Designers using natural fibres in their creations are encouraged to enter for the prestigious 2024 Henty Natural Fibre Fashion Awards to be held in September.

Introduced in 2022, The Australian Made Business Award is sponsored by JMP Developments, Wodonga for $500, and will be a highlight of the 19^th annual Henty Natural Fibre Awards at the 2024 Henty Machinery Field Days on September 17-19. 

To be eligible for the Australian Made Business Award, entries must be designed in Australia and be either from fibres grown or manufactured in Australia plus the garment be Australian manufactured.

Last year’s winner Jessica Durman, Kooringal, NSW, teaches fashion design and dress making at Sew Me School of Fashion and Design, Wagga Wagga, and entered five garments in conjunction with her mother-in-law Fiona Durman.

Boasting prizes valued at around $5500, the fashion awards have grown into a prestigious event attracting high profile designers, with the 2024 entries to be paraded in the Country Lifestyle pavilion at 1pm on Tuesday and Wednesday. The final parade will be held at 11am on Thursday with the winners announced at 1.30pm.

Awards convenor Lyn Jacobsen said the Business Development Award was creating excitement among designers with new entrants planning on participating.

“Since the field days are located within a major wool and fibre producing region, it was important an event be carried on to encourage designers to showcase their creativity using the fibres allowed,’’ Mrs Jacobsen said.

“This competition is free and open to all designers, but the fabric in the garment must be at least 70 per cent natural fibre, which can be wool, cotton, alpaca, silk, linen or combinations. Leather is not classed as a natural fibre and can only be added as a trim.

“Garments are judged on visual appeal, creativity and innovation.’’

To be announced on the final day, the winner of the supreme garment made with natural fibres will receive $1000 in prize money from Henty Machinery Field Days plus a Bernina 325 sewing machine valued at $1499, courtesy of Bernina Australia and Sew Fab, Narrandera.

A knitted body-hugging Merino wool dress with a stunning three-tiered hat titled “Coming up Roses” stole the limelight on the catwalk at last year’s Awards winning the supreme garment for international designer Laurel Judd. 

The winners of the best knitted or crocheted garment will receive $500 donated by Fox & Lillie Rural, while the millinery and accessory winners will receive $500 each sponsored by Henty Machinery Field Days. 

Bernina Australia and Sew Fab are donating a Bernette 44 Funlocker valued at $750 as an encouragement award for the best garment by a student designer.

Entries are open until September 3 and for more information on the awards or to enter visit www.hmfd.com.au

Trough sensors, digital dashboards, personal safety alerts, livestock farm management software, technology for bee keepers, and on-farm reporting were all solutions developed by Australian agtech start-ups and showcased at Henty. 

In recognition of NSW’s prominent role in AgTech, the 2023 Henty Machinery Field Days marked the resurgence of the Agri-Innovators Award in partnership with Farmers2Founders. 

Entries were judged prior to the field days and the winners announced at the field days on September 21 by Farmers2Founders Program Manager AgTech Accelerator James Muir. 

Technologies were showcased at the Henty TEKFARM Agritech Innovation Hub by Farmo, AirAgri, LBAgtech, Pairtree, Mobble, Black Box Co, and INCYT.

Henty farmer Daniel Klemke received the Innovative Producer Award for his livestock productivity solution; Nick Seymour, Farmo, received the Agritech Innovation of the Year; Hamish Munro, Pairtree, won the Emerging AgTech Innovation Award, and Jess Brunner, The Bee Buddy, won the Female Innovator of the Year. 

Nick Seymour invented the concept of the Water Rat, a trough sensor, three years ago after losing cattle when a watering point failed and has refined the design over the last 12 months.

The battery-operated Water Rat is simply placed in the trough and once the water level drops, it tilts and sends an alert to the producer’s mobile phone.

“If the operator has half a bar of phone service at any particular trough or tank, the Water Rat will work. Most farmers know their property intimately in terms of mobile coverage so there is no confusion about where it will work or it won’t,” he said.

The plastic section of the Water Rat is injection moulded in China, the electronics made in Melbourne and the final assembly done in Footscray, Melbourne. 

“The Water Rat is a backup or peace of mind so farmers can still have a life away from the farm,” Mr Seymour said. 

Farmo also displayed at Henty gate sensors for retrofitting to farm gates, tank level monitor for reporting the water depth every few hours, an electric fence sensor and remote pump control.

A property specific humidity alert is due to be released for the hay cutting season.

NSW cattle producer Hamish Munro, of Cumnock, developed Pairtree, an independent approach to delivering a cutting-edge service to the Australian agricultural sector to help producers make the most of the smart farm revolution. 

Pairtree is a universal dashboard with more than 1000 agtech and data integrations for weather, markets and satellite imagery.  

During his time as a board member of Cattle Council of Australia, Hamish was given a glimpse of what lay over the horizon for agriculture. 

“Farmers can choose any of the different apps out there and we put those apps together on the one dashboard,” he said. 

“There is information and then there are insights, and that’s where we are trying to change the dial. How does the farmer get the best out of their investment of good quality hardware is the question Pairtree solves.”

Pairtree recently began providing dashboards for the Charles Sturt University Global Digital Farm of 20 different integrations of agtech.

The journey began in 2018 when NSW Department of Primary Industries approached Pairtree to visualise two research stations 30km apart. 

“Where we really discovered our model for farmers was through Meat and Livestock Australia’s Red Meat Digital Forum in 2018. There were five farms, 15 different providers, five different networks, 25 different device types, and 280 different devices we pulled together in six weeks,” Mr Munro said.

“We now have five developers and five staff working on business development, project management, communications and finance. Seven of the 10 staff are regionally, remotely based.”

As Pairtree director, Mr Munro said the Henty TEKFARM Agritech Innovation Hub allowed networking between businesses and capitalised on the strong presence of Farmers2Founders. 

Farmers2Founders Program Manager AgTech Accelerator James Muir said TEKFARM helped to identify and address problems of skilled labour shortages, biosecurity and global food security.

“Start-ups have a huge opportunity to do that. A key example of innovation is start-ups like SwarmFarm who are using robotics to help solve those labour problems,” Mr Muir said.

“We put farmers at the centre of innovation and take producers with an idea right through to a development prototype under programs funded by the research and development corporations, NSW and Victorian governments. 

“At Henty we were identifying trends in problems on farms across the region and will make the solutions personalised over the next few months. We are looking for farmers interested in testing those solutions.”

Physical and mental well-being for rural and regional people was firmly in the spotlight at Henty with farmers encouraged to step up for their health checks.

The Australian Men’s Shed Association partnered with Murrumbidgee Local Health District and Charles Sturt University asking “How are ewe doing?” and when blokes had had their last “service”.

The Australian Men’s Shed celebrated its 30^th anniversary at the Henty Machinery Field Days and now boasts 1300 men’s sheds in Australia and 2500 globally. 

Men’s Health Project Officer Stuart Torrance has attended the past four field days, completing over 400 health checks in 2022 and 566 this year.  

“This year we partnered with the paramedic students and their supervisors from Charles Sturt University. What surprised me was the number of guys who said, yes, let’s go, whereas in previous years we had to cajole them to come in the door,” Mr Torrance said. 

“The train of thought is changing – we are trying to relate the servicing of the operator to the servicing of your car. 

“There is a sticker on your car to tell you when it needs servicing. Unfortunately, what men tend to do is wait until the bumper bar or the muffler falls off before they seek help. 

“In other words, they are either sick or injured - this is a lot of the comment we are getting from the farming community.

“Now the guys are saying they need to do a regular health check, especially those with young families. They are coming straight in the door this year, no questions asked.”

Mr Torrance said mental health was now openly discussed by the men.

“Anyone with a red flag about a health issue, we strongly suggest they see their doctor. We can’t ask the hard questions or give out scripts,” he said.

Murrumbidgee Local Health District Farm Community Counsellor Jenn Pegler was at Henty promoting the free and confidential counselling to rural and regional residents.

Ms Pegler said with a drought looming, it was critical for people to know phone, telehealth, or face-to-face counselling was available in their home or on-farm.

“It is user friendly and tailored to the individual. We service an area from Albury, Uranquinty, the Snowy Valleys shire, Gundagai, Corowa and Tocumwal,” she said.

With a move to animal manures as natural soil conditioners, the increased demand for reliable manure spreaders was in the spotlight at the 2023 Henty Machinery Field Days.

The E-Series Manure Spreader was launched to the Australian market at the field days by Canadian manufacturer JBS Equipment and Australian importer Atlas Ag on September 20.

The E-Series features an upgraded long link floor chain, quick attach Vertimax beaters, steel idler sprockets, low friction hard-wearing plastic floor, hydraulic guillotine gate and a low maintenance hydraulic gearbox.

Optional upgrades include Hurricane beaters, scale and rate controller system, and flight protection system. 

Atlas Ag distribution manager Jeff Saunders, Brisbane, said the 20-tonne heavy duty, powder coated E-Series was designed for low maintenance. 

“There are a lot of regions around Henty involved in the manure spreading industry with a balance of feedlots and dairies, and we felt this was the best place to capture those customers,” Mr Saunders said.

“The feedback has been excellent with customers wanting choice in the spreader market combined with reliability.

“Many producers in Europe, North America and Australia are moving back to natural fertilisers such as manure as opposed to chemical fertilisers for rejuvenation of the soil. We are seeing manure will have a much bigger role to play as a soil conditioner in Australia.

“Contractors are telling us they cannot get enough manure so clearly the market is really going ahead, with the bigger feedlots and dairies realising the value of what they have sitting in piles, and they are turning that into a commodity.”

Mr Saunders said the E-Series Manure Spreaders were designed to top dress paddocks in the most efficient and reliable way possible.

“These units are working in conditions from -45 degrees Celsius to +45 degrees in North America, and they have to be reliable,” he said.

“Secondly, the beaters are interchangeable, so the same unit does several different jobs.

“The beaters can be removed and used as forage flailers – there are forage gates which can be attached, resulting in a versatile machine.

“These machines can handle from light materials such as gypsum and lime through to clay.”

Mr Saunders said bearings had been replaced by neoprene blocks for less wearing parts and ease of maintenance. 

“A lot of dairies and feedlots have sand which ends up getting mixed up with the manure and is highly corrosive to machinery. The spreader has a neoprene floor to reduce wear.

“The springs are designed to carry 20 tonnes.”

A minimum of 130hp is required to pull the E-Series.

“The horsepower requirements compared to the size of the machine are quite low,” Mr Saunders said.

“We have a full dealer network in place with all of those dealers carrying parts and factory trained for maintenance.

“The beauty of these machines is they are simplistic – there is not a lot that can go wrong.”

The spreader on display at Henty was equipped with scales and dynamic rate control, ensuring the correct spreading speed according to the material weight. The angle of the beaters allows a natural fall pattern of material.

The E-Series has a transport width of 3.5m. The wheels sit outside of the tub rather than underneath ensuring stability on slopes and increasing safety by lowering the centre of gravity. Flotation tyres are fitted to reduce soil compaction. 

The JBS E-Series Manure Spreader retails from $195,000 + GST (fully optioned).

A new book launched by the Henty Machinery Field Days traces six decades of history from its early days to a grass roots event driven by farmers to its position as a global agricultural phenomenon.

The 84-page coffee table style book was written by Henty Machinery Days Media Manager Kim Woods and launched at the official opening of the 60^th anniversary event on September 19 by HMFD Chief Executive Officer Belinda Anderson.

“The book is filled with images of the machinery demonstrations popular in the 1960s and where crowds were held back by a string line, through to the inventions, technology, machinery, fashions, exhibits and displays of the 21^stcentury,” Ms Woods said.

“It traces the rapid growth of the field days, the decision to purchase an old travelling stock reserve on the Cookardinia Road and the many thousands of volunteer hours to transform it into a dedicated field days site. 

“It is a remarkable story of how a bunch of growers having problems with their grain samples in 1961 was the catalyst for an event that is now iconic and an institution on the Australian agricultural calendar for farmers, exhibitors and the mainstream community.”

“The true authors of this book are the founding members, the directors who are still here now, all our members who are working hard and the staff involved over the last 60 years,” Belinda Anderson said.

“Part of that story is the exhibitors as well because we can’t have one without the other – it is a proud part of our history.”

The book includes a list of more than 200 HMFD Co-operative members dating back to 1963.

It features photographs taken over the years by The Border Mail, and photographers Michael Bell, Simon Dallinger, Andy Rogers and Kim Woods.

HMFD Chairman Nigel Scheetz said the book was compiled to showcase the dedication and positive vision of a small group of farmers from the southern Riverina.

“Over a period of 60 years these farmers grew a one-day header school into what is seen today as one of the biggest machinery expos in the southern hemisphere,” Mr Scheetz said.

“The unequivocal passion of our directors, staff and community organisations to provide a service for our exhibitors and an experience for our visitors alike is what keeps Henty Machinery Field Days alive.”

Henty Machinery Field Days – celebrating 60 years of showcasing agriculture to the nation is available through the HMFD office for $40 plus $10 postage and handling.

The ability to draft feedlot or containment fed lambs into weight categories ready for processing without using any labour is a benefit of the award winning The Shepherd Auto Drafter. 

Temora prime lamb lot feeder Justin Dunn, The Shepherd Ag Pty Ltd, was highly commended in the 2023 Henty Machine of the Year for his auto drafter on September 19.

HMFD Machine of the Year judge Warren Scheetz said the auto drafter automatically weighs and drafts lambs in the feedlot, saving time, labour and increasing animal welfare.

“Producers want the animals to be as stress free as possible to put on the weight and this eliminates the work for the producer, and also electronically moves the animals from one pen to another once they reach a certain weight,” Mr Scheetz said.

Justin Dunn said the data captured by the drafter was sent back in real time to the producer’s mobile phone 24 hours a day. 

“This unit is built by ourselves in-house at Temora, everything from the software development to the steel fabrication,” Mr Dunn said. 

“Henty was our launch so it is now ready for people to put it out there in the wild – we will go through a 12-month pre-commercial deal so we can work closely with those clients to make sure the machine settles in.

“At Temora we have a privately run research and development unit where we hone all the equipment we sell. For the past 12 months we have had the auto drafter working in our own commercial feedlot.”

Mr Dunn breeds commercial Aussie White and Sheepmasters, along with finishing second cross trade lambs in the feedlot. 

“Skilled labour is very difficult in the ag sector these days and affordability of those who do have the skills is a challenge. Facing a drought, the prospect of feeding and bringing sheep into close containment where they are monitored is key,” he said.

“We are developing our systems, so it is straight monitoring with low stress handling and less workflow. We are managing the glycogen levels in the animal, resulting in better carcase quality.”

The sheep passively walk onto the drafter of their own accord, attracted by a lick block.

“We found a side effect was marketing as the lambs are going into pens of particular weight groups, we know at any particular time how many sheep we have in each weight band. Right now, it is competitive and if a processor contract opens, we can look at our phone and know comfortably how many lambs we are prepared to book. 

“We still use a traditional weighing system for onboarding sheep into the feedlot and the final draft to get the maximum number of lambs into the top of the grid.

“This particular machine is about low stress handling while they go right through the feeding process and we are monitoring exactly how many lambs are progressing and how fast. We can graph trajectories and predict how many sheep will be ready at any particular point.”

While most of these types of drafters are air operated, the Shepherd Feedlot Auto Drafter is solar powered, retails from $8000 and comes with complete technical support.

The largest exhibition space in the history of the event combined with 55,000 visitors helped the Henty Machinery Field Days celebrate 60 years of showcasing the latest in agricultural technology to a global audience. 

Community groups throughout the Riverina were also the benefactors of the milestone event with funds raised by the not-for-profit Henty Machinery Field Days to be ploughed back into community social capital and infrastructure.

Held on September 19-21, the 60^th annual field days featured 14km of outdoor shop fronts from more than 800 exhibitors representing more than 3500 companies on over 1200 sites.

Farmers and visitors from every state and territory sought out the hot ticket items of compact tractors, hay and silage equipment, tillage, fencing, and grain handling equipment, headers and stock handling equipment.

HMFD chief executive officer Belinda Anderson said the event had showcased over $200 million in agricultural machinery, quantifying the event had matured into the nation’s leading field days. 

“We have had 55,000 visitors across the three days with the bulk of those attending on Wednesday,” Mrs Anderson said.

She said the largest exhibition area in history combined with strong crowd numbers represented a massive economic injection to the local, regional and national economy.

“The growth of this event post covid has ensured its future. The team at HMFD continue to develop the event with showcasing agriculture as its primary objective.”

Mrs Anderson said HMFD hosted a trade delegation from the Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership including a High Commission of Canada representative.  

The delegates were actively looking to explore mutual business opportunities in agricultural machinery and agtech. 

Mrs Anderson launched an 84-page coffee table style book on the 60-year history of the event.

The field days were officially opened on September 19 by Kotzur Managing Director Andrew Kotzur, of Walla Walla, also marking 60 years since his family company first exhibited at the event in 1963 at the Henty showground.

Bryson Terlich, Table Top, Barry Scholz, Henty, Neil Bahr, Henty, and Kerry Piestch, Pleasant Hills, all served as HMFD Cooperative members, directors and volunteers since the first field days in 1963, and cut the 60^thanniversary cake. 

The four men have given a combined total of 240 years of voluntary work to the field days across six decades. 

A highlight of this year was the coveted Henty Machine of the Year Award being presented to the GUSS autonomous orchard sprayer entered by Hutcheon and Pearce. 

Highly commended was The Shepherd Feedlot Auto Drafter entered by Justin Dunn, of Temora.

In other awards, FarmTech, Wodonga, won the Greater Hume Council Award for the best new Australian designed and built agricultural machine for the Ausmix XL26 Fibrex 26-cube feed mixer.

Australasian reseller of industry-leading farming machinery including tractors and harvesters, CLAAS Harvest Centre, Wagga Wagga, won the award for the Best Large Commercial and Australian Defence Force Careers took out the Best Outdoor General.

Graphic designer and children’s book illustrator Sarah Hardy is a new exhibitor but won the Best Indoor site in Country Lifestyle with her business Popcorn Blue. 

Bec Macdougall and her premium specialty coffee business Emme Mac Black was awarded Best Indoor Site at Farm Gate Produce Market.

New this year was the TEKFARM Agritech Innovation Awards held in partnership with Farmers2Fouders and open to tertiary and university students, farmers, backyard tinkerers and innovators from any state. 

Henty farmer Daniel Klemke received the Innovative Producer Award for his Safe-Cut, Nick Seymour, Farmo, won the Agtech Innovation of the Year with the Water Rat, Hamish Munro, Pairtree, received the Emerging AgTech Innovation of the Year, and Jess Bikaum, Bee Buddy, was the Female Innovator of the Year.

Vintage machinery was to the fore this year with a display of five of the world’s rarest tractors, the Australian designed and built Upton, with owners bringing their machines from Mudgee, Swan Hill, Ardlethan, Corowa and Albury for the one-off event. The design and manufacturing staff from the 1970s also attended. 

The Henty and District Antique Farm Machinery Club also celebrated the centenary of the Farmall tractor and Howard rotary hoe production. 

Henty was a platform for the debut to the Australian market of the JBS Manure Spreader and the CLAAS Torion range while Telstra unveiled a new mobile base station. 

Compact tractors and machinery for lifestyle blocks were in strong demand this year but exhibitors say rain in coming weeks could build on the inquiry for broadacre harvesting machinery, grain handling equipment and hay/silage machinery. 

Landpower Australia National Sales and Operations Manager – Australia, Paul Birbeck, said there had been strong inquiry despite farmers waiting for a good rainfall.

“We had some interest on hay and bigger seeding and tillage equipment with a lot of people getting their prices together on machines,” Mr Birbeck said.

Case IH Regional Sales Manager Norm Bradshaw said the burst of hot weather earlier in the week may have put a dampener on some crops.

“If we can get a rain going into October, there will be a lot of happy people around for sure,” he said.

Hutcheon and Pearce Sales and Marketing Manager Andrew Watt said rain over the next month could bring to fruition strong enquiry received at the field days.

“The crops around Henty have been holding up strongly – another drink in the next four to six weeks will hopefully see the crops fill. Henty was a good event and a great celebration of 70 years for the company,” Mr Watt said.

HMFD is set to host the 61st field days on September 17-19, 2024 with planning already underway. 

A new Henty resident made the Three Sheep Trial his own at the Henty Machinery Field Days, taking out the tough event against the cream of the nation’s best trialers.

Paul Elliott and his Border Collie Elliott’s Brisket scored 188 points to win the trial from John Perry, Bredbo, and Boco Raffa on 183 points under judge Ken Robinson, Quirindi, NSW. 

Last year’s winner Mick Hudson, Cobar, and MGH Rabbit, was third on 170 points, Tony Elliott, Gundagai, and Gundagai Frosty in fourth with 161 points, fifth was Australian representative Peter Oxley, Orange, and Rivlin Caesar, sixth Will Goggin, Bredbo, and Vaimari Triton on 150 points and Paul O’Kane, Cobram, with MGH Billabong Creek.

Benalla trialler Dale Thompson and his dog Broken River Jake took out the prestigious Hypro Murray Valley Yard Dog Championships on 186 points. 

Equal second was last year’s winner Dean Incher, Adaminaby, and Rafa, and Shane Maurer, Stockinbingal, with Tom on 183 points. Shane also placed fourth with Stuart on 182 points.

Sponsored by Hypro Pet Foods, the three sheep and yard dog trial drew 268 entries and was run over the three days of the Henty Machinery Field Days on September 19-21.

For the yard dog trials, the open judge was Andrew King, Tumut, Dean Incher judged the novice, Olly Hanson, Forbes, the improver and Peter Darmody, Beckom, the maiden. 

A retired shearing contractor, Paul Elliott moved to Henty last September from Eumungerie to help his shearing contractor son.

“We have great support for the sport here with the local butcher being unbelievably good to us and the whole community is behind us,” Paul said. 

The homebred five-year-old Brisket is out of a homebred bitch belonging to Paul and by a sire carrying genetics from Kevin Bell. He rolled off a win in a cattle dog trial at Molong in August.

Trialling for 30 years, Mr Elliott rates Henty as one of the most competitive on the circuit, with his last Henty win in 2017.

“If you win Henty, you’ve won a good trial. It was tough out there today, but the sheep and dog worked well.

“I have pups on the ground by him and he is a good sire. I worked four dogs altogether and got bashed all over the paddock with Brisket the only one making the finals.

“The sheep were consistent from day one to day three. It is a terrific place to trial with a good crowd.”

Mr Elliott said a top dog displays loyalty and confidence.

“Brisket is the go-to dog at home, if I’m in trouble he is the first one we let go.”

In the yard dog trial, Barry Parker, Nangus, and Jess won the novice class on 180 points, Ben Coster, Reids Flat, and Rip won the improver on 183 points, and Matt Whitley, Wagga Wagga, and Giles Creek Sam won the maiden on 188 points.

Dale Thompson, Broken River Kelpies, Benalla, competed alongside his wife Carolyn and their team in the Murray Valley Yard Dog Championships. Carolyn placed equal third in the maiden final with Karana Jed on 177 points and fifth in the novice.

Dale bred the seven-year-old Broken River Jake out of Roustabout Girl and by Go Getta Brew. Roustabout Girl was the stud’s foundation bitch and won the Henty trial in 2016.

“We have been on the road for the week at a couple of trials at Eugowra and Molong, winning both opens. This is the trifecta for him and the third time I’ve won at Henty,” he said.

“It is always a good trial at Henty and it is super competitive.”

Dale said determination and temperament gave Jake the edge in the competition.

“He loves his work and has been very consistent from four years old onwards, giving 100 per cent. He is used every day on the farm on sheep and cattle – sheep are his forte, but he stands his ground with the cows.

“He has a great nature and personality but is the alpha male.”

