Perfect weather has set the tone for Tocal Field Days, with 14,000 people heading through the gate on the first two days.
Another fine day and as many visitors are expected on Sunday.
Field Days manager Wendy Franklin congratulated the winners of the five categories of the Best Exhibit Awards, announced on Saturday:
- Agriculture: Landmark
- Commercial: Relia-Bale Constructions
- General Interest: Young Creative Farms
- Livestock: The Local Yolk, Eggs on Legs and Huckleberry Grains
- Education and Informative: Native Animal Trust.
Exhibitors such as Chesterfield’s spare parts manager Kristie Arthur, Rutherford, reported strong inquiry.
Chesterfield has a massive John Deere 9570RX tracked tractor on display, as well as everything down to push mowers and children’s toys.
Tumbi Valley Poultry, Central Coast, fresh from a string of wins at Sydney Royal Show, had almost sold out numerous chickens, cocks and pullets by the end of day two of the three-day event.
Peter and Judy Colless, Carthona Wiltipoll, Wingham, have been exhibiting at the field days for eight years and said it was one of the best.
“We’ve had good inquiry and sold a few sheep,” Mr Colless said.
The team from combined poultry site of Eggs on Legs, Wyong Creek; Cackleberry Grains and The Local Yolk have been flat out with strong interest all weekend.
Another drawcard on the small animal front has been Petite Bleat Australian Mini Goats and Pigmy Goats, while pig racing is always popular.
Keen visitors have been watching fencing, chainsaw and blacksmith demonstrations, and hearing talks from cattle breeders, while Tocal College students showed best practice in quad bike use, horse work and cattle handling.
Members of the Hunter Valley Slow Food movement are giving talks, while the heat has been turned up in the kitchen as the Bake or Burn competitions are under way.
Children are enjoying camel and horse rides, and conventional rides, and families interacted with environmental displays and soaked up the history on show at the Homestead.
The field days continues today.
