the new exhibitors is an earth moving business from the Sunshine Coast, a tank business from the Northern Territory.
Among the first time exhibitors is fencing business Whites Rural, which is based across Australia.
NSW territory business manager George Dion and territory sales manager Charlie Radburn, who is usually based in Tamworth, started setting up their site on Wednesday.
"We're a family owned company, we started 43 years ago and are going strong," Mr Dion said.
He said usually distributors of their products attend the field days but one those distributors couldn't make it this year so White's Rural is filling the distributor's site.
Mr Radburn said it was a great opportunity to interact with customers, get feedback and support people who use their products.
As well as new businesses, Mrs West said some regulars have also increased the number of sites they usually book. She said JGW Harvest from Cowra would take two extra sites this year.
Accounts manager Bree McMinn said due to the drought there were plenty of people putting in more tanks and water troughs because they don't want to be in this position again.
"I think people are optimistic," Ms McMinn said.
There will also be a drought hub set up so drought-affected people could go in and get advice, talk about their situation and get help, as well as free family-based activities.
"Not a lot of purchases will be made but they can bring the family along too," Mrs West said.
The committee has established a water management plan with ground manager Mick Wood to make sure there's enough water for exhibitors, visitors and stock.
"We are asking patrons to be mindful when they go to the bathroom and turn on taps," Mrs West said.
"Even cleaning out sheds, we've asked exhibitors to sweep and blower vac them rather than use a hose."
The field days will be held at Borenore and the cost for entry will be $18 for adults, $10 concession, $5 for children and students and $40 for a family. Dogs are not permitted on site.
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