Serving as a North East Zone representative on the Victorian Yard Dog Utility Farm Dog Association, Dale is now aiming for the Victorian Championships at Bairnsdale in October. 

“Henty attracts the cream of the crop and it’s always very special to have success here so hopefully we can keep it going. As competitors we all help out to make it all happen.”

A knitted body-hugging Merino wool dress with a stunning three-tiered hat titled “Coming up Roses” stole the limelight on the catwalk at the Henty Natural Fibre Fashion Awards winning the supreme garment for an international designer.

Past winner Laurel Judd, of New Zealand, returned to the winner’s circle with a $1000 cash prize and Bernina 325 sewing machine for her felted top, knitted skirt in grey, pink and white, and three-tiered hat embellished with crocheted roses, paired with matching accessories. 

It was one of three entries sent by Ms Judd.

The 18^th Henty Natural Fibre Fashion Awards were a highlight of the Country Lifestyle program at the Henty Machinery Field Days on September 19-21, drawing 87 entries from almost every state and internationally with the winners announced on Thursday. 

Fashion designers vied for the chance to win a Bernina 325 sewing machine valued at $1499 plus $1000 cash prize money courtesy of Bernina Australia and Sew Fab, Narrandera, for the Best Garment in Natural Fibre. 

Open to amateurs and professionals, the awards recognise the innovative use of natural fibres – from paddock to catwalk – in creative but wearable clothing.

The judging emphasis was on visual appeal, creative and innovative use of natural fibres.

This year’s judges were Colleen Langtry, Wagga Wagga, Leanne O’Toole, Wodonga, and Lisa Schaefer, Grenfell.

Awards organiser Lyn Jacobsen said the natural fibres could include wool, alpaca, angora, mohair, cashmere, cotton, silk and linen.

Mrs Jacobsen paid tribute to the models from The Riverina Anglican College, Wagga Wagga, trained by Peta Schaefer, compere Bernadette Torresan, MC Steve Bowen, the sponsors, judges and assistants out the back.

The best garment designed by a student was won by Wodonga Institute of TAFE student Sharon Heard, Shepparton, with a blue jumpsuit matched with a white shirt and blue, white and red scarf.

Myra Farrell, Blue Mountains, NSW, won the accessories category with a 100 per cent cashmere coat in red, grey, tan and black patches.

Karen Hyde, Lake Albert, notched up back-to-back wins on 2022, taking out the millinery section for her entry “Autumn Mood” adorned with hand dyed and cut felt leaves. 

Long-time entrant Judy Bond, Buronga, NSW, also made it back-to-back wins on last year in the knitted and crochet section with a black evening gown made from 100 per cent Merino wool with sequins threaded through the back. 

The Australian Made Award, sponsored by JMP Developments, Wodonga, and winning $500 was Jessica Durman, Kooringal, NSW. 

Mrs Durman teaches fashion design and dress making at Sew Me School of Fashion and Design, Wagga Wagga, and entered five garments in conjunction with her mother-in-law Fiona Durman.

The winning garment was a two-piece flared, high waisted pants with side slit pockets matched with a cropped and gathered top. 

“It was my first time entering the awards, but I was here last year to support several of my students,” Mrs Durman said.

“I have been here for the three days and watched the parades, looking at the other garments on the stage, and I was not expecting to win at all.

“I was dumbfounded to win – I am more about technique but now next year I’m going to up the ante with something more flamboyant and out of my comfort zone.”

Mrs Durman, 30, is expecting her third child and juggles her young family with her teaching.

“They were riding their bikes around the studio while I’m trying to sew – I’m not going to quit my family for my business, it all has to meld into one.”

She is planning to spend her $500 prizemoney on a new door for her sewing studio.

The problems of cutting strings on large square hale bays while feeding them into a mixer spawned an award-winning idea for Henty farmer Daniel Klemke.

His design, called the Safe-Cut, won the TEKFARM Agritech Innovative Producer Award at the Henty Machinery Field Days on Thursday, September 21.

The 2023 Henty Machinery Field Days marked the resurgence of the Agri-Innovators Award in partnership with Farmers2Founders to showcase innovative solutions ready for adoption on farm.

A cropping and wool grower, Mr Klemke invested in a feed mixer during the last drought to keep his Merino flock alive whilst using home-grown, including straw, barley and silage.

He was concerned about the constant danger presented to the operator when climbing on the mixer to cut strings off bales.

Mr Klemke was prompted to design and make the Safe-Cut with the assistance of former farm employee Nathan Holmes, a knife and string holder mounted on the forks of a loader, to increase worker safety and feed-out efficiency.

“Originally we had to have the bale over the fed cart and operators climbed up to cut strings, which was dangerous,” he said.

“Sometimes we even had to climb into the machine to get the strings out when they had fallen into the machine. I thought there must be an easier way.

“I had ideas of holding the strings on the loader, lifting the bale up and driving across the mixer while a knife cuts all the strings releasing the bale into the feeder yet retaining the strings on a string holder while the mixer backs away. 

“It meant no one was climbing up in the machine. During the drought, we made a knife and mounted it on the loader. With the Safe-Cut, workers are not near any knives and don’t have to climb on any machines.

“I have seen dairy and beef farmers struggle with cutting strings on bales on the side of mixers.”

Mr Klemke is not interested in commercialising the product but would be happy to speak with any interested manufacturers.

“I’m surprised no one has designed something similar. If someone wants to run with it, that’s good,” he said.

“This the first time I’ve ever won anything and was reluctant to enter, thinking it wasn’t worth it, but my wife encouraged me.

“I was very surprised to receive this award – obviously other people can see the benefits of the safety features. I would love to see a lot of mixers with this design and giving producers an option of a safer way of feeding out.”

Defence force recruitment, machinery, specialty coffee and illustrated story books are among the winners of the 2023 Henty Machinery Field Days Exhibitor Awards.

The awards were presented on Thursday, September 21 at The Stump by HMFD chief executive officer Belinda Anderson to the winners of the Best Outdoor Large Commercial, Best Outdoor General and Best Indoor Exhibitor sites – Country Lifestyle and Farm Gate.

Australasian reseller of industry-leading farming machinery including tractors and harvesters, CAAS Harvest Centre, Wagga Wagga, won the Best Outdoor Large Commercial, while Australian Defence Force Careers took out the Best Outdoor General.

Graphic designer and children’s book illustrator Sarah Hardy is a new exhibitor but won the Best Indoor site in Country Lifestyle with her business Popcorn Blue. 

Bec Macdougall and her premium specialty coffee business Emme Mac Black was awarded Best Indoor Site at Farm Gate Produce Market.

Belinda Anderson said the field days co-operative prided itself on providing a showcase with a modern professional image, and the latest in agricultural machinery and technology.

Mrs Anderson said the exhibitor awards encouraged site holders to strive for similar ideals during the field days.

Judges Daryl Thomson and Bec Clancy covered the 14km of external shop front plus the indoor sites, assessing visual presentation, display, layout and innovation.

They inspected sites ranging in frontage from 3m to 180m.

Mrs Clancy said the CLAAS Harvest Centre had great visual presence and presentation with a centrally located marque, large flagpoles with their designated brands, and walkways between the machines lined with bark and trimmed with black piping.

“ADF Careers has an expanded site representing the navy, army and airforce with a virtual reality submarine and a helicopter simulator, which were popular with the kids,” she said.

“At the Farm Gate Produce Area, the coffee business Emme Mac Black was nicely decorated with a black and white theme, lighting, background pictures and timber stands with their specialty products displayed.

“At Country Lifestyle, new exhibitor Popcorn Blue had cards, tea towels, books and children’s table ware. Their site was eye catching with timber racks and mini picket fencing with flowers.”

Mrs Clancy said exhibitors were putting a lot of thought into their site design, being innovative to catch the consumer’s eye, attract them into the site and engage with them.

“Some of the exhibitors have expanded their sites and in a year of record bookings it has been a challenge to do that.

“The demand has been very strong this year for sites with waiting lists for all areas. 

“It is hard to judge them all as we would like to acknowledge more than one for their efforts.

“Often it comes down to attention to the finer details – it doesn’t have to be big and expensive equipment but thinking outside the square in displaying with colour and interactive product to encourage the customer into the site.”

CLAAS Harvest Centre branch manager Andrew Kearns and his team uses a computer model to design the layout of their 50 x 20 m site.

“Our team of 15 has been on site for the last two weeks setting up plus another four back at the dealership and four in Melbourne loading and unloading,” Mr Kearns said.

“Henty is one of the main field days for us – the timing is good for getting a feel of what the season is and that is where it is worth making the effort. It is the calm before the storm, the last opportunity to see people before they are fully in the thick of harvest. 

“Whether it is toys or coffee machines to make it attractive for people to come on the stand, we are not trying to sell stuff, it is more about making contact with customers.

“It is important to get the right product for the right clientele – here there are a lot of graziers and big corporate broad acres so you’ve got to invest the money into the site.”

National Sales and Operations Manager – Australia Paul Birbeck said CLAAS had been steadily expanding the site at Henty since 2009 and having the same site encouraged repeat visits from customers.

Five tractor enthusiasts created Australian history when they stood by their monstrous Upton tractors, still regarded as the world’s biggest factory built two-wheel drive tractors, at Henty Machinery Field Days today.

Regarded as among the rarest in the world, the Upton was built to order at Upton Engineering, Corowa, with just eight MT-855’s built, and around 30 of the smaller Upton 180’s produced before manufacturing ceased in 1980.

Earning a reputation as heavy duty, robust, dependable work horses, the Upton’s were bought to Henty by collectors Robert Allan, Mudgee, Allan Arthur, Albury, Bill Petzke, Corowa, Doug Carroll, Swan Hill, and Andrew Taylor, Ardlethan. 

Designer and manufacturer Carl Upton, of Corowa, was joined by his former staff, engineer Darrell Leahy and fabricator George Tobias to speak on the history of these unique tractors.

Mr Upton said his father, Arthur, built the first tractor using second hand parts sourced from surplus army tanks sold after the Second World War. 

“Arthur used to buy a lot of army disposal equipment and he ended up with 32 Grant tanks, selling bits and pieces off them but he could never sell the transmissions, so he decided to build a tractor using the Grant tank transmission,” he said.

“He decided to use the UD diesel engine as a promotion for the UD’s as that was the engines he was importing from Japan at the time. We powered about 130 Chamberlain tractors with those engines.

“The first guy to buy one of the Upton tractors drove it from Corowa to Springsure, Qld, a distance of 1600km in three days in the middle of winter with no cabin.”

Among the five tractors was an MT-855 owned by the Druce family, farmers and owners of the Junee Chocolate Factory. The tractor continues to be used for cultivation and is now maintained by their employee and Ardlethan farmer Andrew Taylor, who drove it from its Ardlethan home to the field days.  The journey took seven hours at 30km/hr. 

Darrell Leahy said the 180hp engine was an economical choice at the time and a test bed tractor was made using surplus parts.

“A good load for the tractor in those days was 22 discs at 4 gallons an hour. We proved the engine was what we needed at a very flat torque curve, and we had to educate people coming from kerosene to diesel engines on driving it with the speed altered using the throttle,” Mr Leahy said.

“After the test bed was done, we come up with this design. We never decided to put a PTO on them as it was a tillage tractor.”

George Tobias, of Corowa, said it was a privilege to see all the tractors together at Henty.

He joined Upton Engineering as an apprentice diesel mechanic, eventually moving into welding and fabrication to work on the MT-855.

“The only work I didn’t do on these tractors was the hydraulics, electrical, paint work and lathe work. I am proud of the work completed and it is embedded in my heart.”

Doug Carroll’s tractor had been bought new in 1966 or 1967 by Rob McCarroll, of Manangatang, and then sold to Bill and Shirley O’Shanassy, Manangatang, in 1977-78. Rob McCarroll went on to buy a 300hp 8-cylinder Scania powered MT-855, now owned by the Druce family, Ardlethan.

The two tractors were parked side by side at Henty and used as a backdrop with Carl Upton holding a photograph of the two tractors originally side by side working at Manangatang. 

The tractor owned by Robert Allen was originally built in 1976 and spent its working life in Western Australia. It was the second Upton to be fitted with a 14 litre Scania V8 engine when it was built I 1976.

Bill Petzke’s tractor was purchased from John Muirhead, Pinnaroo, South Australia, and in its later life was used for clearing Mallee scrub. It has a Grant tank diff back end and a Grant tank gearbox.

Allan Arthur’s tractor was originally delivered in 1980 to Peter Van Der Hucht at Warramboo, SA, and completed 38 years of scrub and mallee root clearing, trash clearing, and stone crushing, racking up 22,000 hours. 

“I don’t think justice has been done to Carl Upton. He was so far ahead of his time and had the concept of getting more horsepower to the ground with two wheels than we ever could with a four-wheel drive.

“Carl had the concept of putting lots of weight on big wheels and making that tractor really earn its keep. He was a 25-year-old at the time and came up with this beautiful looking tractor – they are still impressive after 40 years. 

“These tractors are still quiet and smooth to sit in – Carl was so far ahead of his time and that’s why I own one of these things.”

A Border agricultural machinery company’s newly released feed mixer has won the coveted Greater Hume Council Award at the 2032 Henty Machinery Field Days.

The award recognises the best new Australian designed and built agricultural machine and was judged by a panel of independent judges with the 2023 winner announced on Wednesday, September 20.

The Award was presented by Greater Hume Council General Manager Evelyn Arnold Mayor and Henty Machinery Field Days director Matt Noll to FarmTech Director Brad Modra for the Ausmix XL26 Fibrex 26-cube feed mixer.

Ausmix has been producing feed mixers out of Wodonga for the last three years with over 60 mixers having been supplied across Australia.

With a release date in mid-August, the first unit was on display at Henty.

HMFD judge Warren Scheetz said the locally built machine was designed for the feedlot industry with much research and development undertaken beforehand. 

“It is a robust design which increases the efficiency of feed mixing time and that all adds up when doing multiple feed mixes each day,” Mr Scheetz said.  

FarmTech northern Victorian and South Australian territory manager Liam Talbot said the chassis, bowl, augers and conveyor are designed and built inhouse with the driveline being outsourced to a reputable Italian supplier.

“As we manufacture these units in Australia, we have a warehouse stocked with parts ensuring any breakdowns or issues are fixed in a prompt manner,” he said. 

“The XL26 is expected to be the flagship model with full customisability to suit any farming operation.

With Australian farmers aways looking for ways to increase profitability and reduce feed costs, Ausmix has developed extra wide bowls to work in concert with the Fiber-X augers to break down big bales and mix them to a final Total Mixed Ration. 

Ausmix knives are heat-treated with tungsten carbide, allowing them to be thinner, lighter and tougher than ever before. 

Ausmix tubs are designed to last in the harshest Australian conditions and are made with thick steel plates all around: 20mm on the floor and 10mm on the walls. The wall’s angled slope works to help funnel materials into the centre of the tub. 

Together with the centripetal motion from augers, materials fall deeper into the mixer, ensuring maximum blade contact, significantly reducing time, fuel and effort. 

Ausmix XL series mixers come in both a standard wide body (2.5m) and extra-wide 2.65m body. The latter option gives the larger, denser bales more space, reducing any material being thrown out

The mixers have a drive-train equipped with a heavy-duty gearbox with the ability to handle high torque loads, propelling the augers through big bales and mixing all fodder types with a consistent result. 

Key innovations include a front feeding conveyor belt which can either be steel slats or a rubber belt and side elevator options, all on a heavy-duty reinforced chassis. 

FarmTech Director Brad Modra said the company was passionate about making farm machinery in Australia.

“This award is a huge pat on the back for our hard-working team at FarmTech for the last three years spent on the Ausmix Feed Mixer project,” Mr Modra said. 

“Thank you to the HMFD committee and to Greater Hume Council for supporting this award.

“I want to give a big shout out to Australian manufacturing and all these companies exhibiting at the field days – quality farm machinery is leading the way both in Australia and internationally.

“Thank you to the farming community for showing faith and confidence in Australian made equipment. Without your support we wouldn’t be here today.

“We are proud to be part of the local Albury-Wodonga manufacturing community and hopefully this award will inspire other companies to consider making more here locally, and get behind Australian made products.”

An autonomous sprayer eliminating operator downtime and breaks while increasing speed, consistency and efficiency of application is working its way through the almond crops in Victoria and NSW.

The GUSS sprayer’s ability to solve the problems associated with spraying orchards, vineyards and high-density orchards earnt the machine the title of the 2023 Henty Machine of the Year.

The award was presented by Henty Machinery Field Days award judge Warren Scheetz to Hutcheon and Pearce sales and marketing manager Andrew Watt and integrated solutions manager Hamish Ross on September 19.

The autonomous sprayer on display at the field days is one of less than 10 in Australia with the others field proven in almond orchards in the Sunraysia and Riverina districts.

The sleek stainless steel plated machine looking more like a rocket than sprayer captured much interest from field days visitors keen to see what the future of horticulture will look like.

Designed and developed in the US, the GUSS sprayer has worked in cherry, tobacco, pecan, grape and apple crops.

Mr Watt said GUSS sprayers solve the problems associated with spraying orchards, vineyards and high-density orchards.

He said GUSS sprayers drive themselves – a single employee can monitor a combination of up to eight GUSS, mini GUSS and Herbicide GUSS sprayers at a time using a laptop computer. 

In the event an issue is detected onboard a GUSS sprayer, the interface automatically sends both visual and audible alerts to the operator.

GUSS sprayers use a combination of GPS, LiDAR, sensors and software to guide GUSS sprayers safely and efficiently.

It allows precisely control application rates and sprayer speeds across entire fields and in variable terrain.

GUSS eliminates operator downtime and breaks, while increasing speed, consistency and efficiency of application, eliminates human error, reduces exposure to materials being applied and reduces the need for PPE, shade and water.

It features multiple weed detection sensors for precision spraying and minimal chemical usage plus features an adjustable boom height and width with breakaway booms for various field conditions.

Mr Watt said the Machine of the Year Award meant much to Hutcheon and Pearce, reaffirming the release of the autonomous technology to the Australian market. 

“There are less than 10 units in Australia as they were only released officially by John Deere in mid 2022 and we have strong interest with a number of orders in the system and demonstration units gracing customer’s fields over the next 12 months,” he said.

“In the US, the GUSS is working in permanent plantings such as almond orchards and citrus.

“There are three different versions including the mini GUSS for narrower rows and horticulture and an Herbicide GUSS with multiple weed detection sensors for precision spraying and minimal chemical usage.

“Global labour shortages are essentially driving these innovations in ag and challenges of inputs whether it be chemical and fuel costs or labour itself.”

Hamish Ross said a single GUSS sprayer can replace six normal blast sprayers equating to six operators plus nurse trucks, and reducing 45 minute downtime to refill to just three minutes.

“Six to eight people are replaced by two – one monitoring using a laptop and one running a nurse truck – so it’s all about productivity,” he said.

Andrew Watt said every Australian GUSS unit would soon be integrated with the intelligent spray control system, SmartApply®, giving control over each individual nozzle using LiDAR to map the canopy density.

“The nozzle will turn off if there is no tree, saving a huge amount of chemical in blast spraying applications. The data captured by SmartApply® allows tree health to be mapped.”

The GUSS retails at USD $307,000 plus freight and delivery. Each machine weighs 5288kg, is powered by a John Deere PowerTech 4 cylinder 4.5 litre diesel and equipped with a 600-gallon stainless steel material tank and 32 nozzle spray manifold with individual shutoffs.

The machine comes in standard, narrow or low impact options.

“Several hundred machines have been at work in the US over the past few years spraying over 1.4 million acres with high reliability. The long-term plan is to fully integrate the Australian units with John Deere engines and technology replacing the Trimble system,” Mr Watt said.

A ground-breaking machine not only enhancing productivity, precision, and efficiency but also reducing operational costs, overhead expenses, and ensuring the safety of workers has won the coveted 2023 Henty Machine of the Year Award.

The autonomous orchard sprayer is the result of a joint venture between John Deere and GUSS, a California-based technology company, impressing judges with its innovation, design and engineering. 

Highly commended was The Shepherd Feedlot Auto Drafter entered by Justin Dunn, of Temora. 

A total of 23 machines and equipment at the cutting edge of agricultural technology were showcased in the Henty Machine of the Year.

Announced on the opening day, this award is presented to the most outstanding new piece of agricultural machinery exhibited at the field days.

It was judged by an independent panel of five regional primary producers on Monday (September 18) and presented at the field days opening today (September 19).

Judging criteria included the machine’s purpose and suitability, scope of application, construction (durability and design), ease of maintenance and service, ease of operation and adjustment, availability of parts and overall value for money.

Judge Warren Scheetz said GUSS marked a significant milestone in the journey towards sustainable and intelligent farming practices.

“We selected GUSS for its advancement in autonomous spraying technology with a strong commitment to precision chemical application, increased labour efficiency and employee safety,” Mr Scheetz said.

“The technology of this machine allows for the horticultural industry to apply foliar applications safely and accurately. With reduced labour requirements it can remotely monitor and control.

“The machine was well built and designed while the technology behind it has taken years of research and development.

“All industries in agriculture are struggling for labour and from what we heard today, this is a world-wide trend.

“It is exciting to be able to have the first look at GUSS here at Henty.”

Hamish Ross, Integrated Solutions Manager, Hutcheon & Pearce, said there are about 250 GUSS autonomous sprayers working globally with the machine at Henty one of a few in Australia. 

GUSS uses a combination of GPS, LiDAR sensors, and software to guide safely and efficiently though orchards unmanned. Its intentionally low-profile design, measuring 7 metres in length, 1.9 metres in height and 2.29 metres in width, seamlessly allows tree branches to flow over the top. 

Equipped with a 2,727-litre tank, a 32-nozzle spray manifold with individual shutoffs, 4-wheel drive and 4-wheel steering, and a 14-hour run time powered by a 400-litre fuel cell and 3.8 litre Cummins diesel engine, GUSS keeps moving row after row, field after field, day or night. 

Using the innovative Select Spray^TM technology, GUSS identifies the target tree and applies the precise amount of spray required for optimal coverage, irrespective of height or canopy size. 

This approach minimises material usage and reduces drift during application. Updates on sprayer information, including position, spray rate, and speed, are available in real time to GUSS operators. 

Sheep feedlot and containment specialist Justin Dunn has done it again and come up with The Shepherd Feedlot Auto Drafter, highly commended in the Machine of the Year Award. 

Justin, of Temora, was an entrant in last year’s Machine of the Year Award with the Road Runner, an off grid and solar powered loaded automated feeder with online connectivity, and was the winner of the 2018 Henty Agri-Innovator Award. 

Justin said the new auto drafter is a system that can weigh and draft sheep in a feedlot continuously without leaving their pens.

“The drafter is installed between two pens so lambs who reach target weight can be drafted to the adjacent pen,” he said. 

“This enables lambs to be combined with other lambs of similar weight, reducing stress and shy feeding, and provides continuous data acquisition for marketing and performance. 

“This system significantly reduces stress and risk of injury that often reduces growth performance. 

“Time and labour are also reduced, and the system captures continuous performance data displayed on your mobile phone or web app.”

Warren Scheetz said the design was impressive for increasing animal welfare and labour efficiency.

“You want the stock to be as stress free as possible to optimise weight gain and this eliminates work for the producer, allowing them to electronically move animals from one pen to another once they reach a certain weight. 

“With the potential for a heavy focus on containment feeding over the coming year, this product has a wide scope of application within the sheep industry.”

Mr Scheetz paid tribute to the excellence in design displayed by all entrants, which varied from battery chargers to sprayers and disc chains.

“The competition is very well supported, and we appreciate the interest each year from local and international businesses,” he said. 

Retired farmers with a combined 240 years of volunteering cut the 60^th anniversary cake at the official opening of the Henty Machinery Field Days today.

