Even in the wet it seems there are more than enough loyal supporters of Norco/ Primex field days at Casino to make sure it goes ahead with the usual gusto.
Many who attended the three-day event last week recalled a prior event when they had to wear gumboots.
In some cases business was pretty steady but for others the rain and mud made no difference.
Northern Beef Week exhibitor with Fairfax media, Ghinni Ghi Angus, upper Iron Pot Creek via Kyogle, brought three bulls to Casino and sold two, receiving strong interest in the third.
“There’s been some serious interest,” said stud principal Mark Gillett.
The Country Women’s Association stall reported high turnover with the sale of 600 scones and 700 steak sandwiches – with the meat donated by Green Mountain Trading and Northern Co-operative Meat Company – over the the three day period. All proceeds went to CWA high school education grants, with no administration fees taken out.
“For such wet weather we’re doing well,” said Far North Coast group president Anne Kotz, Kyogle.
George and Fuhrmann’s annual special store sale attracted solid interest in first cross Brahman/ Hereford females, mostly presented by Darryl and Rhonda Amos, Old Bonalbo.
Volume buyer Barry Curtis bought 26 head, PTIC with 11 plus seven weaner heifers and will put them on agistment at Whiporie.
Mr Amos’ heifers averaged $1869 topping at 2200 for Bizzy and Jomanda Brahman over McPherson Hereford back to a Yugilbar Santa Gertrudis.
The champion pen, as judged by Bruce Lyle, Norco Rural, went to Limousin over Angus heifer, 10 months, unjoined, produced by Neville Creighton, Dyraaba, with his business partner and step father Eddie Scofield, selling for $1240.
Rob Sinnamon, General manager of Yulgilbar Station and Santa Gertrudis Stud Rob Sinnamon praised the Primex response to his stall.
“You can’t control the weather ... but there certainly were positives out of Primex this year,” he said. “People who are serious about looking for product or genetics are here. They will come rain, hail or shine. We use this event as one of the mediums to promote our annual production sale.”
Gumboots galore at rain-resilient field days
Major Primex sponsor Richmond Valley Council can see the value in propogating these popular field days, recently negotiating a three year contract.
“Richmond Valley Council has had a long association with Primex,” said council’s general manager Vaughan Macdonald. “With owner Bruce Wright taking the reins this year we have negotiated a new three-year sponsorship. From what I have seen out here, given the weather, it is a testament to everyone involved to make things happen. Bruce has done a great job. We will continue to work with Bruce to grow this event for many years. Our community wants jobs, growth and economic development. Events like this enable us to achieve that.”
Mr Wright, who took over the event from his father, John, earlier this year, said he had been buoyed by the sales results and the confidence exhibitors have in the event.
“There is no doubt this is a ‘selling event’, as we have a great region of diversity that sustains strong interest and sales,” he said. “That could not be clearer from what has happened this year. With Casino receiving an estimated 10 inches of rain across the week, the event went ahead as scheduled, with the majority of exhibitors reporting very good sales and sales inquiries.”
Mr Wright praised his staff, exhibitors and visitors for working through the wet conditions.
“There would be very few similar agricultural events that could present and achieve the results being posted based on the weather activity this week,” he said. “We had machinery and staff working before, during and after each day of the event to try and ensure the best possible site for buyers and exhibitors.
“My sincere thanks goes to the many exhibitors who have been understanding and as equally determined.”