Freezing cold temperature did not keep the 20,000 visitors and 472 exhibitors from this year’s 41st annual Mudgee Small Farm Field Days held on July 13 and 14.
The event celebrated everything new and old in agriculture and focused on serious issues facing today’s industry.
As the day warmed up, the event was officially opened with wood chopping legend David Foster (OAM) doing the honours.
Mr Foster was delighted to be part of such a significant event.
“It is quite a privilege to come to Mudgee and officially open the field days,” Mr Foster said.
“I’m always amazed that more and more new ideas are coming about and that people work hard and show so much pride in what they are putting on display.
“Although we are seeing very tough and dry conditions faced by our farmers, it is great to see the positivity created by these events for our farmer.”
With all the tough and dry times faced by farmers, Mr Foster encourages the nation to help and support our farmers because ‘they are the backbone of our country’.
This is an issue David Foster is very passionate about.
With record numbers of exhibitors at this year’s field days, chairman for Australian Rural Education Centre (AREC) James Sullivan was thrilled with the outcome of the event.
Mr Sullivan is eager to see the event continue to grow.
This year saw the new addition to the horse arena of the High Velocity Trick Riders featuring a demonstration of dare devil stunts on horse back.
Also new was the Livestock Talk Tent which focused on the issues of drought awareness, livestock management and getting back to old farming roots.
Mr Sullivan, and some local politicians, were all hands on deck to officially open the event.
He said that the fields days were relevant to today’s ongoing issues and also gave the opportunity to interact with demonstrations and getting involved with the local community.
“This year we have some of the best trick riders here in Australia, which also includes one of the youngest trick riding performers,” Mr Sullivan said.