Bryson Terlich, Table Top, Barry Scholz, Henty, Neil Bahr, Henty, and Kerry Piestch, Pleasant Hills, have all served as HMFD Cooperative members, directors and volunteers since the first field days in 1963, helping shape the field days into the globally renown event it is today.

All continue to give their time during the field days with Bryson manning the forklift/crane hire office, Barry helping out with fuelling up the generators and Kerry overseeing the vintage machinery display while generations of the Bahr family take a hands-on role.

Kotzur Managing Director Andrew Kotzur, of Walla Walla, officially opened the 60^th anniversary field days, also marking 60 years since his family company first exhibited at the event in 1963 at the Henty showground.

“Sixty years ago, a group of famers were keen to improve their harvest quality and gathered at the Henty showgrounds to learn more about the operations of their headers,” Mr Kotzur said.

“When I travel across Australia that same passion is still driving our farmers to improve and make innovations.

“Aussie farmers are truly as good if not better at their craft as any of their global contemporaries.

“Farmers still come in droves to the Henty field days – why is it that has not changed? There is nothing like talking face to face, seeing and touching in real life, having a day out to do some serious business, to enjoy the excitement in person and to take time out to look at machinery and other systems while dreaming about the future of farming.

“This is one of the lessons of COVID – commercial or augmented reality cannot replicate the real country atmosphere we immerse ourselves in at Henty. Virtual reality doesn’t come close to the experience as having a cold beer with a mate at the bar at Henty.

“That’s why I’m confident the Henty field days has such a bright future. This is why this event will continue to play such an important role in our region. 

“On behalf of everyone I thank all those involved in staging the field days, and the service you provide to our rural and regional communities.”

HMFD Chairman Nigel Scheetz paid tribute to the members, volunteers, exhibitors and visitors across six decades of the event.

“The Henty Machinery Field Days as we know it today began as a header school for farmers at the Henty showground in 1961 to show them the finer details about operating their machines to improve their grain samples and general operation tips,” Mr Scheetz said. 

“The success of that day fed the dreams of our founding members, and the first field days were held 60 years ago this year in 1963.

“Members from the early days through until the early 1970s had a vision to provide an event for farmers to learn about advancements in agriculture, to showcase and demonstrate agricultural machinery in the one space at the one event.”

HMFD Chief Executive Officer Belinda Anderson launched an 84-page coffee table style book on the history of the field days.

Written by HMFD Media Manager Kim Woods, the book was compiled to showcase the dedication and positive vision of a small group of farmers from the southern Riverina. 

“The true authors are our founding members, the directors still with us now, all our members working very hard and the staff who have been involved over 60 years, also part of that story is the exhibitors as well,” Mrs Anderson said.

Residents and visitors to Henty Machinery Field Days and surrounds are now enjoying improved mobile coverage and connectivity, with the recent construction of a Telstra mobile base station.

Telstra’s Regional General Manager for Southern NSW Chris Taylor said mobile connectivity was becoming increasingly important for Australians and this was evident in daily network data. 

“Each day we have about 20 million devices using our mobile network and together they make about 60 million phone calls, send 40 million SMS, and use about 8.6 million Gigabytes of mobile data,” Mr Taylor said.

“Co-investment programs such as this, where carriers like Telstra and the government work together to share the cost in bringing new connectivity in regional and rural locations, are really important in helping deliver great connectivity outcomes and enabling all Australians to participate fully in the digital economy.”

The Henty site was built by Telstra as part of the Regional Connectivity Program (RCP), with funding provided by Telstra and the Commonwealth Government.

The new installation which provides 4G and 5G connectivity will help allow the latest in Ag tech to be showcased at the field day event each year and support economic growth and prosperity in the agricultural area of Henty.

However, this base station will be more than a support for the field days, as this permanent facility will provide long term improved coverage and capacity for residents, particularly those living on the western side of the township. 

It will also help provide additional Triple Zero coverage for people on other mobile networks in times of emergencies.

As part of RCP, across Australia Telstra is partnering with the Commonwealth Government to fund the construction or upgrade of 168 sites across 147 different telecommunications projects. 

The projects range from transmission, coverage, and capacity upgrades plus construction of new macro or small cell mobile base stations in blackspot areas.

“As a company, we also heavily invest in improving regional connectivity. Over the past seven years to end June 2022, we have invested around $4 billion in improving our regional mobile network,” Mr Taylor said.

Telstra has over 11,700 mobile base stations covering more than 2.7 million square kilometres, around one million kilometres more than any other mobile network. Nationally the Telstra network provides coverage to 99.6 per cent of the Australian population.

For more information on the Regional Connectivity Program visit: www.infrastructure.gov.au/rcp.

Agriculture remains one of the last industries to fully comprehend and adopt best practices in terms of IP protection, according to specialist firm IP Solved.

The Independent intellectual property focused firm based in Sydney will be attending the Henty Machinery Field Days on September 19-21.

IP Solved provides services in the areas of the creation, protection, commercialisation, enforcement and management of IP rights.

Principal Len Mancini is a patent attorney and also a citrus farmer who is excited to see what this year’s crop of exhibitors have to offer Australian farmers.

“There has been an explosion of innovation in agricultural products and services which has been promoted by all levels of government,” Mr Mancini said.

“We are starting to see dividends of those programs in the form of innovative products and services that give Australian producers the edge in their domestic and international markets.

“In recent years there has been a lot of buzz around emerging technologies like AI, drones, and other data driven crop and stock management technologies.

“This is on top of the usual innovation in the areas of farm machinery, specialised tools and implements. 

“Never before has there been a time when farmers have had so many high tech solutions to everyday issues. 

“It will be good to meet with the producers of these new products and technologies as in a lot of cases they are unaware of what protections could be put in place to prevent them from being copied here by their competitors or their unauthorised adoption in foreign markets.”

Mr Mancini said the regional producers and service providers involved in agriculture remain one of the last industries to fully comprehend and adopt best practices in terms of IP protection.

“There is so much more that could be done to generate IP and derive value from it for their owners and Australian international market places,” he said.

Mr Mancini has many clients in regional Australia who market goods and serves to farmers as well as many regional producers themselves and is well placed to provide advice to clients in these areas.

CLAAS Harvest Centre has entered the agricultural wheeled loader market with the Australian release of three models from the CLAAS TORION range.

The models will be debuted at the Henty Machinery Field Days at a launch at 2pm on Tuesday, September 19 at the CLAAS Harvest Centre site. 

CLAAS has been manufacturing agricultural wheeled loaders and telehandlers in partnership with materials handling specialist, Liebherr, since 2018. 

CLAAS Harvest Centre Product Manager – Materials Handling, Shane Barratt, said the partnership brought together two leaders in their respective fields.

“These machines combine Liebherr’s lengthy experience in construction and materials handling and CLAAS’s expertise in powertrain management and the unique demands of agricultural environments,” he said.

“The end result are high-performance machines that can efficiently, effortlessly and safely move materials across a range of distances and heights, often in constrained spaces.”

The TORION range spans 11 models across three series, three of which are available in Australia: the 1913, 1611 and 1611 P.

“The 1913 has the extra power and lift capacity required for grain handling or filling large loader wagons, while the 1611 and 1611 P models are medium-sized machines that are more suitable for silage clamps and materials handling,” Shane said.

The TORION 1913 has a fuel-efficient four-cylinder, seven-litre Liebherr engine that delivers a maximum output of 222 horsepower.

“Thanks to CLAAS’ ‘low-speed, high torque’ powertrain concept, maximum torque is produced at just 1100 rpm and maximum power at 1150 rpm.

“The dynamic powertrain management, which automatically adjusts the engine output to operating conditions, and the ‘on demand’ engine cooling system further reduce fuel consumption.

“This is linked to a proven, split power CMATIC continuously variable transmission for smooth acceleration without losing traction or the need to shift gears.

“Combined with larger travel pumps and hydrostats for the VARIPOWER drive, this results in extremely smooth driving dynamics.”

The 1913 has a maximum tipping load of 12.5 tonnes when fully articulated and a maximum tipping height of 4.15m.

The maximum hydraulic output of 234 L/min enables faster load cycles of just over five seconds.

The optional high-lift mast extends tipping height to 4.7m.

In addition to a 10cm longer wheelbase, the higher operating weight of 18.5 tonnes provides optimum balance and stability. 

The 1611 and 1611 P are powered by a six-cylinder, 6.8 litre DPS engine that delivers a maximum output of 188 and 252 hp, respectively.

They have a maximum tipping load of 9.4 tonnes or 10.25 tonnes, respectively, when fully articulated and a maximum tipping height of 3.98 m.

The optional high-lift masts boost tipping height to 4.52 m.

The 1911 weighs in at 15.8 tonnes, while the 1911P is 600 kg lighter.

All three models feature Liebherr’s ‘Z-kinematic’ system, which seamlessly jobs the lifting arms, hydraulic rams and pumps into a single operating system for smooth and efficient operation. 

“Kinematics is the study of geometry in motion, a cross between physics and mathematics,” Shane said.

“The 1611 and 1611P incorporate longer lifting arms, larger hydraulic rams and more powerful hydraulic pumps that significantly improve the lifting and holding power over the entire lifting range, allowing larger shovel volumes and heavier bale grabs.

“The working hydraulics allow the mast to be controlled with great precision and safety, while the automated lifting height, bucket return, lowering depth and tipping/shaking functions ensure quick and easy loading with minimal operator effort.

“All models can be equipped with a weighing device with additional memory and back-weighing function.

“The intuitive operating concept means even the most inexperienced operators become highly productive. 

“Inside, the spacious cabs provides 360-degree visibility and plenty of smart functions to reduce fatigue on long working days.” 

8am: Working Dog Trials proudly supported by Hypro, start in the dog trial arena.

8am: Champion axeman and men’s health advocate David Foster appears at Atlantic Oils site. Block P Sites 698-699

9am: Riverina Helicopter’s joy flights begin at the heli pad.

9.30am: Country Lifestyle program begins at the Country Lifestyle pavilion.

9.30am: Farm Gate Market Produce pavilion program begins at the Farm Gate Produce Area.

9.30am: 2023 Media Challenge gets underway with a tractor pull at the Hutcheon & Pearce site. Block M Sites 489-498

9.45am-10.45am: Acoustic duo Happy Hour’s Col Anderson and Anthony Melton entertain at the Farm Gate outdoor stage.

9.50am: Media Challenge fleece throw at the Riverina TAFE site. Block N Sites 562-563

10am: Berkley Super Tank angling show opens with tips and tricks every hour on the hour; Droneland Australia drone demonstration at machinery demo area. 

10.20am: Media Challenge whip crack at The Stump.

10.30am: Australian Army Band Kapooka acoustic ensemble performs at The Stump.

10.30am: World champion Stihl Timbersports athlete Brad De Losa talks all things chainsaws at the Hutcheon & Pearce site 489-498 Block M.

10.40am: Media Challenge scone eating at Country Lifestyle.

11am: Official opening and presentation of the 2023 HMFD Machine of the Year Award at The Stump.

11am: George the Farmer performance at Hutcheon & Pearce site 489-498 Block M; fashion parade at Country Lifestyle and salute to the 1960s mini parade; Circus star Marcela Scheuner will dazzle at the Farm Gate outdoor stage and Harvey Norman drone demonstration at the agronomy plots. 

11.30am: TEKtalk at the TEKFARM Agritech Innovation Hub. “The future of farming: Exploring innovative AgTech solutions”

12 noon-1.30pm: Acoustic duo Happy Hour perform at the Farm Gate outdoor stage.

12.15pm – 1pm: Australian Army Band Kapooka acoustic ensemble performs at The Stump.

1pm: 2023 HMFD Natural Fibres Fashion Awards parade with prize money of over $5500 across all sections. Competition to be judged on Thursday.

1.30pm: Official launch of the new Telstra 4G and 5G mobile base station on site.

2pm: Landpower Australia launch of three new models of the agricultural wheeled loader range, CLAAS Torion, at Claas Harvest Centre at Block Q 736-744.

2pm: Circus star Marcela Scheuner dazzles at the Farm Gate outdoor stage; George the Farmer performance at Hutcheon & Pearce site 489-498 Block M and XAG Australia drone demonstration at the agronomy plots. 

2.30pm: World champion Stihl Timbersports athlete Brad De Losa talks all things chainsaws at the Hutcheon & Pearce site 489-498 Block M.

2.30pm: TEKtalk at the TEKFARM Agritech Innovation Hub. “Beyond Barriers: Overcoming challenges in AgTech Adoption on farms”

2.30pm: Country Lifestyle exhibitor fashion parade and salute to the 1960s mini parade.

5pm: Helicopter joy flights finish. Gates close.

After 5pm: Daily draw of the gate prize sponsored by Lowes Petrolem.

Welcome to the 60^th year that Henty Machinery Field Days has been in operation.

As I think back on what our forebears have experienced in the last 60 years of agriculture in Australia, I can see the same resilience within the Henty Machinery Field Days organization. Agriculture has seen great seasons, positive commodity prices and droughts and recessions during this time.  

Henty Machinery Field Days has experienced the lows of cancellations during the agriculture recession in the early 70’s and again in 2020-2021 because of covid restrictions.  

The resilience of this organisation and its members allowed us to return in 2022 stronger than before with record numbers resulting in the most successful year in our 60-year history.

It gives us great encouragement that our field days still has a place in the hearts of both the farming and non-farming communities alike after our two-year absence.

Former Henty Machinery Field Days secretary and committee member, Milton Taylor CBE, passed away earlier this year.  Milton was instrumental in the initial years of the field days, driving the committee to begin and continue an agricultural field day.  

Milton was also a passionate advocate for agriculture and served on many other committees in the sector. His invaluable contribution the Henty Machinery Field Days the incredibly successful agricultural event that we see today. 

Highlights for all to experience at this year’s field days include Henty Machine of the Year, Greater Hume Council Best Australian Designed and Manufactured Award, Natural Fibre Fashion Awards, Exhibitor Awards, the new AgriTech Innovation Awards, vintage machinery including the Upton tractor display, Baker Seed Co agronomy plots and the popular sheep dog trials. 

Thank you to our sponsors ANZ, Telstra, Barlens, The Border Mail, Dunn’s Twin City Cranes, Redi 2 Hire, RB Sellars, Hutcheon & Pearce, Inspector General for Water Compliance, Lowe’s Petroleum Services, Hypro, Skylift and Maxi-Tankers.

-Nigel Scheetz

HMFD Chairman 

Southern Australia’s single biggest agricultural event, the Henty Machinery Field Days, celebrates its 60^th birthday in 2023 with a program full of the latest in agricultural technology plus entertainment for the family.

The agribusiness super event is scheduled for September 19-21 and will showcase more than $200 million worth of agricultural machinery and products to the nation. 2023 will be the largest exhibition of businesses in the event’s history.

HMFD chief executive officer Belinda Anderson said the event has become an institution on the farming calendar and had over its 60-year history, evolved into the nation’s agricultural shop front.

“In 2022, the field days were one of the nation’s single biggest agricultural events, drawing a record crowd of 70,000 visitors. The event has a proud heritage and the HMFD Co-operative has never lost sight of the primary reason for its existence – to showcase the agricultural industry,” Mrs Anderson said. 

“The field days will have all the usual attractions including the prestigious Henty Machine of the Year Award, the working sheep dog trials, Country Lifestyle pavilion, Farm Gate Produce Market, Baker Seeds agronomy trials, helicopter joy rides, live entertainment, outdoor monster fish tank, the Natural Fibre Fashion Awards and vintage farm machinery display,” Mrs Anderson said.

“2023 will further enhance the visitor experience with displays and features reflecting on the 60 year heritage of the field days.”

The official opening on Tuesday, September 19 will include the presentation of the prestigious Henty Machine of the Year Award while Greater Hume Council will sponsor the Best Australian Designed and Manufactured Machine to be presented on Wednesday, September 20 at 10.30am.

In recognition of NSW’s prominent role in AgTech, the 2023 Henty Machinery Field Days will mark the resurgence of the Agri-Innovators Award in partnership with Farmers2Founders. 

This expansion aims to celebrate and champion the ground-breaking advancements in agriculture.

The award categories are Agritech Innovation of the Year, Emerging AgTech Innovation, Innovative Producer Award, and Female Innovator of the Year, and winners will be announced on Thursday, September 21 at 11am.

National and international agricultural and commercial businesses will be eligible for the HMFD Exhibitor Awards at the 2023 field days.

Awards will be presented on Thursday, September 21 to the winners of the Best Outdoor Large Commercial, Best Outdoor General and Best Indoor Exhibitor sites (Country Lifestyle and Farm Gate Produce Market).

At Country Lifestyle, the stage will be the focus of fashion parades featuring garments from exhibitors daily at 11am and 2.30pm plus a mini parade of clothing from the 1960s, paying homage to Henty’s 60^th birthday.  It will be a step back in time with recipes, cookery and lifestyle tips from the 1960s. 

Designers with a flair for converting natural fibres into wearable art will compete for more than $5500 worth of prizes, including the new Business Development Award: Australian Made Fibre sponsored by JMP Developments, Wodonga, for $500.

The Henty Natural Fibre Fashion Awards showcase designs using at least 70 per cent natural fibres with parades daily at 1pm and the winners announced after 1pm Thursday.

The Farm Gate Produce Market will be a hive of activity of gourmet products direct from regional producers whilst outside on the sound stage is the talented regional duo Happy Hour.

Competition is expected to be intense this year at Henty as the nation’s best sheep dogs and their handlers gather for the Working Dog Trials which are proudly supported by Hypro.

The display by the Henty and District Antique Farm Machinery Club members always draws a large crowd of both young and old visitors, and will include tractors, tillage machinery, stationary engines, farm equipment and vintage motorcycles that would have been on show at the inaugural field days in 1963. For the machinery enthusiasts, there will be a one-off display of the world’s rarest tractors.

Upton Engineering at Corowa was built on the collection of ex-disposals army vehicles, tanks and spares to convert into bulldozers for scrub clearing, but ultimately produced one of Australia’s most famous tractors.

Upton tractor collectors will be bringing their machines from Corowa, Albury, Swan Hill, Ardlethan, and Mudgee.

Field day visitors can see lure and bait fishing techniques demonstrated from one of the biggest mobile fish tanks in the southern hemisphere, the Berkley Super Tank, in the 20-minute shows.

Part portable fishing show, part mobile fish tank and educational program, the 12,000 litre Berkley Super tank is designed to give the public a fish-eye view on the world of anglin

The Henty Machinery Field Days site will benefit from $651,000 in funding received by Telstra under Round 2 of the Regional Connectivity Program to build a new 35m tower to replace a temporary small-cell Telstra service, with the new tower to be completed for the 2023 event.

There will be an ATM courtesy of the ANZ Bank on site 567.

Pre-purchase early bird tickets until September 18 by heading to the visitor’s page on www.hmfd.com.au and click on Buy Tickets. Online prices are $25 + booking fees for adults and $8 + booking fees for children 12 to 17 years. Children under 12 years free when accompanied by an adult. 

Gates are open from 8am to 5pm, with prices for online and gate entry being adult gate tickets $30 inc fees (cash), card $30 inc fees + card charges, children 12 to 17 years $10 inc fees (cash), card $10 inc fees + card charges and children under 12 free when accompanied by an adult. Online tickets can be purchased while in the queue at the gate. 

Tuesday, September 19

9.30am: Useful tips on first aid with St John Ambulance NSW

9.40am: Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network and rural health careers with a special guest and UNSW medical student

9.50am: 60 years of Henty Machinery Field days – retro recipes from the early 1960s.

10am: Lynette Buck makes the perfect scone

10.30am: Scone eating challenge with the media teams.

10.50am: Relationships Australia Canberra and Regional – services on offer to local areas

11am: Fashion parade from the 2023 Country Lifestyle clientele plus mini parade of fashions from the 1960s in recognition of 60 years of the Henty Machinery Field Days

11.40am: Creating conversations, Wellways Aust Ltd

11.50am: Weather matters with Karl Lijnders, all your agricultural weather needs in one location

12.10pm: Riverina Bluebell speaking on mental health and resilience

12.20pm Circus star Marcella Scheuner dazzles on stage

12.25pm: Farm Life Fitness – step back to push forward 

12.45pm: Succession planning for farming families and businesses with Commins Hendriks

1pm: Fashion parade of 2023 Henty Natural Fibres Fashion Awards entries with prize money totalling around $5500. Competition to be judged on Thursday

1.40pm: Regional Lifestyle magazine showcasing the best of rural and regional NSW

1.55pm: How to repot an orchid with Ann Adams

2.15pm: Bosom, belly, bottom, necklines and hemlines with Jo Lucchesi

2.30pm: Fashion parade from our 2022 Country Lifestyle clientele plus a mini parade of fashions from the 1960s in recognition of 60 years of Henty Machinery Field Days

3.10pm: Unlocking nature’s healing power – exploring the therapeutic potential of beta caryophyllene with Julie Collins

3.15pm: North East Silo Art Trail and Street Art – Enjoy Benalla

3.20pm: Useful tips on first aid with St John Ambulance NSW

Wednesday, September 20

9.30am: Relationships Australia, Canberra and Regional, with services they offer in our areas

9.45am: 60 years of Henty Machinery Field Days – life as it was in the early 1960s

10am: Flowers with Love with Judy Knobel

10.30am: Creating conversations – Wellways Aust Ltd

10.40am: How to find flattering and forgiving women’s clothing, no matter your height, shape or size with Jo Lucchesi

11am: Fashion parade from our 2023 Country Lifestyle clientele plus mini parade of fashions from the 1960s in recognition of 60 years of Henty Machinery Field Days

11.40am: Relationships Australia, Canberra and Regional, with services they offer in our areas

11.50pm: Some handy tips on first aid with St John Ambulance NSW

12pm: Riverina Bluebell speaking on mental health resilience

12.10pm: Kimberley Furness, 2022 Vic winner and National Runner-up AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award “Building communities through print”.

12.20pm: Farm Life Fitness – step back push forward

12.40pm: Weather Matters with Karl Lijnders – all your agricultural weather in one location

1pm: Fashion parade of 2023 Henty Natural Fibres Fashion Awards entries with prizes totalling around $5500. Competition to be judged on Thursday

1.40pm: Succession planning for farming families and businesses with Commins Hendriks

1.55pm: Circus star Marcela Scheuner dazzles 

2pm: North East Silo Art Trail and street art – Enjoy Benalla

2.10pm: Unlocking nature’s healing powers, exploring the therapeutic potential of Beta Caryophyllene with Julie Collins

2.15pm: Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network and rural health careers with a special guest and UNSW medical student.

2.30pm: Fashion parade from our 2023 Country Lifestyle clientele plus a mini parade of fashions from the 1960sin recognition of 60 years of Henty Machinery Field Days

3.10pm: You could save a life with some knowledge of CPR

Thursday, September 21

9.30am: Creating conversations, Wellways Aust Ltd

9.40am: Relationships Australia, Canberra and Regional, with services offered in our areas

9.50am: 60 years of Henty Machinery Field Days – step back in time for dinner in the early 1960s

10am: David Post, Riverina Bluebell, speaking on mental health resilience

10.10am: Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network and rural health careers with a special guest and UNSW medical student

10.20am: The best of rural and regional NSW with Regional Lifestyle Magazine

10.35am: Kimberley Furness, 2022 Vic winner and National Runner-up AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award “Building communities through print”.

10.45am: How to find the fit you have been looking for with Jo Lucchesi

11am: Fashion parade from our 2023 Country Lifestyle clientele plus mini parade of fashions from the 1960s in recognition of 60 years of Henty Machinery Field Days 

11.40am: Craft work using mosaics with Lyn Maloney

12.10pm: Circus star Marcela Scheuner dazzles on stage

12.15pm: Jenni Turner, Fox and Lillie, speaks about the wool industry

12.20pm: CWA Group president Carol Grylls speaks about CWA

12.30pm: JMP Developments, one of our Natural Fibres Awards sponsors

12.35pm: Family succession, preserving livelihoods and legacies with Dianna Jacobsen, Shine at Business

1pm: Judging of the 2023 HMFD Natural Fibres Fashion Awards with prizes totalling around $5500 including the Business Development Award.

2.15pm: Relationships Australia, Canberra and Regional, with services offered in our areas

2.30pm: Unlocking nature’s healing powers: exploring the therapeutic potential of Beta Caryophyllene with Julie Collins 

2.40pm: Succession planning for farming families and businesses with Commins Hendriks

2.50pm: North East Silo Art Trail and Street Art - Enjoy Benalla 

2.50pm: Some useful first aid tips with St John Ambulance NSW

Ends 

Tuesday, September 19

Demo Kitchen:

8.30am-9am: Walkabout with vendors with Farm Gate coordinator Ordette Mannering.

10am: Mystery Bay Kelp: As seen on Better Homes & Gardens, Mystery Bay Kelp is an award-winning artisan brand locally produced on the southeast coast of NSW. Hear about all things kelp and wellness that surround this amazing superfood of the sea. Their products are for both humans and pets. 

11am: Little Triffids: Award winning flower farmer and florist Sophie, from Little Triffids, Wagga Wagga, demonstrates and teaches the principles of creating beautiful flower arrangements for your home, using seasonal, local blooms. 

12pm: Ladbroken Distilling Company: Located in Tumbarumba, Ladbroken Distilling Co pride themselves on hand crafting a range of uniquely Australian spirits using locally grown produce. They present a science of cocktails with tips and tricks of cocktail service, gin production, and garnish making demonstration.

1pm: Codemo Smallgoods. John and Lauren Dowling are passionate about agriculture, local produce and regional Australia, crafting traditional, home-grown smallgoods from their own stock. John will talk about the differences in cured meats such as salamis and pancetta.

2pm: Cofield Wines: Cofield Wines is a boutique, family owned and operated winery located in the heart of the Rutherglen wine region. The Cofield family have been treading the vineyards of Rutherglen for over 100 years. 

Farm Gate Outdoor Stage:

9.45am-10.45am: Acoustic duo “Happy Hour” – Anthony Melton and Col Anderson perform.

11am: Circus star Marcela Scheuner will dazzle the crowd.

12pm-1.30pm: Acoustic duo “Happy Hour” – Anthony Melton and Col Anderson perform.

2pm: Circus star Marcela Scheuner will dazzle the crowd.

Wednesday, September 20

Demo Kitchen:

8.30am-9am: Walkabout with vendors with Farm Gate coordinator Ordette Mannering.

10am: Mystery Bay Kelp: As seen on Better Homes & Gardens, Mystery Bay Kelp is an award-winning artisan brand locally produced on the south east coast of NSW. Hear about all things kelp and wellness that surround this amazing superfood of the sea. Their products are for both humans and pets.

11am: All things mushroom: Join fungi enthusiast Tracie MacVean for this illustrated session on the diversity and curiosities of the fungi kingdom. Learn about the anatomy of fungi, the basics of how to identify fungi and common edible, medicinal and toxic mushrooms. On show is an extensive array of local fungi photographs and artwork by Tracie. You will also be able to buy spore prints, ready-made grow buckets and other mushroom products. 

12pm: Ladbroken Distilling Company: Located in Tumbarumba, Ladbroken Distilling Co pride themselves on hand crafting a range of uniquely Australian spirits using locally grown produce. They present a science of cocktails with tips and tricks of cocktail service, gin production, and garnish making demonstration.

1pm: Codemo Smallgoods. John and Lauren Dowling are passionate about agriculture, local produce and regional Australia, crafting traditional, home-grown smallgoods from their own stock. John will talk about the differences in cured meats such as salamis and pancetta.

2pm: Cofield Wines: Cofield Wines is a boutique, family owned and operated winery located in the heart of the Rutherglen wine region. The Cofield family have been treading the vineyards of Rutherglen for over 100 years. 

Farm Gate Outdoor Stage:

9.45am-10.45am: Acoustic duo “Happy Hour” – Anthony Melton and Col Anderson perform.

11am: Circus star Marcela Scheuner will dazzle the crowd.

12pm-1.pm: Acoustic duo “Happy Hour” – Anthony Melton and Col Anderson perform.

2pm: Circus star Marcela Scheuner will dazzle the crowd.

Thursday, September 21

Demo Kitchen:

8.30am-9am: Walkabout with vendors with Farm Gate coordinator Ordette Mannering.

10am: Mystery Bay Kelp: As seen on Better Homes & Gardens, Mystery Bay Kelp is an award-winning artisan brand locally produced on the southeast coast of NSW. Hear about all things kelp and wellness that surround this amazing superfood of the sea. Their products are for both humans and pets. 

11am: All things mushroom: Join fungi enthusiast Tracie MacVean for this illustrated session on the diversity and curiosities of the fungi kingdom. Learn about the anatomy of fungi, the basics of how to identify fungi and common edible, medicinal and toxic mushrooms. On show is an extensive array of local fungi photographs and artwork by Tracie. You will also be able to buy spore prints, ready-made grow buckets and other mushroom products. 

12pm: Ladbroken Distilling Company: Located in Tumbarumba, Ladbroken Distilling Co pride themselves on hand crafting a range of uniquely Australian spirits using locally grown produce. They present a science of cocktails with tips and tricks of cocktail service, gin production, and garnish making demonstration.

1pm: Codemo Smallgoods. John and Lauren Dowling are passionate about agriculture, local produce and regional Australia, crafting traditional, home-grown smallgoods from their own stock. John will talk about the differences in cured meats such as salamis and pancetta.

2pm: Cofield Wines: Cofield Wines is a boutique, family owned and operated winery located in the heart of the Rutherglen wine region. The Cofield family have been treading the vineyards of Rutherglen for over 100 years. 

Farm Gate Outdoor Stage:

9.45am-10.45am: Acoustic duo “Happy Hour” – Anthony Melton and Col Anderson perform.

11am: Circus star Marcela Scheuner will dazzle the crowd.

12 noon-1.30pm: Acoustic duo “Happy Hour’’ – Anthony Melton and Col Anderson perform.

2pm: Circus star Marcela Scheuner will dazzle the crowd.

Please note: No bookings required. All masterclass and demonstrations are free to attend. Tastings will be available for most demonstrations and products available for purchase for exhibitors’ stalls. Times and presenters may be subject to change. Visit HMFD Facebook for updates.

Investing in and deploying agtech on-farm can be daunting but a new program from Farmers2Founders is tackling this challenge head-on by prioritising the needs of farmer and fostering connections between key stakeholders.

Third generation cattle producer and Agtech Program Manager at F2F, Matt Anderson, believes adoption of agtech is a huge opportunity for farmers and F2F TEKFARM ™ offers a unique approach to realise the benefits.

F2F TEKFARM™ focuses on connecting three main participants in the agtech adoption process: producers, intermediaries (such as consultants and industry experts), and agtech providers. 

By addressing the adoption challenges faced by each group collaboratively, F2F TEKFARM™ aims to support Australian farmers in enhancing their sustainability, profitability and productivity through technology adoption.

The program works with farmers to define the problems they face on-farm and their desired technological solutions, facilitates collaborative engagements with relevant tech providers to trial and demonstrate technology, and builds capability across the industry with education and extension initiatives. 

This approach ensure farmers receive technology tailored to their needs and the necessary support to integrate it effectively, maximising its benefits. 

The benefits of F2F TEKFARM™ extend beyond farmers to industry professionals and trusted advisors (e.g. consultants and agronomists). These intermediaries gain the tools and expertise to guide their clients in adopting technology and transforming their farming businesses. 

The program also enables agtech providers to receive valuable feedback from consumers, allowing them to refine their products based on user needs. 

Farmers2Founders is excited to collaborate with farmers, agtech companies, and agricultural advisors and will set up the TEKFARM Agritech Innovation Hub at Henty Machinery Field Days and sponsor the Agri-Innovation Awards.

The awards will include accolades for Agritech Innovation of the Year with other awards to recognise emerging agtech start-ups, innovative producers and the Female Innovator of the Year.

The hub will host TEKtalks each day at 11.30am and 2.30pm providing insights about technologies and how to de-risk adoption. 

Featured technologies include Pairtree Intelligence, Farmo, AirAgri, Cibo Labs and more showcasing transformative solutions for farming operations.

The talks are: Tuesday, 11.30am: “The future of farming: Exploring innovative AgTech solutions”; Tuesday, 2.30pm: “Beyond Barriers: Overcoming challenges in AgTech Adoption on farms”; Wednesday, 11.30am: “Tech farm revolution: embracing AgTech for sustainable agriculture”, Wednesday, 2.30pm: “AgTech Showcase: Discovering the latest tools and techniques for farming success” and Thursday, 2.30pm: “Data driven farming: leveraging data for decision making on farm”.

The Agri-Innovator Awards announcement honouring winners across four categories will take place at The Stump on Thursday, September 21at 11am. Interested participants can visit www.farmers2founders.com/henty-agri-innovators-awards to enter before August 21.

To learn more about the F2F TEKFARM program visit www.farmers2founders.com. Through collaboration and innovation, F2F TEKFARM™ aims to overcome barriers to agtech adoption and unlock greater value for the agricultural sector.

Rarely a day goes by when Bernie Morris isn’t left gobsmacked after reviewing the deadliest of driver dash cam footage as motorists take risks on rural roads they would not in the city.

Lowes Petroleum’s General Manager of Health, Safety, Security and Environment (HSSE), Mr Morris said with over 200 drivers transporting millions of litres of fuel a year across hundreds of thousands of kilometres of rural roads the footage almost makes his heart stop.

“One of our most recent instances show a motorcycle barely missing a fuel tanker head-on after breaking multiple road rules,” he said. 

“It’s crazy what our drivers go through. We have even had footage where it is obvious the person a has pretty much fallen asleep before waking in the nick of time. 

“The figures from the Australian Road Safety Foundation (ARSF) are shocking of how many drivers admitted to not only driving drowsy, but have experienced terrifying moments of microsleep, where they were awake but unable to recall driving. It is equally shocking how many drivers do not plan for rest stops.” 

The leading regional fuel transporter has again pledged its support behind National Rural Road Safety Month creating events at their rural depots, with a quirky inflatable fuel truck, to encourage conversations about our driving on rural roads.

The ARSF’s Rural Road Safety Month, is an annual national awareness campaign highlighting awareness of risky driver behaviour on rural roads.

Mr Morris said Lowes Petroleum took rural road safety personally with almost its entire operation, 500 plus people, regionally based.

“We know from personal experience, when one of our long-time customers died in a car crash a few years ago, just how much a road death impacts communities,” Mr Morris said. 

“It is not an exaggeration to say almost everyone shares the pain: pain that resonates through the community for years.

“The statistics show rural road deaths account for more road deaths than in metropolitan centres. Even more disturbing the figures don’t include private property deaths nor those who later die from a cause relating back to that car accident. Equally shocking are figures for people who are left with lifetime injuries. 

“Most of us go to work each day knowing that our immediate workspace is a safe environment for us to work in. Our drivers don't have that luxury: everyday road conditions, the weather, vehicle issues and the public create dangerous work environments. 

“Our drivers make hundreds of risk decisions daily to ensure that they, and others around them, remain safe. Often there’s a perception that driving on country roads has less risk: that perception is wrong.  

“We need to change the mindset of motorists and curb complacency and change these statistics.”

The Australian Road Safety Foundation (ARSF) has revealed clear driver disregard for safety on regional roads. 

Despite fewer than a third of Australia's population residing outside major ciities, deaths on rural roads accounted for almost two thirds of last year's road toll.

Of the 1188 Australian road deaths acros the last 12 months, 773 (65 per cent) occured on rural roads compared to 415 (35 per cent) were recorded in metropolitan areas.

The main reasons drivers are more likely to break a road rule when in rural areas: Believing it was safe to do so (27 per cent), being distracted (19 per cent) and trusting they won't get caught by police or cameras (9 per cent).

Lowes is a sponsor of the Henty Machinery Field Days. 

It’s been four decades since the town of Corowa punched above its weight when it came to manufacturing the world’s biggest two wheel drive tractors.

Upton Engineering was built on the collection of ex-disposals army vehicles, tanks and spares to convert into bulldozers for scrub clearing, but ultimately produced one of Australia’s most famous tractors.

In 2023 the Henty Machinery Field Days is hosting a one-off gathering of Upton tractors – now considered amongst the rarest in the world.

Just eight Upton MT-855s were built as designer Carl Upton worked on each individual tractor himself with the help of staff, making them to order.

Upton tractor collectors will be bringing their machines from Corowa, Albury, Ardlethan, Swan Hill Mudgee and Dookie. The display has been generously sponsored by the Australia-wide Refuelling Solutions.

Field day visitors will be able to see the first tractor, Heavy Harry, built in the early 1960s by business founder Arthur Upton using a Japanese UD diesel engine and tank transmission and final drive.

Heavy Harry is now owned by Steve Pleming, Edge Machining, Dookie, Vic. It was first publicly demonstrated at Urana in 1967.

Mudgee collector Robert Allen has three Upton tractors in the family is bringing a MT-855 to Henty, while other MT-855s will come from Andrew Taylor, Ardlethan and Allan Arthur, Albury and Upton 180s will come from Bill Petzke, Corowa, and Doug Carroll, Swan Hill. 

Robert Allen’s tractor was manufactured in 1976, was the first model to have a V8 Scania engine and originally sold to Western Australia. He purchased the tractor in 2020 and fully restored it. 

“Our family farm was at Boorhaman, and was sold to move to Mudgee. At the clearing sale, Dad was left with a Minneapolis Moline tractor with a kerosene engine. He took it to Corowa had a UD engine fitted by Upton’s.

“I was impressed by the Upton’s yard full of army machinery.” Robert went on to collect three Upton tractors and says it’s a bit like fishing with “the excitement in the finding”.

Andrew Taylor’s family links with Upton Engineering go back to the 1960s when his father Lawrence built a tractor using army surplus parts from the firm. Andrew will be driving the tractor from Ardlethan to Henty via the back roads. 

Bill Petzke’s Upton 180 tractor was used for many years pulling scrub and stumps in the Mallee at Pinnaroo, SA, and remains in original working condition.

“I live in Corowa and wanted a bit of history – they were the biggest two-wheel drive tractor in the world,” Mr Petzke said.

He purchased the tractor from the Muirhead family at Pinnaroo about five years ago after it had been bought by the Muirhead’s from a dealer in Mildura. 

Still bearing its original mushroom pink paintwork, the 180hp tractor has a Nissan UD43 4.9L 4-cylinder engine and 21 speed transmission.

Carl Upton will have a display of memorabilia and history of his involvement with the design and build of the tractor. 

Corowa engineer Daryl Leahy built Heavy Harry with a 671 Series GM but switched to UD diesel engines after a visit to Japan by Arthur Upton.

“We originally built the tractor as a demonstration vehicle for the engine,” he said.

“At the time the biggest, most powerful rubber tyred tractor in Australia was made by John Deere and Allis Chalmers at around 110hp.

“Everyone needed a bit more horsepower so they could double up on the tillage machinery behind.

“The 180hp made that possible. The idea of Heavy Harry was to demonstrate the engine for repowering existing tractors, trucks and buses.”

Mr Leahy said the distinctive mushroom pink colour scheme of the early units was designed to differentiate away from other brands in red and green.

The Model 225 Upton tractor was offered in 1969 with a UD 225hp supercharged engine, and rubber torsion block front axle suspension.

The first of the MT-Series was built in 1976 and fitted with a Hercules six cylinder 200HP engine but a few months later was repowered with a Cummins NTC-290.

Still a two-wheel drive tractor, the MT sold for $48,000 in 1976 – the following year at the Henty Machinery Field Days it sported a V8 Scania 300hp engine. 

The two-wheel drive tractor matched the performance of a 310hp 4WD Steiger Panther at Henty.

Carl’s vision of building the world’s biggest two wheel drive tractors unfolded with the MT Series. The MT Series were custom built machines designed to take any 200 to 300 hp engine – Scania, Cummins, GM, Mercedes or Caterpillar.

Fitted with a 200-gallon tank, the tractor could work day and night between fills. The fuel tank weighed 1.5 tonnes empty and was built of 5/8 inch thick steel plate.

The mighty HT 14/350 was launched in 1978 as the world’s largest two wheel drive tractor – the biggest yet designed by Carl and with a 350hp engine, 14-speed Spicer gearbox and Eaton drive head into an Australian built final drive.

Today, the HT 14/350 is owned by a farmer at Goolwa, SA.

Carl had drawn concept plans for a 4WD tractor up to 600hp but a downturn in the rural economy and the company’s expansion into irrigation equipment resulted in tractor manufacturing cease in 1981.

Field day visitors will be able to see the Upton tractor display on the machinery demonstration area next to the agronomy plots. 

International circus star Marcela Scheuner is back to dazzle field day visitors with her hoop routine.

The 28-year-old grew up in Henty and considers performing at the field days an honour.

With 22 years of circus training behind her, Marcela has an impressive resume from years of coaching, directing and creating as well as performances at the Sydney Opera House, Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre, Melbourne’s Exhibition Centre, Sydney’s Seymour Centre, Adelaide’s Tandanya Theatre, New Zealand’s te Auaha theatre, all over Queensland and Victoria in a Big Top.

She comes to Henty in 2023 fresh from touring with Wonderland Entertainment and is on the road with traditional group, Eronis Circus.

“I feel as if Henty has watched me grow as an artist and a person over the years - I’ve been performing and attending the field days for as long as I can remember and it’s such an honour to be welcomed back,” Marcela said.

“It’s the event I look forward to the most each year, it’s lots of fun – I revolve my availability for work around these dates.”

Marcela has built her independent career through many corporate gigs around NSW and Victoria, and working with Kindred Circus to deliver performances and workshops to remote indigenous areas throughout SA and NT.

Most recently Marcela played Tinkerbell with Wonderland Entertainment production of Circus Wonderland, A Neverland Adventure, which won a weekly award for Best Kids and Family Show at the 2023 Adelaide Fringe Festival.

Marcela was co-founder and creator of the show BOSS SQUAD, where Adelaide’s Point and Flex Circus and Albury-Wodonga Wildhouse Circus joined forces to create one epic, all female, inspiring, powerful and high intensity acrobatic production.

BOSS SQUAD won two Best Circus and Physical Theatre awards at the 2020 and 2021 Adelaide Fringe Festival. 

With five successful seasons at the Adelaide Fringe Festival, Melbourne’s Side Sault Festival, Falls Festival, Browerville Festival and the New Zealand Fringe Festival, it is just the beginning for these award-winning acrobats.

Marcela will be appearing each day at the field days in roving street performances around the site, including the Farm Gate and Country Lifestyle stages.

All a farmer’s refuelling requirements can be answered by the team from Maxi-Tankers at the Henty Machinery Field Days.

“Excitement always builds around finding a customer’s solution to fuel or tank needs, and after a chat with any of the sales team, the relief of organising fuel and storage needs, will be met and realised,” Refuelling Solutions (RFS) regional business development manager Paul Swinton said. 

“The RFS team will take the pressure off fuel delivery schedules or storage tank refuelling, because that’s what we do, and we do it with consideration of your business and your accessibility,” he said. 

“Leave the farm gate open and our Maxi Tanker will be there to guarantee equipment is refuelled so your business or farm can keep operating.

“This year we also sponsored diesel fuel for the Upton Tractor Exhibition, enabling the older tractors to get to the show. 

“On the morning of Wednesday, September 20, Carl Upton and many of the farming personalities of earlier times, will be at the exhibition, so pop in for a chat and view some of the historic machinery that worked our land and fed our communities.”

The Refuelling Solutions group of companies are also committed to a cleaner and sustainable future via the introduction of biodiesel and renewable fuels.   

And in collaboration with the NSW Department of Primary Industries recently provided HVO100 to showcase the first hybrid electric/renewable diesel truck in a government fleet.

The truck also attended the recent AgQuip field days in Gunnedah, offering free haircuts using hydrogen fuel cell powered equipment.  

For further enquiries contact either Michael Cashen or John O’Conner at the Climate Branch of the DPI/Agriculture in Wagga Wagga.

“We look forward to seeing you at the Show, Site 154-155 Block E where any one of our representatives will be happy to help in providing a solution to your refuelling needs,” Mr Swinton said.

The speed and excitement of the underhand chop, stock saw, single buck and hot saw will all be showcased by Timbersports world champion Brad De Losa on the Hutcheon & Pearce site at the Henty Machinery Field Days.

For Brad De Losa Timberpsorts was a not a sport on the top of this list as a youngster, he experimented with many sports as a child before being encouraged to come along to a local wood chop competition in Lithgow by a family friend. 

While he still wasn’t grabbed by the sport, he won his first title in the under 18s and was encouraged by his family and peers to return the following year. 

In the early 2000s Timbersports was not a competition in Australia, meaning he had to travel to the US to participate in the sport. 

Fast forward to today and Brad boasts an impressive resume with two Individual World Championships, three World Champions Trophies, seven Team World Champion titles, three National Pro Champion titles, and the winner of the 2022 National Trophy.

In Brad’s Timbersports field day demonstration, Henty visitors will be able to see the underhand chop, where the competitor swings an axe inches from their feet into a pine log being held horizontally in a metal cradle.

“This is where we like to get the audience involved at our Mini Timbersports demos at field days, to guess how many swings of the axe it takes to cut through the pine,” Brad said.

“Next up is the stock saw event which uses STIHL MS660 chainsaws, the second most powerful saws that STIHL builds, and the competitor must make two whole cuts through the wood. 

“Then we have the single buck event sometimes known as the "Misery Whip," by competitors. This is where we also like to get the audience involved and have two participants try their hand at the single buck saw. 

“The final event and the loudest of the demos is the Hot Saw, which uses a customised chain saw with modified engine, is the quickest of the events, the competitor makes three cuts within six inches of wood; so precision is key.

“This event while a favourite is also the most difficult discipline. Come along and see all the excitement.”

The future of Australian agriculture is in good hands when a pair of them belong to The Scots School Albury Year 10 student Sarah Parry.

As an annual Henty Machinery Field Days goer, Sarah is looking forward to once again immersing herself in all things rural at Henty as part of her Agriculture studies at Scots. 

A group of Year 9, 10 and 11 Agriculture students from Scots will complete a series of questions and tasks that align to the content they are learning in their Ag studies. And it is the perfect opportunity for them to investigate potential agricultural career options.

Sarah is destined for a life in agriculture - perhaps studying agriculture science or rural science straight out of school - with a plan to return to her family farm in the longer term. 

The Scots boarder hails from a sheep and cropping farm in Sandigo, about 20km out of Narrandera in the heart of the Riverina. 

Sarah’s father died when she was three years old and her mother, Kate, went solo in running the family farm which incorporates their home block Glengarry, and two other properties Gleneslea and Coonoor. 

Kate runs Merino and first cross ewes and grows wheat, barley and canola on rotation plus a mixed species crop for sheep feed. She used to run a large herd of beef cattle but sold them off in 2019 after years of drought and has expanded to a sheep share farming arrangement instead. Kate also looks after Sarah’s horses whilst she is at school.

Sarah is a weekly boarder at Scots. She makes the two-hour journey home on Friday nights and back on Monday mornings to take advantage of the flexibility Scots offers - an academic focus during the week and the ability to return to her horses and the family properties on the weekend.

“It was a big change when I came to Scots in Year 7,” Sarah said. “It was a big uplift in academic work, but all the teachers were willing to help me catch up. I really love being a boarder; I love the routine of the boarding house and knowing what’s going on in the school. The support for Prep at night is valuable because there’s always someone around who can help.”

Sarah hopes to study agriculture or rural science beyond school. She is mindful working in agriculture can be so much more than returning to the family farm although that option is also appealing - eventually.

“I love working with animals and where we live,” Sarah said. “There’s a lot to be said for small communities - people are always so friendly and willing to lend a hand. I have some really good friends in our little community.”

Sarah is a regular competitor for the Scots Equestrian Team at the Scots Equestrian Interschool Challenge, which this year was held at the Albury Wodonga Equestrian Centre in May 2023.

The event caters to riders from NSW and Victoria interested in dressage, showjumping, show riding, novelties and handymount. It is a qualifying event for riders who want to compete at either the NSW or Victorian State Interschool Championships and is the only interschool event in the region.

The Australian made Midwest Legacy model Draper Platform is an entry in the coveted Henty Machine of the Year Award. 

With the introduction of the new model Legacy range, Midwest Fabrication of Dalby, Qld, continues to be a leader in innovative design of dependable and durable harvesting equipment, being the only global manufacturer to offer 18.3m cutting width for class 10 and 11 combines during the past decade. This now includes the JD X9 class 10 and 11 combine.

Continued work and sheer tenacity at Midwest, coupled with loyal customer feedback has resulted in making these world firsts a reality.

The Midwest designed draper front range performs effortlessly through all crops and across uneven terrain, melon hole and gilgai country, while following the ground contour without the use of any electronic sensors, ensuring effective total cutting and gathering. 

The crop is cut and dropped straight onto the draper belt without having to jump a crude hump behind the knife. Using a Midwest designed patented centre ball pivot, the main frame has five degrees of lateral tilt and a purpose-built feeder house adaptor with 125mm of vertical float suspension. 

It combines not only lateral tilt but also a vertical float component working seamlessly together, allowing the platform to float independently of the combine harvester traversing all terrain contours.

Large strategically placed land wheels carrying up to 40 per cent of the weight off the combine and the optional outer extremity skid wheels maintain ease of operation. 

Midwest is the standout market leader in wide grain draper platforms being the only world manufacturer of 50 foot cutting width starting in 2007. 

Midwest cutting platforms are adding value and lowering cost of ownership and are represented locally by dedicated farm machinery dealers in every state.

The celebrations for the Farmall are continuing at the Henty Machinery Field Days where visitors will have the opportunity to enter a competition to win a Farmall 60B tractor, valued at $45,000 and the competition is free to enter. 

Case IH’s well-loved Farmall turns 100 this year with its reputation for toughness and versatility standing the test of time.

This year’s centenary is a chance for the brand, Farmall owners and collectors of the iconic tractor to celebrate the long history of the machine, and honour its place in the advancement of farming around the world.

Case IH Australia and New Zealand Product Manager for Mid Horsepower and Compact Tractors Seamus McCarthy said it was an exceptional opportunity for one lucky winner.

“The tractor giveaway initiative is part of the Farmall 100-year celebrations. The reason we selected the 60B for the competition is that it’s one of the most popular Farmall tractors and is something that will be not only valuable but also useful for the prospective owner,” he said. 

Seamus urged visitors the Henty Machinery Field Days to look for the Case IH display for their opportunity to enter at the site. 

Over the last 100 years the Farmall has continued to raise the bar for agricultural machinery, achieving some significant milestones along the way. In the 1940s, Farmall introduced the world’s first diesel row crop tractor; later that same decade, in 1947, the one millionth Farmall rolled off the assembly line. 

In 1965 it became the first 2WD row crop tractor to exceed 100 horsepower, and in 1974 Case IH sold the five millionth Farmall, the first tractor to ever reach that number.

In July, Farmall tractor collectors from across Australia helped put the community of Inverell on the map with a turnout of dozens of Farmall tractors setting a new Guinness World Record title for the largest parade of Farmall tractors with tractors from the 1930s right up the current model Farmall’s participation in the record attempt.

Case IH Australia and New Zealand General Manager Aaron Brett said the adrenaline was running for all participants as they started the record attempt and to finally achieve the unique milestone was a big moment in the centenary celebrations.

“We always wanted to hold a special celebration for our Farmall tractor, and the record success has really been the icing on the cake,” Mr Brett said.

“The Farmall is a much-loved tractor right around the world, including Australia and New Zealand, where it fulfills a range of tasks in so many different farming operations. Whether it’s a utility tractor for a broadacre operation, or the principal tractor for a small horticulture business, it’s importance and relevance across so many decades is really unmatched for any other tractor model.”

The AGRIBIN Semi Bin is the latest in the popular AGRIBIN range which includes the best-selling Road Train Bin and Fertiliser Bin.

An entry in the Henty Machine of the Year Award, the AGRIBIN range is renowned as the most affordable field bin on the market with farming led ingenuity providing exceptional on-farm efficiency.

AGRIBIN has on-farm grain storage covered from storing grain during harvest to handling fertiliser whilst spreading.

 AGRIBIN focuses on delivering the maximum efficiency advantage when it is needed most.

The Semi Bin offers a new grain management solution with 40 cubic metre capacity. The Semi Bin is tailored specifically for Australian farmers with ease of access and labour saving a top priority. This reliable storage alternative is expertly designed to navigate narrow country roads and other challenging work environments with ease.

Equipped with a powerful 13-inch auger, the Semi Bin ensures faster and more efficient emptying which saves valuable time during the busy harvest season. Grain is handled swiftly and steadily, therefore, optimising operations and maximising productivity.

“Labour and general cost saving was a key factor in the design which requires only a single pilot transportation and operation. Another key advantage is the minimal maintenance and service requirements which also impacts on the overall profitability at both harvest and seeding time,” AGRIBIN managing director Craig Wallace said.

Based in Cowra, NSW, AGRBIN is known for providing exceptional field bins and outstanding value for money. Australian owned and made, AGRBIN field bins are bigger, faster and safer.

Founded more than 90 years ago, the Austrian Bauer Group is considered the oldest and most experienced irrigation manufacturer in the world.

This year at Henty they have an entry in the Machine of the Year Award, the Rainstar T42 and T32, a hard hose irrigator and centre tower for pivots, released onto the market in 2023.

Thousands of farmers are proud owners of Bauer Rainstar, Centreliner, Linestar and Center Pivots such as TRT Pastoral who runs five Bauer pivots in Mansfield or Lamoo Pastoral who runs five Rainstar T42 machines, Global Turf in Tatura has one Bauer Centre Pivot and a Rainstar T42 or AML Turf in Rutherglen with one Bauer Centre Pivot and three Rainstar T32 machines. 

The Sheather family, Corryong, run a dairy farm and have a Bauer 4000 series centre pivot irrigating for over 20 years and have recently installed a new Bauer Center Pivot on their property. 

Bauer is one of the global market leaders in irrigation technology and a total of more than 2.5 million hectares are irrigated by Bauer systems globally. In 1970 Bauer developed the hard hose irrigation system called Rainstar and in the late 1970s, the first low pressure pivot and linear systems were introduced.

Today Bauer offers a complete range of modern irrigation machines corresponding to the latest digital solutions for smart irrigation management.

Bauer Products are manufactured in Austria or in one of the worldwide subsidiaries applying fully automated, precise production processes according to the highest quality criteria and standards.

The Bauer Group consists of 16 companies worldwide and employs in total around 890 people and is proud of its strong presence in Australia with a Bauer Australia subsidiary located in Melbourne. 

The Bauer Australia sales, service and spare parts team is available to help dealers and farmers for their requirements across the nation. Warehouses are offering enough spare parts to keep Bauer products functioning at all times.

South Australian farmers wanting a safer and more effective way of feeding stock contributed to an entry in the Henty Machine of the Year Award. 

The Haymate range was developed in Keith, SA, in collaboration with local farmers, by All Custom Engineering Fabrication founder, Andrew Martin.

Hundreds of hours of work were put into the design, manufacture and constant development of the Haymate to hit all requirements. 

These included being lightweight enough to be able to be towed over all terrains, while also keeping its strength to hold the weight of hay; being able to feed out both square and round bales from silage to high-density on the same machine; and the ability to be towed behind either a heavy-duty vehicle, tractor, FEL or JCB whilst on or between properties, thus saving time and equipment savings.

Through many trials and modifications, the first Haymate machine was born, the Haymate DR5500. It is a machine with fully integrated hydraulic components capable of feeding livestock from the comfort of a heavy-duty vehicle using remote control technology. Feeding out can now be operated safely and easily with just a single person. 

Designed for ease of maintenance and greatest reliability, the Haymate has only one size Japanese bearing throughout, high-quality hydraulics and a genuine Honda (when available) or a vertical-drive Kawasaki engine.

Tri-axle load share suspension with newly in-house designed suspension side support bracing for added durability and 16-inch wheels gives the Haymate one of the best unloading and loading abilities without loading weight to the towing vehicles.

The Haymate range now consists of two tractor-driven models and two fully integrated hydraulic models with full remote operation, including engine starting and stopping from the same remote control.

The Haymate range has a fully integrated modular design of the chassis to allow all models to be made from one base model, enabling easy future upgrades thanks to the fully innovative bolt-together design.

An autonomous orchard sprayer the result of a joint venture between John Deere and GUSS, a California-based technology company, is an entry in the Henty Machine of the Year Award.

Entered by Hutcheon & Pearce, the Global Unmanned Spray System (GUSS) integrates autonomous navigation, precision spraying capabilities, and intelligent data analysis.

GUSS empowers a single operator to oversee up to eight sprayers from the safety of the vehicle. This ground-breaking machine not only enhances productivity, precision, and efficiency but also reduces operational costs, overhead expenses, and most importantly, ensures the safety of workers. 

GUSS uses a combination of GPS, LiDAR sensors, and software to guide safely and efficiently though orchards unmanned. Its intentionally low-profile design, measuring 7 metres in length, 1.9 metres in height and 2.29 metres in width, seamlessly allows tree branches to flow over the top. 

GUSS uses proven dependable parts that growers know and trust. Equipped with a 2,727-litre tank, a 32-nozzle spray manifold with individual shutoffs, 4-wheel drive and 4-wheel steering, and a 14-hour run time powered by a 400-litre fuel cell and 3.8 litre Cummins diesel engine, GUSS keeps moving row after row, field after field, day or night. 

Utilising the innovative Select Spray^TM technology, GUSS identifies the target tree and applies the precise amount of spray required for optimal coverage, irrespective of height or canopy size. This approach minimises material usage and reduces drift during application. Updates on sprayer information, including position, spray rate, and speed, are available in real time to GUSS operators. 

In the event of an issue, GUSS promptly halts operations and alerts the operator through visual and audible notifications, directing immediate attention to the exact problem. Furthermore, when operators are near GUSS while wearing the GUSS safety vest, the driving mechanisms are automatically disabled, ensuring utmost safety. 

GUSS has been engineered to be user-friendly for existing on-farm personnel, enabling most growers to be up and running within a matter of hours. 

GUSS efficiently operates in almond, walnut, pistachio, tree fruit, and citrus orchards and can be purchased through Hutcheon and Pearce. 

GUSS marks a significant milestone in the journey towards sustainable and intelligent farming practices. 

Its ground-breaking features and advanced technologies usher in a new era of orchard spraying, revolutionising the industry while ensuring the well-being of workers, minimising resource consumption and maximising efficiency. 

FarmTech is set to debut the newly released Ausmix XL26 Fibrex 26-cube feed mixer to the industry at Henty in the 2023 Machine of the Year Award. 

Ausmix has been producing feed mixers out of Wodonga for the last three years with over 60 mixers having been supplied across Australia.

“Our chassis, bowl, augers and conveyor are designed and built inhouse with the driveline being outsourced to a reputable Italian supplier,” FarmTech northern Victoria and South Australian territory manager Liam Talbot said. 

“As we manufacture these units in Australia, we have a warehouse stocked with parts ensuring any breakdowns or issues are fixed in a prompt manner.

“The XL26 is expected to be the flagship model with full customisability to suit any farming operation.

“With a release date in mid-August, the first unit will be displayed at Henty.”

With Australian farmers aways looking for ways to increase profitability and reduce feed costs, Ausmix has developed extra wide bowls to work in concert with the Fiber-X augers to break down big bales and mix them to a final Total Mixed Ration. 

Ausmix knives are heat-treated with tungsten carbide, allowing them to be thinner, lighter and tougher than ever before. 

Ausmix tubs are designed to last in the harshest Australian conditions and are made with thick steel plates all around: 20mm on the floor and 10mm on the walls. The wall’s angled slope works to help funnel materials into the centre of the tub. 

Together with the centripetal motion from augers, materials fall deeper into the mixer, ensuring maximum blade contact, significantly reducing time, fuel and effort. 

Ausmix XL series mixers come in both a standard wide body (2.5m) and extra-wide 2.65m body. The latter option gives the larger, denser bales more space, reducing any material being thrown out. 

The mixers have a drive-train equipped with a heavy-duty gearbox with the ability to handle high torque loads, propelling the augers through big bales and mixing all fodder types with a consistent result. 

Key innovations include a front feeding conveyor belt which can either be steel slats or a rubber belt and side elevator options, all on a heavy-duty reinforced chassis. 

The Brookfield® OmniBin OB400 features a new Enclosed Conveyor allowing more efficient, autonomous and safe operation during key sowing and harvesting periods throughout the year making it the ultimate farm asset when getting grain quickly to the silos.

“The inbuilt nature of the Enclosed Conveyor removes the need for another auger or shifter on the air-cart. Designed for single-person sowing, it can also be used during spreading and harvest to move grain on-farm or to grain receival points. And being enclosed this means every precious grain is saved,” Brookfield managing director Craig Wallace said. 

“The fully remote-control hydraulic swing, lift and lowering of the conveyor provides labour efficiency and further allows for safe and effective single-person operation. 

“With a unique low centre of gravity and high capacity, rear delivery conveyor belt and fully remote control, the OmniBin now with an Enclosed Conveyor is the safest, cleanest and simplest bin available. 

“At Brookfield, we believe farming equipment needs to be quality built for Australian conditions and it also needs to address the problems farmers are facing with a lack of available labour.”

Mr Wallace said many Australian farmers had been operating with an increasingly low workforce for decades.

“Brookfield is keenly aware of this in the design and production of all our equipment and has continued to meet the increasing demand for well-designed multi-purpose, one-person operation equipment in the OB400 with conveyor.”

The Brookfield® OmniBin OB400 is an entry in the Henty Machine of the Year Award. 

The dynamic duo of the Flexi-Coil 7200 Air Drill and 60 Series Air Cart have been making waves in the agricultural industry and are an entry in the 2023 Henty Machine of the Year Award. 

The 7200 Air Drill showcases the pinnacle of modern engineering and has been put through rigorous testing to receive the stamp of approval from Australian farmers.

Its standout features include a user-friendly depth adjustment mechanism and unparalleled crop emergence, distinguishing it from other equipment in the agricultural industry. 

The newly designed row unit is a testament to the state-of-the-art design, durability, and manufacturing quality. It boasts an industry-leading true Parallel Link row unit for optimum ground following, ensuring optimum seed to fertiliser placement.

This in turn leads to unmatched crop emergence. The 1:1 seed to fertiliser placement is maintained throughout the movement of the row unit, making it a reliable choice for farmers. 

The 7200 Air Drill also excels in high residue conditions, offering industry leading trash flow.

It’s designed to pair seamlessly with the 60 Series air carts, creating a powerful combination delivering superior seed metering accuracy and industry-leading sectional control.

The 7200’s fold-back design ensures safe, easy transport and storage. It also features ISObus machine control for convenient, user-friendly machine control. 

And for those who need a larger set up, there’s an option for up to 80’ available for tow-between and tow-behind air cart setups.

The 60 Series Air Cart offers capacities up to 33,477 litres and features the patented FlexRate Section control.

The quick fill conveyor with remote control is a game changer, making the filling process faster and more efficient.

A small ruminant bulk handler designed to help graziers drench, vaccinate, tag and mark goats and sheep in remote locations is an entry in the Henty Machine of the Year Award.

The Small Ruminant Bulk Handler has been entered by Offsider Ag Equipment which designs, builds and markets innovative livestock handling equipment.

The handler meets both market need and improves animal husbandry and operator safety.

Based out of Killarney in southern Queensland, Offsider Ag has revolutionised the manual livestock handling business.

It is home of the stand-up calf marking cradle, the Spin-a-Calf, highly commended in the Machine of the Year Award 2019, and the NAB Business Innovation Award for the M Squeeze Cattle Crush.

This year at Henty, Offsider Ag will launch the Small Ruminant Bulk Handler which features a V race and a drop away floor.

It is operated without the need for electricity or air, making it easy to transport across several sets of yards and to use in remote locations.

Like all Offsider Ag Equipment products, the handler has been tested in commercial and stud situations, and the feedback from users has been incorporated into the design.

Recognising the challenge facing small ruminant graziers with the induction of eID, the handler was developed to be cost effective, safe way for farmers to be compliant.

Built from Australian steel, the handler has an entry ram to allow the animals a calm entry with the 8m long unit uses a drop away floor to rest the animals on their belly effectively immobilising them.

The operator then disengages the safety barrier, giving them full side access to the animal. On completion of the task, the operator re-engages the safety barrier and disengages the v panels and the animals are free to exit the handler.

Compatible with small ruminants from rangeland goats to Merinos, the handler keeps both animal and handler safe, improving both processing times and animal safety.

A customisable hoeing machine from Lemken is an entry in the prestigious Henty Machine of the Year Award.

The EC-Weeder provides a choice between numerous inter-row and intra-row tool options to match local soil conditions.

The hydraulically operated parallelogram elements allow section control and flexible adaption to changing soil conditions.

The EC-Weeder can be customised with tools depending on individual needs and local conditions, while IC-Light camera control provides a steering system that is not only precise but also supports comfortable, stress-free crop care work.

Space for crop plants to grown can be created even more easily by using the IC-Light camera control specially developed by Steketee for the EC-Weeder or EC-Steer.

The three key components, that is, camera, terminal including job computer and the parallel steering frame, allow fatigue-free, precise work event at night.

The system precisely controls the steering of the hoeing machine between the rows to minimise damage to crop plants. 

Data is collected not only from camera images but also by an angle sensor, speed sensor and lift sensor. This makes the steering particularly precise.

The EC-Steer parallel steering frame makes controlling the hoeing machine a breeze.

Whether you have a third-party machine or an EC-Weeder – EC-Steer allows the operator to upgrade any hoeing machine with a steering system controlled via an in-cab joystick or with the IC-Light camera control.

This is particularly advantageous if the operator wants to use hoeing machines for various row widths with a single steering system.

An entrant in the Henty Machine of the Year Award, the Prairie Special sprayer comes in a wide range of sizes and configurations, maintaining the simple to use philosophy that’s seen this model become one of the most popular sprayers Goldacres manufacture. 

The Prairie Special was introduced into the Goldacres range in the mid 90s - today the name lives on but it’s a totally new beast, the large frame Prairie Special now consists of 4000, 5000, 6500, 8500 and 10,000L tank capacities with boom sizes 24m to 36m.

Clever in design, simple in functionality, the special shares many design elements of its high-tech brother, the recently released Prairie Pro Series 2.

The paint system on all Goldacres sprayers is a three-step process for excellent strength paint adhesion and chemical resistance. All steelwork is shot blasted, primed and topcoat sealed then baked to a hard waring shiny finish.

The standard jack fitted on the sprayer is a manual wind or there is the option of an hydraulic version.

A 2 or 3m axle can be fitted to the 4000, 5000 and 6500L sprayers while a 2.2-3m axle is fitted to the 8500 and 10,000L models. Other widths are available on request.

Hydraulic brakes are optional on all models up to and including 8500L and are a standard fitment on 10,000L.

Goldacres large trailers feature possibly the quickest filling systems available today.

The Fast Fill workstation incorporates all external sprayer functions into one location, and gives the operator control of two separate plumbing circuits, fresh water going into the sprayer and directing flow from the pressure side to each internal system.

The fill point is three inches with an optional one-metre-high flow hydraulic centrifugal pump offering flow rates of up to 1150L/minute. 

It is easy to service with removable steel covers which also provide protection for tap and lever controls.

Getting chemical into the sprayer has never been simpler of quicker with the 60L induction hopper.

The hopper features a chemical probe connection point in the base, or the operator can tip granular or liquid chemical into the hopper tank.

Tests have shown this hopper can transfer water at the rates of at least 150L/min. A foot valve is fitted to transfer chemical into the sprayer tank and for safety, the hopper tank features both tank and drum rinse valves, a wash down gun is also fitted as standard.

An optional 12-volt chemical transfer pump is also available with flowrates up to 40L/min. Neatly housed and controlled via the fast fill workstation, the transfer pump can handle liquid chemicals of varying viscosities.

Suction on the sprayer is done via a high-capacity three-inch suction filter, a three-way ball valve enables suction from either freshwater tank, used when cleaning the system or from the main product tank to either a diaphragm or centrifugal pump.

Goldacres have used and recommended positive displacement Udor diaphragm pumps for over 30 years, standard fitment is the proven Zeta 260 in either PTO or Hydraulic drive or for higher flow applications you can choose an Arag Multistage centrifugal pump with around 400L/min.

From the pressure side of the pump flow is directed to either tank agitation or tank rinse nozzles when sucking from the freshwater tank.

A two-inch filter is fitted for flow heading to the boom which features a flushing circuit to aid cleaning duties.

The boom fitted to the large frame Prairie Special Series 2 is the proven TriTech in widths of 24, 28, 30 and 36m.

TriTech booms have continually raised the bar in terms of boom stability delivering outstanding spray application. The boom features the unique TriTech suspension to dampen the forces of yaw, roll ad pitch. Hydraulic yaw cylinders stiffen the forward and backward movement of the boom while dampeners control the boom roll. The pitch (up and down) movement is controlled via hydraulic accumulators in the lift cylinders circuit. 

For greater boom control an optional five-sensor radar boom height control system can be fitted.

One inch boom plumbing is fitted for both higher application rates but also to reduce pressure drop along the length of the boom. The standard plumbing configuration is 500mm single line boom valves with five boom sections. Optional plumbing configurations includes 3TS offset with rapid fire and flow boom circulation or 10 section single line rapid fire, rapid flow. 

The sprayer rate control is done using an IsoBus PC 1, allowing fully compatibility regardless of tractor make.

Sheep feedlot and containment specialist Justin Dunn has done it again and come up with The Shepherd Feedlot Auto Drafter, an entry in the Henty Machine of the Year Award.

Justin, of Temora, was an entrant in last year’s Machine of the Year Award with the Road Runner, an off grid and solar powered loaded automated feeder with online connectivity, and was the winner of the 2018 Henty Agri-Innovator Award. 

His business, The Shepherd Ag Pty Ltd, specialises in automated sheep feeding systems, includes a range of technology such as passive walk over weighing systems, remote monitoring with mobile apps, cloud interface and data acquisition, static and mobile auto feeders, grain mixing and batching systems and auto cleaning water troughs. 

Justin said the new auto drafter is a system that can weigh and draft sheep in a feedlot continuously without leaving their pens.

“The drafter is installed between two pens so lambs who reach target weight can be drafted to the adjacent pen,” he said. 

“This enables lambs to be combined with other lambs of similar weight, reducing stress and shy feeding, and provides continuous data acquisition for marketing and performance. 

“This system significantly reduces stress and risk of injury that often reduces growth performance. 

“Time and labour are also reduced, and the system captures continuous performance data displayed on your mobile phone or web app.

“This is a great addition to any sheep feedlot environment.”

Soon after Clear Ridge Fabrication burst onto the scene in 2019 with their ‘SUPA BIN’ Grouper, brothers and former grain farmers, Dallas and Kaidan Boyd were looking at ways to increase the versatility of their Grouper.

 The pair own and operate the engineering business near West Wyalong in Central NSW and had won the HMFD award in 2019 for the Best Australian Designed and Manufactured Machine, giving the SUPA BIN nation-wide recognition. 

In 2020, due to popular demand, CRF released the SUPA BIN/SUPA TUBE combination, which was an instant success due to, not only it’s increased versatility, but it’s ability to efficiently transfer up to four different grain and fertiliser products from “silo to seeder” without the need for a separate auger and with zero contamination. 

This has been another huge success with around 90 per cent of bins sold, now fitted with this option. 

The team at CRF were confident it was another potential HMFD 2020 award winner, but COVID put paid to that.       

Now, in 2023, CRF has gone next level with the newly released Ultimate Control series. This too has evolved due to popular demand. While the SUPA BIN is unique in its ability to dispense four (and up to six) products either individually or simultaneously, thus allowing multiple blending options, farmers were wanting the ability to do this with accuracy and consistency. This is where the ‘Ultimate Control’ series comes into play.

This new series is equipped with CAN (Controller Area Network) compatible linear actuators on the product doors, that are integrated into a whole new electronic control system. 

The new system also incorporates a touch screen which is mounted in a control box on the side of the grouper and also a new, more intuitive, remote-control unit. 

Put simply, CAN is a system that allows devices (in this instance, the actuators) to communicate with each other in a reliable and priority driven manner. 

The system allows the operator to select one of three pre-programmed door opening distances for each compartment which also can simply be adjusted on the touch screen to anywhere from 1 to 100 per cent if so desired. 

The ability to infinitely program the actuators on each compartment to open the product doors to a preset distance consistently is a first for a machine of this type in Australia.

“This system eliminates the need for guess work and ensures that any product blends are consistent day after day, week after week,” Dallas Boyd said.

The new intuitive handheld remote-control unit has also been integrated into the SUPA BIN hydraulic system. 

Where the old system had a remote-control unit with a series of buttons to control the tubulator, the new remote has a four-way toggle switch for tubulator left and right and tubulator up and down with the toggle switch springing back to a central position when released. 

Different to the old system, the further the switch is pushed in any direction, the faster the tube will move in the desired direction. 

The new remote control unit controls every function of the bin which includes, engine start/stop, engine speed, bin lighting on/off, tubulator fold out/in, product delivery belt on/off, tubulator belt on/off, tubulator left/right and tubulator up and down with an ‘E-stop’ on the controller which, when activated in the case of an emergency, causes every function to cease operating and the engine to shut down.

CF Moto’s acclaimed UFORCE 600 series continue to offer Australian middleweight UTV customers more choice and sensational value for money with the introduction of the new range topping all-weather UFORCE 600 TREK edition.

An entry in the Henty Machine of the Year Award, it boats the same inclusions and specifications as the UFORCE 600 EPS plus a full-length windscreen, half door kit (pair), rear screen, front bar and new Trek Edition Tactical Green livery.

The Trek retails for $17,490 ride-away with the standard full-length poly windscreen. An automotive-grade glass windscreen with a wiper kit is available as an optional upgrade for $18,490 ride-away. 

All UFORCE 600 models feature a roof kit, electronic engine braking, multiple drive modes, LCD screen, ROPS-approved cage, nearly 100 litres of storage, 960kg of towing/carrying capacity, a newly designed bench seat and are backed by a two-year warranty.

They are powered by a 580cc, liquid cooled, fuel-injected, SOHC, single-cylinder engine that continues to operate at full mast: 41hp at 6250rpm and 46Nm at 4750rpm.

CFMoto’s latest generation UFORCE 600 range has been a favourite farm hand, thanks to its class-leading design, performance, ergonomics and driving dynamics. The expansion of the range to now include the BASE, HUNT and now TREK variants continue the narrative while offering more choice for the customer. 

The UFORCE 600 family features: 580cc, single overhead cam, single cylinder liquid cooled engine; electronic power steering; Bosch fuel-injection; two drive modes; winch (not on base model); bench seat; CVT transmission; allow wheels (steel wheels on base model); hydraulic disc brakes; LED lights (halogen lights on base model); moulded and tilt-adjustable steering wheel; LCD screen; ROPS-approved cage; electronic engine braking; limited-slip rear diff (fixed diff on base model), double A-arm suspension; cargo capacity of 250kg; towing capacity of 680kg and nearly 100 litres of storage. 

With a variety of available configurations, the DynaBusta aerator is a truly multi-purpose tool.

Blending strategic vertical tillage with soil aeration and residue management, the DynaBusta can be used to manage residue along with promoting soil health and the regrowth of pastures.

Adjustable angle rolling aerators mounted on rubber suspension are designed to penetrate the soil, break the hard pan, and allow precipitation to reach the roots of plants, while leaving established pastures undisturbed. 

With adjustable aggression on aerators and coulters, growers can control the machine to suit the needs of their pasture.

Ideal for pasture seed and incorporating fertilisers, the DynaBusta is a true one-pass pasture rejuvenator and is an entry in the Henty Machine of the Year Award. 

The coulters are mounted on rubber suspension, and the angle can be easily adjusted, making this product perfect for sizing stubble residues and rank pastures to increase biomass breakdown on the soil surface, shorten nitrogen tie up and increase moisture retention.

The innovative design of the DynaBusta allows the aerators, coulters and crimping roller to be changed out in all tool bar locations. This ensure the DynaBusta will suit the unique needs of each farming operation it is used in.

All units are fitted with a crimping roller, perfect for green manuring and cover cropping. There is also the option to fit a seed box, which provides a machine that eliminates the need for a direct drill when re-establishing old pastures.

Designed and manufactured in Australia by AusCut Global, this heavy-duty aerator is the go-to product for pasture, rejuvenation, soil aeration, residue management and hard pan busting. 

AgHQ has announced the arrival of the JBS Manure Spreaders to the Australian market and will use the Henty Machinery Field Days to launch the range.

An entry in the Henty Machine of the Year Award, the JBS Manure Spreaders are specifically designed to meet the varying needs of farms of all sizes and operational requirements.

They offer a comprehensive solution for farms looking to enhance their spreading capabilities.

Whether you are a small farm looking to expand operations or a larger enterprise in need of versatile equipment, JBS Spreaders can accommodate your requirements.

One of the key features of the JBS Manure Spreaders is the availability of interchangeable beaters. These beaters are designed to handle a wide range of materials, from heavy manure to lime.

This flexibility allows farmers to efficiently spread different types of materials based on their specific needs.

For growing farms, JBS Manure Spreaders offer the ideal solution for expanding their spreading capabilities.

These spreaders enable farmers to take the next step in spreading, ensuring their operations can keep up with the increasing demands of their growing businesses.

These spreaders are among the largest in today’s market, ensuring maximum efficiency and productivity. Available in both tandem and tridem axle models with a capacity from 11 to 58 tonnes, they offer flexibility and adaptability to suit a variety of farming operations.

“We are thrilled to introduce JBS Manure Spreaders to Australian farmers,” AgHQ distribution manager Jeff Saunders said.

“These spreaders have been specifically engineered to address the unique challenges faced by the agricultural industry,” Mr Saunders said.

“With their versatility, accessibility, manoeuvrability and reliable performance, JBS Spreaders will undoubtedly become an indispensable asset for farmers across the country.”

JBS Spreaders are specifically designed to withstand the demanding conditions of farm environments, making them highly reliable for farmers year after year. With their robust construction, innovative design, and advanced technology, JBS Manure Spreaders have become indispensable tools for modern agricultural practices.

The Australian launch of the JBS Manure Spreaders will be held at the Henty Machinery Field Days, an event known for showcasing the latest advancements in farming equipment and technology.

Farmers attending the event will have the opportunity to witness the cutting-edge features of JBS Spreaders firsthand, explore how they can enhance their own operations and speak with experts direct from the factory in Canada, Brendan Barnier, JBS Sales and Marketing manager, and Adam Gisler, JBS International Sales Manager. 

On the back of exhibiting at the 2022 Henty Machinery Field Days, many growers were looking for solutions to streamline their operation and reduce every increasing growing costs, according to Brookfield Agriculture sales and marketing coordinator Amber Atkins.

“The Brookfield® Continuous Cutting Edge Disc Chain has proven the ultimate all-in-one solution with proven performance and versatility for all applications,” Ms Atkins said.

“The ability of the CCE to deal with a multitude of desired outcomes from stubble mulching, paddock levelling, soil preparation to dealing with weeds takes this chain to the next level.”

An entry in the Henty Machine of the Year Award, the CCE-CD5 and LD6 are the result of years of research and testing for leading local Australian manufacturer, Brookfield Agriculture.

“Growers have continued to be impressed with the ability to increase and decrease the aggression in the paddock by adding and removing weights, along with the outstanding dealer network on offer to back the products up,” Ms Atkins said.

“The new CCE Disc Chain provides maximum cut-out for seedbed preparation, provides an alternative stubble and weed management tool and is designed to maximise soil moisture retention.

“The CCE has shown outstanding results in encouraging microbial activity with organic matter reintroduced post-harvest into the soil.

“The superior till angle and closer disc spacing deliver farm operational efficiency with fewer passes required. 

“Developed by Australian farming manufacturers for Australian conditions, the CCE discs are ideal for all soil types. Compatible with all Brookfield ChainBars, they are easily replaceable and suitable for heavy usage or contractor applications. 

“Designed as a cost-effective solution for primary tillage operations, the CCE discs save fuel and maximise return on investment. “

Machines at the cutting edge of agricultural technology will be showcased to the industry in the prestigious Henty Machine of the Year Award.

Announced on the opening day, this “farmers’ choice’’ award is presented to the most outstanding new piece of agricultural machinery exhibited at the Henty Machinery Field Days on September 19-21, 2023.

The award is judged by an independent panel of regional primary producers.

In many cases the machine has gone on to become a standard piece of equipment on farms.

Judging criteria includes the machine’s purpose and suitability, scope of application, construction, ease of maintenance and service, ease of operation and adjustment, availability of parts and overall value for money.

In 2022, entries ranged from a simple but handy Sheep Rest through to an agricultural chemical batching and handling system, trailing sprayer, a new Flex Draper, a self-propelled sprayer and Australian made precision sowing air drill. 

The award drew 22 entries with the MacDon FD2 FlexDaper, entered by MacDon Australia Pty Ltd, impressing judges with its innovation, engineering and design.

Highly commended was the John Deere See & Spray™ Select entered by Hutcheon and Pearce.

This year’s line-up also includes a manure spreader, heavy-duty double row aerator, an automatic horse feeder, self-propelled sprayer, trailed mower conditioner, pump, wheeled loader, chaser bin, mechanical interrow weeder, draper platform, a passive, automatic sheep drafter and an autonomous orchard sprayer.  

HMFD chairman Nigel Scheetz said a win at Henty gives the entrant valuable exposure for their product.

“Henty continues to showcase the latest in agricultural technology - the entrants certainly excelled last year and we are expecting the innovation will be repeated this year.”

MacDon national sales manager Kari Sattler accepted the 2022 award, saying harvesters represented a large investment and needed to keep working.

As a regional resident, Mr Sattler is a long-term fan of the Henty Machine of the Year Award.

“You see some upcoming brands really having a go and I’ve always thought one day we will get on that list, and here we are,” he said.

Hutcheon and Pearce sales operations manager Andrew Watt said what set the John Deere See & Spray™ Select apart was its ability to both broadcast and selectively spray at the same time at high speeds and in low light conditions.

“Coupled with that is the ability to not just look at the different colours but also detecting the images as they come towards it – it sets the foundation to add in green on green, weed detection and stand counts,” Mr Watt said.

An additional accolade at Henty is the Greater Hume Council Award for the best new Australian designed and manufactured machine.

It is judged on the Monday and presented on the Wednesday of the field days. 

2023 Machine of the Year entries include:

Prairie Special Series 2 – Goldacres 

JBS E Series 2648 – AEH Distribution 

DynaBusta – AusCut

KY Pump 20” – Ky General Engineering

Bute Discs harrow bar – Bute Engineers

CF Moto UForce 600 EPS Trek – CF Moto Australia 

FC13460RA Trailed Mower Conditioner – Kuhn Farm Machinery 

Steketee EC Weeder – Lemken Australia and New Zealand

Midwest Draper Platform HDL60 – Midwest Fabrication 

Small Ruminant Bulk Handler – Offsider Ag Equipment

Shepherd Passive Auto Drafter - The Shepherd Ag Pty Ltd 

Clipex PGX Sheep Ramp – Clipex

JTA Spraying Vector Series – JTA Spraying Equipment 

Flexi-Coil 7200 and Flexi-Coil Air Cart 60 Series – K-Line Ag & Flexi-Coil

SUPA Bin 44000 ST – Ultimate Control – Clear Ridge Fabrication

Ausmix XL26 Fibrex feed mixer – FarmTech Machinery

Agribin Semi Bin and Brookfield Enclosed Conveyor – Brookfield

Haymate SR5400 – Haymate Australia 

Hercules HD656D Wheeled Loader – Hercules Loaders

Kress Battery Cybersystem – Kress Commercial 

Rocca SupaTill ST-1200T – Rocca Industries 

Rainstar T42 – 90x300 + T32 – 75x250 – Bauer GmbH Australia Pty Ltd

GUSS Automated sprayer – Hutcheon & Pearce 

Competition is expected to be intense this year as the nation’s best sheep dogs and their handlers gather for the Henty Working Dog Trials.

The trials consist of two events – the sheep field trial and yard dog championships, each running concurrently across the three days and culminating in the finals on the Thursday. 

Run under the auspices of the NSW Sheepdog Workers Incorporated, the sheep field trial is set to attract more than 100 dogs and their workers from around Australia.

The Murray Valley Yard Dog Championships run by the NSW Yard Dog Association, is tipped to also attract more than 100 dogs.

Hypro Pet Foods came on board as a new sponsor for the dog trials in 2022 and continues to support the event in 2023. 

HMFD chief executive officer Belinda Anderson said the support of Hypro of this iconic event with the field days was significantly important to HMFD management and both associations involved.

“There is no disputing the importance of a great working dog in a stock farming enterprise and these events showcase the skills and expertise of both the handlers and the dogs in the competition,” she said.

Murray Valley Yard Dog Championships co-ordinator Peter Darmody, of West Wyalong, said the event was one of the most prestigious on the calendar, and would draw the cream of the nation’s best dogs competing for more than $5000 in prize money plus trophies and prizes.

The maiden trial will be held on Tuesday, followed by the novice and open classes on Wednesday and Thursday.

The finals are due to get underway from 1pm on Thursday. 

Dogs will be fresh from the Forbes, Quirindi and Eugowra yard dog trials. 

Bill Luff, of Gundagai, along with Geoff McDougall, Hay, fresh from winning the Bendigo Victoria Championship, Kevin Howell, of Eugowra, and many others are expected to be among the top line competitors. 

The event is designed to demonstrate everyday skills a working dog would use on a farm.

Each entrant has 12 minutes to gather a mob of about 18 sheep, herd them through a draft, and then on and off a truck.

Starting on a score of 100, points are deducted for livestock and mishandling breakaway sheep and ineffective work.

Adaminaby trailer Dean Incher made it back-to-back wins on 2019 to take out the prestigious event at Henty last year. 

Dean and his black and tan Kelpie, Rafa, won the final on 185 points, closely followed by Shane Maurer, Stockinbingal, with Stuart on 177 points and Michael Hedger, Rocky Plain, with Trapper in third on 176 points.

Up to 450 sheep will be needed for the Three Sheep Dog field trial heats and finals alone over the three days.

Run by the NSW Sheepdog Workers Incorporated, the event is limited to an open trial, with no encourager or novice class, and handlers entering their four best dogs.

Three Sheep Dog Field Trial co-ordinator Paul Darmody said the event would draw both top-line competitors and younger handlers competing for prize money of $4000.

Mr Darmody said the event would attract entries off the back of the 2023 Supreme Australian Working Sheepdog Championships.

Last year Mick Hudson, Cobar, and his dog MGH Rabbit emerged from the finals to win on 276 points.

It was also a back-to-back win for Hudson from 2019 when he won with Ritchies Finn who placed third in 2022 on 260 points.

Winner of the 2023 NSW State Championships and 2023 National Sheepdog Trial, Mr Hudson placed second with Daisy on 274 points while Peter Oxley, Orange, was fourth with Caesar on 257 points, John Perry, Bredbo, fifth with Joe on 251 points.

“Anyone whose anyone in trialling will be at Henty – it is a great event as people love competing and having the opportunity to look around the field days as well,’’ Mr Darmody said.

The event is a three-sheep field trial, requiring the dog to move the sheep around a designed course.

The dog begins by casting around the sheep, bringing them back to the worker.

The dog and worker then move around a marked course through obstacles of a race and bridge before penning them within 15 minutes.

The award-winning creator of “George the Farmer” will return this year in guest performances at the Hutcheon & Pearce site at the field days.

Simone Kain, and George the Farmer, who celebrated his ninth birthday in April, will be performing daily at the Hutcheon & Pearce site at 489-498 Block M at 11am and 2pm, along with new musical talent Shaun Brown. 

Their latest book release, Haystack Hat-Trick, is the thirteenth in the George the Farmer series and is great for teaching about fodder, haymaking and teamwork. 

Printed on paper from well managed forests using environmentally friendly vegetable-based inks, it will also be available for purchase and signings along with the rest of their titles.

In addition to best-selling books and catchy tunes, George, his wife Ruby, and children, Jack and Lucy, have also inspired a series of paddock-to-plate videos featured on YouTube and ABC TV, plush toys, clothing, merchandise and free curriculum-aligned teaching guides.

Founder of George the Farmer, Simone Kain, said educating children about where food and fibre comes from remains at the heart of everything they do.

Simone grew up on a farm, is married to a farmer, has three farm-obsessed boys and is from Penola in South Australia. 

“When my eldest son, George, was two I couldn’t find any books or apps for him that told sequential stories about life on the land and in particular what happens on large-scale commercial farms,” she said.

Simone was a keynote speaker at the Rabobank Farm2Fork/Grow2Gether Summit in Sydney in 2023.

“The Rabobank community fund and client councils are supporting us in sharing our story and raising our profile to attend events such as the Darwin Royal Show and, last year, supply almost 200 book packs to primary schools in Australia and New Zealand,” she said.

“This partnership will increase the ag literacy of thousands of kids while inspiring them to consider careers in agriculture.”

The National Farmer Wellbeing report found over 75 per cent of surveyed farmers felt undervalued by the public. 

“This lack of recognition – whether real or perceived – is a significant concern, given that 90 per cent of the food we eat in Australia is produced domestically,” Simone said. 

“By reconnecting consumers with the people and processes behind their food we can strengthen communities, increase health and well-being and develop a deeper appreciation for our farmers and natural resources.

“By educating our young people, we can dispel myths and falsehoods about agriculture, increase support for the sector and make farmers feel more valued in their work.

“At George the Farmer, we are providing an integral role in raising the awareness and appreciation of those involved in the agricultural sector. Through picture story books, paddock to plate videos and music, the George the Farmer platform engages and educates children in a fun way.”

To date, about 100,000 students across Australia have benefited from these resources, covering topics such as apples, chickpeas, wheat, wool and dairy. 

The Educator’s Guides are designed for Foundation to Year 4 students with engaging, creative and entrepreneurial activities such as designing a robotic dairy, making butter from scratch, jewellery from seeds and how to measure carbon sequestration in trees.

The guides are free to download and there are also George and Ruby cuddle dolls as an interactive teaching aid. 

“By instilling a deeper appreciation for the hard work and dedication required to produce the clean, green food we’re fortunate to consume, we can nourish the agricultural industry and ensure a sustainable supply of clean, safe and healthy food for generations to come.” 

George the Farmer new musical talent Shaun Brown said he couldn’t wait to sing the collection of songs, especially the P-O-T-A-T-O song, to the kids at Henty this year. 

The Berkley Super Tank will take visitors of all ages on an underwater journey at Henty Machinery Field Days with up to 20 live fish, usually the almighty Barramundi.

Part portable fishing show, part mobile fish tank and educational program, the 12,000 litre Berkley Super tank is designed to give the public a fish-eye view on the world of angling. 

Michael Cooke is a seasoned angler with over 60 years fishing experience and will demonstrate lure and bait fishing techniques from on top of the tank, one of the biggest mobile fish tanks in the southern hemisphere, in the 20-minute shows. 

“This is a show for the whole family, even non-fishing people, and we don’t use any hooks,” he said.

“The presentations include catch and release techniques, mastering lures and gear tips for the first timers.

“The team will also demonstrate how the many different types of fish react to different lures and techniques used by many of today’s top anglers.”

The live demonstrations are educational, exciting, entertaining and free, and will run throughout each day of the event. 

The clear Perspex sides of the tank allow a good view of how the lures work and the action in the water. 

The Berkley Super Tank has been to almost every major show and event in the Australia including the Henty Machinery Field Days. 

There is also a large range of rods, reel, lures and fishing equipment to purchase. 

A perennial favourite with field day visitors, the vintage tractor and machinery display will celebrate three milestones in the centenaries of the Farmall tractor and Howard implements plus the 60 years of the Henty Machinery Field Days. 

Henty and District Antique Farm Machinery Club president Kerry Pietsch said members will be staging a large display of Farmall tractors, Howard rotary hoes and tractors plus farm machinery typical of the field days in the early 1960s.

Mr Pietsch will demonstrate an antique hammer mill, a 1960 Pulv-o-mill manufactured in Sydney, to make chaff from sheaf hay.

“We will have a P model hot bulb Bulldog tractor manufactured in 1950 and owned by Justin Burns – before starting up, the hot bulb is pre-heated to glowing red by a blow torch. Diesel fuel is injected onto that red glowing area which makes the fuel combust,” he said.

Among the older tractors will be a David Brown 880 Selectamatic which was built by David Brown from 1965 to 1971 in England and features a 46hp David Brown engine. 

Andrew Newton, Alma Park, will display a McCormick-Deering AW-7 tractor which was manufactured by International Harvester at Geelong from 1957 to 1960 and was a unique Australian evolution of the earlier AW-6 models. The AW-7 was the standard tread version of the Farmall AM-7 and a cousin to the US-built International W-400.

A 1963 Fordson Super Major, exhibited by John Kilo, was a 54hp tractor manufactured from 1961 to 1964 by Fordson in England and was sold as the Ford 5000 in the US. 

A 1957 Massey Ferguson 65, exhibited by Chris Menz, was a moderately popular tractor produced in 1957 in Detroit and in 1959 in England. The Massey Ferguson 65 managed to become popular among tractor operators despite coming late to the party when the Fordson Major and the Nuffield 

were already meeting demands for a more powerful tractor. It was eventually discontinued in 1964 and replaced by the MF165.

Visitors will be able to see a Lanz Bulldog D2206 tractor manufactured from 1952 to 1955 in Germany from Lyle Burns, Burrumbuttock. It was a 22hp two-wheel drive tractor with a one-cylinder diesel engine. Sales of the new generation alloy piston full-diesel Lanz tractors, including the D2206, started in Australia from 1953.

Max Hogg, Table Top, will have a 1950 Bulldog tractor and Justin Burns, Burrumbuttock, a 1950 Model P Lanz Bulldog tractor.

Pleasant Hills farmer Trevor Terlich will display an 8.3L, six-cylinder 1962 Minneapolis-Moline G705 tractor which originally retailed for $7000 (US) in 1965. 

A 1960 New Holland Super 69 small square baler will be displayed by John Kingston, The Rock, vintage motorcycles including Douglas, Indian and Harley Davidson from Nick Bedggood, Henty, and stationary engines and a 1951 Fordson E27N tractor from Barry and Josh Menz, The Rock, and Peter Shields, Wagga Wagga.

Graham Salau will have a popular farm ute in its day, the Holden HZ and Colin Eulenstein, Henty, a Moffat Virtue two stand shearing plant. 

Peter Cronk, Lockhart, will have a display of Howard rotary hoes. Arthur Howard registered the company in 1923 after experimenting with rotary tillage on his father’s farm at Gilgandra, NSW. 

Powered by an internal combustion engine attached to a subsidiary frame supporting five rotary hoe cultivators, Howard patented his invention in 1920. The business moved to Northmead in Sydney and Howard introduced new models of rotary hoes and tractors. 

Kerry Pietsch, Pleasant Hills, is bringing along a Howard DH22, manufactured between 1931 and 1953 in Sydney, making it one of the longest running tractor models ever produced. 

Jindera farmer Jonathan Schulz has a collection of 60 tractors to choose from and will be bringing a John Deere 435, one of seven in Australia with a GM motor and was manufactured when John Deere was changing between the twin cylinder to vertical multi-cylinder motors. 

He will also display two Farmall tractors – a Farmall Cub, the smallest tractor manufactured by International Harvester and imported by the family from New Zealand, and a Farmall H, a medium-sized two-plow row crop tractor produced by International Harvester from 1939 to 1954. 

Ken Paton, Table Top, has a collection of 16 tractors and will exhibit Farmall’s first general use row-crop tractor, the Farmall Regular, manufactured from 1924 to 1932, and the Farmall F-30 row-crop tractor made from 1931 to 1939.

Mr Paton, who has five Farmalls in total, said the Regular remains in original condition while the F-30 is fully restored.

“The club is making a real effort to celebrate the history of the Farmall, which was important to agriculture – the Farmall is one of my favourites as they are unique looking and a bit rare in Australia,” he said.

“The normal tractor in America is a three-wheel Farmall but in Australia it is a four wheeled tractor – a few came out during war time as dealers took anything they could get out of America so graziers often ended up with a Farmall instead of a four wheel tractor they might have ordered. 

“Farmers growing crops such as vegetables, tobacco and sugar cane needed a Farmall.” 

Field day visitors will be able to see their favourite breakfast announcers and local scribes tackle a series of farm activities in an effort to win the 2023 HMFD Media Challenge.

The inaugural challenge was held in 2018 and is back this year due to popular demand from the participants and exhibitors who took part.

There is no Golden Microphone for the winner but instead boasting rights plus the Golden Gumboot trophy.

Lining up to defend their 2022 title will be the 2AY team up against the teams from Triple M Albury and the new kids on the block, The Land newspaper. 

The teams will compete in a tractor pull at the Hutcheon & Pearce site at 9.30am on Tuesday, September 19.

The “tractor pull’’ will involve using a special harness to pull a ride-on lawn mower over a set distance at the fastest time.

The teams then move onto the Riverina Institute of TAFE site where entrants will be scored out of 10 on flowing a fleece across a wool table.

 The Great Crack Off will be held at The Stump where teams will attempt to break tissue paper using a stock whip and be scored on their technique. 

The CWA will host the final challenge on the Country Lifestyle stage where entrants will attempt to scoff as many scones as possible in a minute.

After more than 20 years of giving visitors a bird’s eye view of Henty, Wagga Air Centre has handed over the joy flights to Riverina Helicopters, of Griffith.

With district canola crops around the field day site expected to be in full flower, the sight from the air is bound to be breathtaking.

Henty farmers wanting an aerial photograph of their farm can pre-book a flight with Riverina Helicopters at this year’s field days.

Managing director Bryce Nietvelt said the 10-minute flights in a Robinson R44 helicopter ($90 per person, minimum two passengers, maximum of three), piloted by Jaimie Cook, would operate on a walk-up basis. 

Operating bases at Griffith and Crookwell, Riverina Helicopters specialise in aerial spraying, fertiliser application, aerial surveying, crop pollination, powerline inspections, mustering, feral animal control, aerial crane, orchard stringing, aerial filming/photography, winery tours and charter work.

The Griffith business has three Robinson R44 helicopters, able to carry three passengers and equipped with Spidertracks, a real time satellite tracking providing the location of the helicopters at all times. A Bell 206 Jet Ranger is based at Crookwell for the aerial spraying in hill country. 

Riverina Helicopters has been operating for over 25 years and was bought by Mr Nietvelt two years ago after a career in the Australian Airforce as an engineer followed by five years flying helicopters in the Northern Territory’s Arnhem Land on aerial mustering, firefighting and pest animal culling programs. 

Riverina Helicopters services the Riverina, NSW central and southern tablelands, far western and central western NSW and northern Victoria. The business employs four full-time staff plus contractors.

The helicopters are particularly visible around Henty and Mangoplah during August and September spraying the canola and cereal crops.

“Spraying is our core business along with spreading fertiliser, snail bait, and mouse bait,” Mr Nietvelt said.

Pilots work with irrigated and broadacre crops including rice, cotton, wheat, barley, canola, grapes, almonds, walnuts, carrots, onions, sorghum, corn and pasture, delivering a precise application of chemical with rotor downwash that disturbs the crop canopy allowing deep penetration of droplets for a uniform coverage.

The helicopter’s manoeuvrability ensures proven success in weed control on channels, contour banks and spot spraying. 

In rugged, hilly country unsuitable for fixed wing aircraft, the helicopter is ideal for spraying serrated tussock, blackberries, St Johns Wort, and thistles. Onsite loading from the purpose equipped mixing vehicles ensures a quick turnaround. 

The spray systems are capable of application rates of 5L/ha-100L/ha, swath widths of 3-20m, and GPS marking systems ensure accurate and efficient chemical application.

Pilots use a 300kg capacity bucket slung under the helicopter with a 6m line for mice baiting winter cereal crops, snail control in rice, re-sowing of duck holes in rice, fertiliser application and sowing pasture.

“With the crop pollination of sorghum and corn in late summer, the helicopter flies slowly over the rows blowing the pollen from the male to the female plants to encourage fertilisation,” Mr Nietvelt said.

No wind during flowering to spread the pollen will result in a poor yield for the grower.

During the 2022 floods, Riverina Helicopters helped move stock caught by floodwaters in the Riverina and Far West. 

When it comes to charter work, the business caters for Griffith winery tours, weddings, VIP transfers, property surveys, flood inspections, wildlife surveys and pipleline inspections.

Joy flights are also operated at the Riverina Field Days and Hillston Off-Road Racing Championships.

Mr Nietvelt is excited to be continuing the joy flights at the Henty Machinery Field Days after spending the last few years getting familiar with the field day site from the air while spraying local crops.

“It is a great way to engage with potential new clients who may not know about our services,” he said. 

A southern NSW designed and manufactured multi-purpose feeder won the coveted Greater Hume Council Award at the 2022 Henty Machinery Field Days.

The award recognises the best new Australian designed and built agricultural machine and is judged by a panel of independent judges with the 2023 winner to be announced on Wednesday, September 20 at 10.30am at The Stump. 

Last year the Award was presented by Greater Hume Council Deputy Mayor Cr Annette Schilg and Henty Machinery Field Days director Matt Noll to Daniel Draper, Steele Steel, West Wyalong, for a dual auger multi-purpose 70 bag Ezy Feeder.

Mr Draper was overwhelmed at the win with his first entry in the coveted award.

He took on the business the week before Henty Machinery Field Days in 2018 and was mentored through the event by Steele Steel’s previous owners, Dave Perks and Donna Steele. The business manufactures bulk grain, seed, fertiliser and stock feed handling equipment.

Born and raised in Wagga Wagga, Mr Draper is a fabricator by trade and worked in off-shore mining for 14 years before founding Daniel’s Fabrication in Wagga, producing 600 trailers and almost 6000 lick feeders.

He said the Ezy Feeder had been originally launched in 2004 and evolved into the 2022 winning model described as a “hamburger with the lot”.

“It has a rear additive box resulting in a better mix of feed, lime, lupins and nutrients if deploying out of the auger or if trail feeding, it drops it straight out the rear end.

“The 305-litre poly injected additive box was designed by a company in Melbourne.

“It has a dual auger system for doing short fillings and an extended auger for using as a mini-grouper or seeder to fill an agri-drill.”

The Ezy Feeder is equipped with digital scales with Blue Tooth and an onboard Rinstrum X320 water-proof display while the read-out transfers to a tablet in the vehicle.

“The operator can wireless remote the whole unit from in and out of gear through to operating the single bins. Feed rates can be manually adjusted on one side and set, and remotely add the buffers of salt, minerals and lime from the rear additive box,” Mr Draper said.

“The first blue tooth version prototype was rolled out three years ago and it is now a lot more responsive with less delay with the new model. We now hold one of the fastest 12 volt electric actuators, so you get a quicker adjustment without having to go pneumatic. 

“Everything is built in-house at West Wyalong from the ground up.”

Mr Draper paid tribute to his staff operating under challenging times, including material shortages and rising input costs, to get the machines manufactured.

It was the second time in a row an agricultural manufacturer from West Wyalong had won the Greater Hume Council Award.

Mr Draper said it was “an honour and humbling to receive such an award”.

“It’s one of those country towns where we all support each other and it’s good to have a great farming community like West Wyalong,” he said.

“I feel very privileged to win this award and it will be a great benchmark for us. Everyone is under the pump with builds but the patience and understanding of the farmers supporting their local businesses is greatly appreciated.”

Children of all ages love their yearly trip to the Henty field days and to make the big day out a lot easier on carers, a free family resting place has been provided.

Henty Early Childhood Association parent volunteers will staff the area, located in Petticoat Lane, from 9am to 5pm each day.

The Family Resting Place provides children, parents, grandparents and carers with a large, covered fenced-in play area, separate nappy changing area, highchairs, cubicles for breast-feeding and pram parking bay. A kitchenette has a microwave and fridge.

Staff and parent volunteers from the association run the Family Resting Place on a roster system.

Carers can take a break in the informal space, while children play with the toys, books, games and chalk boards supplied.

The facility is not a child-minding centre and children must be accompanied by an adult over 18 years at all times and COVID safe measure in place must be adhered to at all times while using the service.

Cocktails, tillage machinery, education and interior design were among the winners of the 2022 Henty Machinery Field Days Exhibitor Awards.

The awards were presented by HMFD CEO Belinda Anderson to the winners of the Best Outdoor Large Commercial, Best Outdoor General and Best Indoor Exhibitor sites – Farm Gate Produce Market and Country Lifestyle.

This year’s winners will be announced on Thursday, September 21 at The Stump at 10.30am.

Short-line agricultural equipment distributor Muddy River Agricultural, Mooroopna, Vic, won the Best Outdoor Large Commercial in 2022 while education and research institution Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, took out the Best Outdoor General.

Premium gift company My Hygge Home won the Best Indoor site in Country Lifestyle and first-time exhibitor Tony Sanderberg, Wollongong, with his Kick Ice Cocktails was awarded Best Indoor Site at Farm Gate Produce Market.

Mrs Anderson said the field days co-operative prided itself on providing a showcase with a modern professional image, and the latest in agricultural machinery and technology.

She said the exhibitor awards encouraged site holders to strive for similar ideals during the field days.

The 2022 judges Daryl Thomson and Bec Clancy covered the 14km of external shop front plus the indoor sites, assessing visual presentation, display, layout and innovation.

They inspected sites ranging in frontage from 3m to 180m.

Mrs Clancy said the Muddy River Ag site had great visual presence and presentation with eye catching white picket fencing, a defined entrance, flagpoles, marquee and good signage.

“Charles Sturt University had a large, interactive site with good signage, defined areas for the different departments, they offered information sessions to attract people to the site and face painting at the entrance,” she said.

“Kick Ice Cocktails had great display of a mini bar with a neon sign, palm trees and the host was wearing an Hawaiian shirt in the theme.

“My Hygge Home had a black and white themed display with display racking and products well set out.

“We are seeing exhibitors put a lot of thought into their site design, being innovative to catch the consumer’s eye, attract them into the site and engage with them.”

Steve Robertson, Muddy River Agricultural’s NSW territory manager, said the site design was a team effort after exhibiting at many field days. 

“The organising committee at Henty has been so helpful and friendly – we have done a lot of field days and Henty is right at the very top.”

Charles Sturt University Marketing Business Partner Faculty of Science and Health, Belinda Doherty, said the site’s footprint had increased from a small shed to a larger shed with a Global Digital Farm, soil sensors, drones, dung beetle research system, Wi-Fi Hub, and undergraduate and post graduate course area.

With Henty being one of the largest dedicated field day sites in the nation, the management team have ensured patrons of all ages and abilities are catered for.

The 105ha site offers a free courtesy bus service, toilets and showers for the disabled, a family resting place and parcel pick-up service to make your visit easier and more comfortable.

The site is level making it ideal for access by mobility scooters and prams, with wide, graded and well-drained internal roads.

Single seat, double seat and dual mobility scooters with a roof are available for hire at the western and eastern gate entrances.

Scooters can be pre-booked online at www.showlockers.com.au and are reserved strictly for the elderly and disabled patrons.

Two 12-seater buses will operate a free shuttle service around the site from 9.30am to 5pm each day, stopping at eight designated points to collect field day visitors.

There are also free shuttle buses servicing the western and eastern car parks taking patrons to and from the main entrance gates.

See the site map for locations of the toilets including full disabled access and showers in the Petticoat Lane amenities block. 

Other toilets with disabled access are located at 1^st Ag Place, near the Dog and Whistle Bistro, 3^rd Farm Avenue, at the East Gate, and 5^th Farm Avenue.

The team from St John Ambulance are regionally based and their professional and qualified staff are fully equipped.

Medical response vehicles are on site and the field days first aid station is located next to the management office.

The field days office can be easily accessed via a ramp and patrons can chat to the friendly staff and field days committee, who can assist with almost everything.

A well-equipped family and children’s shed, The Family Resting Place, is located in Petticoat Lane.

Co-ordinated by the Henty Early Childhood Association, it provides a place to go for the little ones to get changed, have a play and there are also private feeding areas available.

ANZ are providing an on-site ATM banking service at site 567.

The parcel pick-up office can be found at the corner of 7^th Farm Avenue and Main Road.

A free shuttle bus service around the Henty site this year will help ease the load of heavy shopping bags on weary legs.

Sponsored by the Inspector-General of Water Compliance, two 12-seater buses will operate around the site from 9.30am to 4pm each day, stopping at eight designated points to collect field day visitors.

Courtesy buses will also operate in the western and eastern carparks ferrying visitors to the entry gates.

A parcel pickup service is provided by Henty Park Tennis Club and St Joseph’s Primary School, Culcairn, from the booking office (located on the corner of Main Road and 7^th Farm Avenue) for collection at the western and eastern public car parks.

Major regional air services, with connections to all capital cities, and rental vehicles are located at Albury-Wodonga and Wagga Wagga. Private aircraft can land at the Holbrook Airpark with transport to and from the field days organised by patrons.

EFTPOS is available at the general admission gates and ATMs will be on site. The onsite bank is located at site 547 on Main Road.

Henty Machinery Field Days visitors will be entertained by a mobile acoustic ensemble from the Australian Army Band Kapooka on the opening day.

Known as the “Pep’’ band, members will perform a wide range of popular songs in a highly captivating performance.

The musicians will perform at The Stump on Tuesday, September 19, at 10.30am as a prelude to the official opening and again during the lunch break.

The full band of the Australian Army Band Kapooka is kept busy performing its primary role of supporting the 1^stRecruit Training Battalion at march out parades and other functions within the Kapooka Military Area.

The band also provides support to various charity organisations and communities within the Riverina. In particular, the band performs a series of Music at Midday concerts in Wagga, and the Wagga Wagga Christmas spectacular.

The Australian Army Band Kapooka can also form various smaller ensembles to cater for a wide range of musical genres and audiences.

In 2009, the band was granted freedom of Entry to the City of Wagga to commemorate 56 years of dedicated and distinguished service to the city and the Riverina.This privilege is regarded as the highest compliment offered to a military unit by a civilian organisation or community.

The band has also represented Australia overseas in various locations including Papua New Guinea, East Timor, Bougainville, Japan and Tonga.

Grain growers will be able to inspect 38 cereal and pulse varieties planted across the demonstration plots at this year’s Henty Machinery Field Days.

The Henty Machinery Field Days Co-operative has partnered with Rutherglen company Baker Seed Co to present the latest dual-purpose and milling varieties for field day patrons.

Baker Seed Co sales agronomist Ed Harrod said the two hectare demonstration plot complemented the fully replicated trial sites at Rutherglen used to identify elite germplasm within breeding programs.

This year’s demonstration site will feature 35 wheat, barley and oats plus three lupins – all current and new (pending release) varieties.

Mr Harrod said the display of 38 varieties was a big increase on last year’s 22. 

“The site has a great combination of numbered lines (brand new varieties destined for the market in 2024), recently released varieties and the tried and tested ones,” Mr Harrod said.

A heavy ground cover of high-density legume mix had been sown over the site in 2022.

A site burn-off eliminated vegetative trash before the varieties were sown into favourable soil moisture on May 2. Slug bait was spread over the site at sowing.

Fertiliser inputs at sowing were 80kg/ha MAP plus Impact with the seed and Urea at 80kg/ha below the seed.

The sowing rate was set to achieve a plant population of 180 plants per square metre. 

The list of varieties sown this year include:

Fiona Durman can’t go for a bush walk around Wagga Wagga without coming home with an armful of exotic eucalyptus leaves for use in creating a range of natural dyes.

The muted hues from moss green to earthy reds created by the eucalyptus dyes are at the heart of her woven garments and textiles produced from alpaca fibre. 

Fiona and her husband Cliff emigrated to Australia in 1987 from the United Kingdom after falling in love with the wide-open spaces, sense of opportunities and friendliness of the locals during a holiday.

Cliff gained initial work as a mechanic at a Wagga Ford dealership while Fiona worked as a family day carer.

“Australia was so dynamic – if you put in the work, you could make a go of it and I wanted to be part of that. Fortunately for us it has worked out that way,” Cliff said.

He has retired from a career in mechanics to work alongside Fiona growing their alpaca fibre business, Ashculme Textiles – named for Cliff’s home village in Devon. 

Fiona’s parents, Michael and Roswitha Spence, made the bold move to follow their daughter’s family from the UK to Australia aged 84 and 80 respectively. 

Roswitha worked making costumes for the London Opera, teaching textiles and quilting, instilling a great love of fabric, yarn, sewing and textiles in Fiona. Aged 88, Roswitha continues to help Fiona today in the business.

The Durmans run a small alpaca herd on their lifestyle block at Lake Albert, using the fleeces in a paddock to garment process to create the range of woven clothing and textiles.

“Having the alpacas gives customers the complete picture of start to finish,” Cliff said.

The Suri alpacas are shorn each October with the fleeces processed into yarn by mills at Macclesfield, Vic, and in NSW at Queanbeyan.

Fiona uses both the natural and dyed yarn to create a range of scarves, shawls, cowls, wraps, ponchos, capes and clothing.

She has a collection of seven wooden looms of varying sizes and all with their different idiosyncrasies. 

“On the Japanese floor looms, your feet are used to raise and lower the warp threads which means you can weave creatively - it is a meditative type of weaving,” Fiona said.

“The larger looms involve much more physical work, but I can make wide pieces of cloth.

“I only use natural dyes and the alpaca fibre takes the dye in a more muted way than Merino wool.

“We source leaves and bark from various eucalyptus species in nature reserves and along the Murrumbidgee River – the tannin and chemicals of each species produce different colours.”

Favourites are the Argyle Apple and lemon scented gum.

Fiona runs weaving workshops at her Lake Albert studio for adults and retails the Ashculme Textiles products online and at markets at River & Wren Wagga, Handmade Canberra, Old Bus Depot Market, and Canberra Wool Expo plus retail outlets in Wagga, Tumbarumba, Temora and Braidwood.

Ashculme Textiles began exhibiting at the Henty Machinery Field Days in 2018 and is back again this year in the Country Lifestyle pavilion where Fiona will be demonstrating weaving on a Japanese floor loom. 

“I will have a range of capes, ponchos, headbands, ear warmers, beanies, cowls, scarves, throws, Ashculme teddies for children and alpaca yarn for crocheting,” she said.

Designers using natural fibres in their creations are encouraged to enter for the prestigious 2023 Henty Natural Fibre Fashion Awards to be held in September.

The Australian Made Business Award was a new award introduced at last year’s competition, creating excitement among designers and won by Albury artist Jo Woods with a unique linen dress featuring her sketches of Riverina town streetscapes. 

Sponsored by JMP Developments, Wodonga for $500, the award will again be showcased at the 18^th annual Henty Natural Fibre Awards at the 2023 Henty Machinery Field Days. It comprises four parts worth 25 points each – fibres grown in Australia (may use more than one fibre), fibres manufactured in Australia, designed in Australia (mandatory) and garment manufactured in Australia. Successful entrants need to meet a minimum of three of the categories to be eligible. 

Boasting prizes valued at around $5500, the fashion awards have grown into a prestigious event attracting high profile designers, with the 2023 entries to be paraded in the Country Lifestyle pavilion on September 19-21 at 1pm each day.

Awards convenor Lyn Jacobsen said the Business Development Award was creating excitement among designers with new entrants planning on participating.

“Since the field days are located within a major wool and fibre producing region, it was important an event be carried on to encourage designers to showcase their creativity using the fibres allowed,’’ Mrs Jacobsen said.

“This competition is free and open to all designers, but the fabric in the garment must be at least 70 per cent natural fibre, which can be wool, cotton, alpaca, silk, linen or combinations. Leather is not classed as a natural fibre and can only be added as a trim.

“Garments are judged on visual appeal, creativity and innovation.’’

To be announced on the final day, the winner of the best garment made with natural fibres will receive $1000 in prize money plus a Bernina 325 sewing machine valued at $1499, courtesy of Bernina Australia and Sew Fab, Narrandera.

The winners of the best knitted or crocheted garment will receive $500 donated by Fox & Lillie Rural, while the millinery and accessory winners will receive $500 each sponsored by Henty Machinery Field Days. 

Bernina Australia and Sew Fab are donating a Bernette 44 Funlocker valued at $750 as an encouragement award for the best garment by a student designer.

People interested in entering the awards can contact Lyn Jacobsen on 0428 690 222, email naturalfibre@hmfd.com.au or phone the HMFD office on (02) 6929 3305.

Logan-Ray Collection, owned and operated by Brad and Kaylene Blackburn, will debut in the Country Lifestyle pavilion this year with a range of quality and affordable baby products. 

Whilst being the owners of Cotmakers in Wagga Wagga for 14 years, the couple launched Logan-Ray Collection in 2021, naming the business after their great nephew. 

“With extensive product knowledge of the baby industry, we have put together a collection of our favourite and most popular baby products to carry the Logan-Ray name into the future,” Kaylene said. 

“Initially the collection was sold as an exclusive range within Cotmakers, not only instore, but online as well, however when the business was sold last November, we could see a wonderful opportunity to offer the products to a greater audience.

“Logan-Ray is now proudly available in eight baby stores throughout regional NSW and Victoria with a growing clientele after launching its own website and social media sites in April.

“Our range offers many high quality and well-priced essential baby products.”

An example of the quality is the popular baby swaddles made from 70 per cent bamboo and 30 per cent cotton muslin available in a selection of 18 beautiful printed and plain colours. 

“Our own Logan-Ray hairbows are just gorgeous and suitable from birth to three years, and available in a variety of 22 colours – there is something for everyone to choose from,” Kaylene said. 

“Our beautiful and practical silicone range of products are available in feeding ware, an assortment of teething products, pacifier holders and dummy chains, making this a large part of our collection.

“We are constantly adding the latest of baby products as our range increases and are always listening to our customers feedback for any ideas of new products that we could add.

“We have been looking for a platform to showcase the Logan-Ray Collection to a wider audience and feel partnering with the Henty Machinery Field Days is the perfect place for us to start.”

The couple had worked in merchandising prior to taking on Cotmakers and operated the Wagga business for 14 years, focusing on customer service, product knowledge and matching the right product with the customer.

“We made the transition from physical to online sales and it has opened a whole new market for us,” Brad said.

“It is the way a lot of the young parents and grandparents like to shop these days – we underestimated the power of social media for selling baby products for a long time.

“Our market isn’t necessarily city dwellers but those living in rural and remote regions relying on the quality of the product being what is listed on the social media or website photo.

“The benefit of Henty is being able to showcase the quality of our products.”

It has been many years since Kaylene visited Henty and she had a wish to take her late father, stock agent Stan Michael.

“I’m a city dweller but I was fascinated with the magnificence of the huge machinery – it was a whole new world. We spent all day saying hello to people last time we went,” Brad said.

Kaylene said soft muted colours are the trend for this spring along with floral and abstract wraps made from bamboo and cotton fabric.

“We will have natural goats hair brushes with wooden handles, stretch nylon hair bows from birth to three years, soft knit rainbow blankets, newborn knitted bonnets, locally made milestone cards for new mums and gift boxes.

“There will also be a range of quality raincoats and gumboots for toddlers up to the age of four, and clothing, including smock dresses.”

Suzie Wood has been designing and making quality reversible padded ironing board covers since the early 1980s and this year celebrates 30 years of exhibiting at Country Lifestyle. 

Suzie, of Dubbo, recalls the early 1990s in the Country Lifestyle pavilion under the leadership of Mrs Joan Meyer and paid tribute to the service to exhibitors by the CWA ladies over the years.

“Over the years it has become a wonderful social time with a get together after hours. I have always loved going to Henty, those CWA ladies always look after us so beautifully,” she said.

This year Suzie will have a full range of ironing board covers, including a selection if limited edition designs and orders will also be taken. 

She makes durable, washable and attractive covers for all sizes of boards from table top, pull-out drawer and cabinet centres to freestanding boards from 81cm up to the large 140cm, and made to measure for 140cm plus.

The business has been operating 40 years with new ranges and colours being introduced to meet today’s needs.

In 1983 Suzie decided the old blanket and sheet held together with huge safety pins on the family’s ironing board was past it so she set about designing an ironer-friendly cover.

After several prototypes, Suzie decided a padded and reversible cover worked most effectively to make her ironing life easy. 

The reversible ironing board covers are designed to be used on either side, so can be turned during the long life of the cover – often three to five years or more. 

“The one thing that hasn’t changed over the years has been the quality of the fabric, the generous cut and construction of our covers,” she said. 

“I am proud to boast that fabric offcuts are recycled. We have had many customers whose covers have lasted well over 10 years and in today’s throwaway world it is nice to know you are investing in a quality, locally made product.

“We also custom make covers for people with odd, shaped boards.”

All ironing board covers are made using only the best quality Australian and imported cotton furnishing fabric, and a polyester padding Australian made to specification.

The fabrics are attractive, modern and durable. As well as the standard country range of stripes, ginghams and checks, there is also limited-edition designs of gumnuts, orchids, eucalypt, wild protea, wildflowers, buttercups, Mexicana and fireworks.

The padding and elastic have changed over the many years as have ironing board sizes so Suzie makes covers to fit all sizes.

There are two different styles to choose from, reversible padded and single padded ironing board covers. 

The covers are joined at the outer seam and threaded with elastic cording through that seam, which is measured and tied. 

Washing and fitting instructions are supplied. Simply measure your ironing board from the base to the tip to determine the correct size. 

All covers are to allow a generous undertuck regardless of width and there is plenty of spare elastic if you need to adjust or tighten. 

Bruce Rollins, a third-generation farmer near Coolamon, knows the challenges of farming. 

There have been tough times with the drought which can impact both business operations and mental health.

“Cropping and harvest time is full on. You could be working 18-hour days and we could go the full week with only seeing the wife, nephew and the neighbour to wave to,” he said.

“Through the drought a few years ago, it was very tough. There was little income, and I learnt a lot of things through tough times, but many people hit the wall then and some looked out for help, a lot of people didn’t.”

Bruce did seek help but only after a friend helped him connect with his GP.

“My mechanism was wrong - I would go to sleep and just shut myself down, and I hit the wall. To be honest I buried my head in the sand until a friend dragged me to the doctor.

“I went to a psychologist, and they pointed me in different directions. You’ve got to be mindful of how to work yourself out of those bad days.

“Mental health challenges affect everyone. If you’re struggling, connect with a GP or health professional or your network of family and friends. There is support out there.”

Bruce will be chatting with Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network at Henty machinery Field Days. Visitors can hear his story at The Stump on Thursday, September 21 from 11.30am. 

Visit Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network at Henty for a free health check, COVID-19, influenza and Japanese encephalitis vaccinations. Staff will be happy to chat all things health and help people connect with the right services. 

Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network works with local healthcare providers and communities to achieve its vision of well people, resilient communities across the Murrumbidgee. Find out more at mphn.org.au

Louise O’Neill is helping farmers around Australia spend time with family, friends and community, away from the farm, guilt-free and creating an identity outside of agriculture.

Louise, the Agrifutures 2022 WA Rural Women of the Year, founded Farm Life Fitness (FLF) after her and her husband’s own journey with mental health and farming.  

They hit rock bottom and became so disconnected with their own farm life.  

Eventually after a lot of work on their mental and physical wellbeing, things started to change, and Louise knew that she had to put these hard and confronting experiences to use.

Farm Life Fitness is helping farming families and rural communities create a healthier, more sustainable future in agriculture. 

This is achieved through speaking, education, community building, one-on-one coaching, and group fitness classes available live and online.

“Too many people in agriculture suffer due to the false belief that farming must be an all-consuming, 24/7 job,” Louise said.

She is challenging the conventions preventing people in agriculture from having a happier, healthier, and more productive farming lifestyle.

“So, they can spend more time with their family, friends and community, away from the farm, guilt-free and also create an identity outside of farming,” Louise said. 

“A big component of FLF is the FLF Community, a place for rural people to connect, talk and move for their physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. 

“As well as live, online workouts delivered each weekday morning, there is also an on-demand library for those that can’t make it to a live session. 

“The community is about so much more than movement; it is a space for people to learn the importance of putting themselves first and start to give back to themselves in a realistic and achievable way.  

“It is a place to celebrate the wins and work through the lows, a place to learn tools and habits that can improve our wellbeing, but most importantly, it is a place where people realise they are not alone irrespective of what a map may show.”

Louise will be talking about the importance of moving for mental health and how to figure out what type of movement is suited to different emotions.

She will appear at Country Lifestyle on Tuesday at 12.25pm and Wednesday at 12.15pm.

Mother and daughter team Lee Hesketh and Dana Bryon will debut their range of custom and personalised handmade timber farmhouse signs at Country Lifestyle this year.

Their business Oak and Olive Boutique specialises in designing the perfect forever piece for the home, office, wedding, engagement or gift giving.

They provide generic size and colour options when shopping on their online store but can also customize the signage to individual requirements, whether it be different sizing and colour options.

All pieces are handmade by Lee and Dana in Wagga Wagga and stocked by Lumella, Coolamon, Fisher and Farmer, Ganmain, and Wagga businesses August & Artisan, Craft Brew and BBQ, and Collective Interiors Furniture and Homewares.

Lee works full time for NRMA Wagga while Dana is a careers advisor for Charles Sturt University.

They bought the business from a close friend of Lee’s in January on the urging of Dana, who wanted a creative side hustle.

“The signs have been very popular for weddings and engagements for a while now and we have ventured into a new area of pet portraits, cute sayings for kitchen, laundry and workplace,” Lee said.

“We can custom make them to whatever size and colour people want.”

The ladies have become familiar figures around the local hardware stores and are now proficient at working with timber and power tools.

“We had to learn all those skills and it has been quite empowering,” Lee said.

Oak and Olive Boutique supports local markets at Riverwren, Oura, Lockhart and Lake Albert.

They are both looking forward to Henty Machinery Field Days as Lee used to sell cooking utensils there.

“At Henty we will have personalised and customised signs for order, along with the big range of generic signs,” Lee said.

More than 100 guests gathered to celebrate the 60^th anniversary of the Henty Machinery Field Days at the Henty Community Club last night.

An evening of memories, recollections, humorous stories and plenty of fellowship was enjoyd by the HMFD members, staff, sponsors, special guests and long-time exhibitors.

An anniversary cake was cut by the oldest member, Len Schilg, 92, a former Brocklesby farmer who joined the newly formed Henty Machinery Field Days committee in 1963 as a representative of the Brocklesby branch of the Farmers and Settlers Association. Helping Mr Schilg was the co-operative’s youngest and fourth generation member Austin Scheetz, 19, of Culcairn.

During the evening, recollections and memories were given by former HMFD Chairman and Yerong Creek farmer, Ross Edwards, who started as a young volunteer in the car park in 1966, and Claude Lieschke, Narrandera, who also started as a young volunteer making hundreds of garbage bins. 

CWA member and former Pleasant Hills farmer Lyn Jacobsen can trace her involvement back to 1970s when she demonstrated bread, scone and cake making to promote electricity for the local County Council before being appointed as coordinator of the Country Lifestyle pavilion. She recalled the early days of the pavilion layering the bare earth with carpet and using a watering can all day to dampen the dust in the aisles. 

Kerryn Scheetz, Culcairn, also spoke of her connections with the field days modelling in Country Lifestyle and later as support crew for current chairman Nigel Scheetz. 

Special guests included ANZ Head of Agribusiness Australia Mark Bennett, Greater Hume Council Mayor Tony Quinn, and Member for Albury Justin Clancy. 

“For six decades you have drawn your leadership from farming communities who understand local needs. You have survived the business threat from the pandemic and have come back stronger than ever,” Mr Clancy said.

“One side of Henty is the business of farming intelligently – science-based, cutting-edge technologies and the other is how important HMFD is for mental health across our rural and regional communities. Henty has been expanding social opportunities in its program and deserves recognition for this.”

HMFD Chairman Nigel Scheetz said members from the early days through until the early 1970s, such as the late Milton Taylor CBE and Ernie Howard, had a vision to provide an event for farmers to learn about advancements in agriculture, to showcase and demonstrate agricultural machinery in the one space, at the one event. 

“There were many tireless hours over many years developing the site to what we have today. Clearing trees, forming roads, laying of electricity lines and plumbing underground and laying out the sites were some of the tasks carried out during countless Saturday working bees,” Mr Scheetz said. 

“Then during the event, these tireless volunteers made sure exhibitors were well looked after and left having learned or seen something new. This trait alone has earned us the special tag of being the friendly field days amongst our exhibitors.”

HMFD chief executive officer Belinda Anderson said the event now involves 29 community groups benefiting from over $400,000 returning to their communities last year by either operating a food shed, collecting garbage, cleaning amenities, parking cars, operating the gates and other services.

“With 2022 being our most successful year on record we are looking forward to following this up in 2023. This year will see us sell out of our exhibition sites making it the largest exhibition space in our 60-year history with over 1040 sites occupied,” Mrs Anderson said. 

“Our older members can rest assured the field days are in good hands. Our current members show great dedication in continuing what they began 60 years ago. There is great respect for what was started 60 years ago and great pride in what they now contribute to the broader agricultural sector through their involvement with the production of these field days.”

Couture and cookery tips from the early 1960s combined with floral tips, fashions that flatter, and farm fitness, there will be something for everyone in the Country Lifestyle pavilion this year as Henty celebrates its diamond anniversary.

The Country Lifestyle pavilion is run by Lyn Jacobsen and Leonie Kohlhagen with a team of Riverina Group CWA members.

Compere for the fashion parades is motivational speaker Bernadette Torresan, who runs the red-carpet event, GO Fashion Show in Wodonga, while Albury MC Steve Bowen OAM will once again provide the music.

Former compere Peta Schaefer continues to train the models and will be supported by Bernadette. 

Mrs Jacobsen said the aim of the Country Lifestyle program was always to entertain, inform and educate.

Fashion parades have been consistently popular with field day visitors, sowing the seed for the launch of the Henty Natural Fibre Fashion Awards in 2004.

Today, the competition is one of the major natural fibre awards in Australia, attracting international entries for the first time several years ago.

The 2023 Natural Fibre Fashion Awards will culminate with the judging on Thursday, September 21 from 1pm.

This year’s judges are Leanne O’Toole, Wodonga, Lisa Schaefer, Grenfell, and Colleen Langtry, Wagga Wagga.

Demonstrations covering a vast array of topics are held between the parades, keeping a vibrant tempo in the pavilion.

Among the demonstrators invited this year is stylist Jo Lucchesi helping women to find clothing to suit their body shape;  potting orchids with the CWA’s Ann Adams OAM; succession planning for farming families with Commins Hendriks; Farm Life Fitness with Louise O’Neill, craft work with Lyn Maloney, Jenni Turner, Fox and Lillie, will outline the local wool industry; family succession planning with Dianna Jacobsen, Shine at Business; handy first aid tips from St John’ Ambulance; floral styling with Judy Knobel; David Post, Riverina Bluebell, speaking on mental health and resilience; advice from Relationships Australia and the long range weather forecast from Karl Lijdners, Weather Matters. 

Each day there will be a mini fashion parade of garments from 1963 as a salute to the Henty Machinery Field Days 60^th anniversary along with recipes, cookery and lifestyle tips from the early 1960s by CWA members. 

Mrs Jacobsen and cake decorator Kate Aldridge has made three cakes to raise funds for the regional charities, including Riverina Bluebell, with the winners drawn during the afternoon fashion parades. 

Henty born circus star Marcela Scheuner, who has performed around the world, will dazzle on the stage with her hoop juggling performance. 

Neil and Robbie Ladbroke are creating amazing spirits using pure, honest ingredients from the Australian high country at their Tumbarumba based distillery.  

The couple work closely with local orchardists in Batlow and surrounds to showcase the rich abundance of local fruit, nuts and produce whilst producing natural flavours from traditional and exotic botanicals. 

Ladbroken Distlling Co was founded in 2020 by Neil and Robbie when they visited Tumbarumba and were quickly enchanted by the magic of the region.

They made the tree change from Canberra and started a new venture combining their love of whisky, gin, and science.

Robbie is a scientist and her passion for the spirits comes from experimenting and collaborating with local growers.

Neil, a mechanical engineer, had been tinkering with distilling and home brewing, kicking off an interest in the craft and a search for the right premises to begin a business.

 “Distilleries are classified as light industry under planning laws, and I didn’t want to spend the next five years in an industrial zone in Canberra – we wanted more of the creativity and connection to the land in our lifestyle, so we took our search to the high country,” Robbie said.

The couple spent a year looking for the right location.

“We looked at a place in Tumbarumba and within seven minutes had made up our mind. The property and town were perfect, everyone was friendly and supportive. By the time we drove home we had already made the leap,” Robbie said.

“We have been going for two years now, picking up some awards in the first year for our Signature Dry Gin and our special limited release Berrylicious, which is made with local blueberries and wild foraged blackberries.

“The real driving force behind our products is we want to showcase the regional produce and growers as the hero within the spirits we are producing.

“We want to promote the region and its assets, the terroir, the food by crafting our spirits in an authentic way.

“We are different from most other Australian distilleries as we source real fruit, fresh ingredients, and hand forage as much as we can in partnership with the local producers.”

No preservatives, colourings or artificial flavours are used in the distillery. 

“We take a wholistic view of the produce to gain as much as possible and reduce any wastage. For example, following infusion in the liquor, the fruits and dried botanicals are repurposed into new innovative products such as our drunken jin jams, jin salts and meat rubs.”

Robbie has established a botanicals garden on site with a demonstration herb garden and forage walk and is working on the “cocktail garden”.

With degrees in geology, psychology and education, her interest in science led to a love of botanicals and gin whilst living abroad and visiting micro distilleries and apothecaries around the UK.

“We launched our first product in the middle of Covid and viewed it as a business adventure rather than a business venture – we learnt a lot about online retail sales and website development,” Robbie said. 

“It was a year later we got the cellar door open. We bought the former plant nursery with three acres which is being planted to a botanical garden and hosting one of Australia’s first commercial crops of juniper.”

The couple has been working with the owner of Corryong Fruit Tree Nursery on the crop agronomy and to propagate a range of unique plants. The old nursery building was fitted out with a food grade processing facility, a visitor space and a tasting room opened in July last year. 

Ladbroken Distilling Co holds seasonal do-it-yourself ginfusion workshops, gin parties and private distillery tours while visitors are encouraged to frock up for the Cocktail Club at the distillery’s art deco speakeasy.

“The speakeasy is a fun way for people to have a very different experience for a couple of hours before heading off to one of the lovely local restaurants in town,” Robbie said.

Ladbroken Distilling exhibited at the Henty field days for the first time in 2022.

“I was astounded – I had never been to a show of that scale before with people there to learn, see, hear, taste and explore everything to do with farming,” she said.

“We had a great reception from visitors to Farm Gate – this year I will take to the stage and mix up some cocktails.

“We will be showcasing our core range of Eliksir Gin along with a range of seasonal flavours, a new range of barrel aged spirits, and my experimental laboratory range of liqueurs made from local hazelnuts, finger limes and cherries.”

Visitors to Farm Gate pavilion will be able to sample Ladbroken Distilling Co Eliksir Spiced Apple and Fig Gin, Gingerbread Gin, Berrylicious Gin, and Blood Orange Gin. 

They will also be able to purchase the Writers Gin, a tribute to Laurel Hill’s majestic Sugar Pine Walk, badly damaged by fire in 2020, and capturing the essence of the alpine environment with notes of sugar pine, juniper, bay laurel, mountain pebberberry, elderflower, scribbly gum and lemon myrtle. 

Riverina Gin is a small, family-owned distillery in Borambola, NSW, and founded on the promise to make great gin, bring people together and create exceptional experiences for rural communities.

Jake and Tessa Eaglesham opened their distillery to the public in February after conceiving the idea in the Scottish Highlands. 

Tessa, a human resources manager, was raised on an eastern Riverina farm while Jake is from a small village in the Scottish Highlands where his parents run a pub. 

He received a scholarship at 16 to Edinburgh to play rugby before leaving school to work on the oil rigs in the North Sea followed by playing rugby in Germany, Spain and finally joining the Wagga Waratahs 10 years ago.

Jake went on to play in New Zealand, England and Scotland, moving back to the Waratahs in 2018 to play in their premiership side.

“When we were in Scotland, we noticed a lot of gin distilleries popping up in the traditional whiskey country of the highlands – we spent a lot of time travelling round to visit these distilleries off the beaten tracks on farms,” he said. 

“We loved hearing their stories and trying their products.”

The covid lock-down gave Jake the time to spend on mapping out a business plan for a distillery, seeking advice from business mentors, and finding the ideal location.

Borambola Wines offered a shed and the couple opened their Riverina Gin distillery in February 2023.

The cellar door closed over winter to concentrate on production and develop new products in time for reopening in summer. 

The gin is handmade in a copper still using a traditional one-shot distillation method. 

The signature blend, Riverina Gin, uses local and traditional botanicals to produce a refreshing gin inspired by the region. 

Fresh, organic Washington navel and Valencia oranges are sourced from Leeton and Griffith – only the best go in the gin with the rest dried and used for garnish.

“Riverina Gin is wrapped up in brown paper and tied with twine. Our unique packaging is a humble reminder to support the little guy,” Jake said.

“I remember at a young age going shopping with my grannie in Scotland and her basket would be full with produce wrapped in brown paper and tied with twine. I wanted to include that in the packaging to give it a handmade feel.”

The exclusive Riverina Gin Club is capped at 200 members who receive two free bottles of Riverina Gin, and an invitation to the Club’s exclusive annual shindig, cocktail evenings and tastings. 

“The Riverina Gin Club is our way to build our own community and give something back to the good folk that support us,” Jake said. 

Riverina Gin has attended farmers markets at Canberra, Coleambally, Leeton, Yanco, Tumbarumba, Holbrook, Gundagai, Tumut, Wagga Wagga, and took bronze at the Sydney Royal Easter Show in the commercial exhibitor awards.

Riverina Gin attended the Henty Machinery Field Days for the first time in 2022 and this year Jake will make some delicious gin-based cocktails in the demonstration kitchen at the Farm Gate Produce Market. 

“Farmers markets and field days are good for us – we don’t judge the success of these events by the amount of bottles we hand over. We are a new distillery so often it is just about meeting the maker,” Jake said.

He will also display his 1979 Landrover Defender tray-back, a vehicle favoured by the late Queen and the Royal Family at Balmoral, at the Farm Gate Market pavilion. 

Visitors to Henty’s Farm Gate Produce Area will be able to indulge in a feast of the senses with an array of regional produce to see, smell and taste.

From spices to salami, wines to herbal teas, and gin to gluten free paella, Farm Gate Produce Area offers visitors the opportunity to buy, taste and share local foods and drinks.

Featuring a host of regional exhibitors, the Farm Gate Produce Area is located on the southern edge of the field day site, and has a busy program of demonstrations and talks by presenters.

There will be plenty of tips and advice from micro flower farmer Sophie Kurylowicz from Little Triffids, artisan and visitors can join fungi enthusiast Tracie MacVean to hear about the diversity and curiosities of the fungi kingdom. 

Learn about the anatomy of fungi, the basics of how to identify fungi and common edible, medicinal and toxic mushrooms.

Accompanying this talk is an extensive array of local fungi photographs and artwork by Tracie, along with ready-made grow buckets and other mushroom products. 

New to Farm Gate this year will be emerging Riverina icon, Whitton Malt House, showcasing their unique tourist venture based in the cotton fields of the Riverina. 

Riverina pork producers John and Lauren Dowling, of Grong Grong, will be speaking about their paddock to plate business with locally grown and produced fresh and smoked pork products under their brand Codemo Smallgoods.  

Also among the producers is Gamila MacRury, of Gamilia’s of Beechworth, the equal winner of the champion savoury preserve trophy at the 2023 Melbourne Royal Australian Food Awards with her pickled blueberries with saffron. 

A masterclass will be given by vigneron Damian Cofield, Cofield Wines, Rutherglen, and Tumbarumba distiller Robbie Ladbroke will speak on the botanicals used in gin and mixing cocktails.

Adding to the atmosphere will be talented regional musicians, Happy Hour, on the outdoor sound stage, the perfect spot to relax with a plate of delicious food, and circus star Marcela Scheuner will dazzle with her hoop routines. 

Farm Gate coordinator Ordette Mannering is excited about taking part in an event that celebrates this region and its produce.

Ms Mannering said the Farm Gate Produce Area was all about showcasing local product, businesses and expertise.

“it’s great to be working at Farm Gate as it lines up with my values as a champion of local produce for the past 20 years.

“We have so many talented people in the region and Farm Gate will bring us together to celebrate our beautiful produce.”

This year’s exhibitors include herbal teas, red, white and sparkling wines, spirits, cider, coffee, gourmet handmade puddings, pastries, condiments, confectionary, spices, small goods, premium cook and knife ware, and gluten free paella.

The Farm Gate market has consistently aimed to showcase produce primarily grown and value added in southern NSW and Victoria’s Northeast.

There will be daily give aways of 10 vouchers valued at $10 for spending on the day at Farm Gate. 

Check out HMFD’s Facebook for more detailed timing of demonstrations closer to the event.

Scott Burns and Alicia Robinson have turned their passion for food and entertaining into a business of top end cooking, tableware and barware under the brand Black Wattle.

Located at Bathurst in central NSW, Black Wattle Premium Cookware supplies home cooks and chefs with quality fry pans, saucepans, cheese boards, coasters, slate serving boards, carving boards, carving sets, barware, tableware, wine sets, knives and knife accessories. 

Scott and Alicia had previous bought and sold some cookware through auctions and from this they initiated their own brand of cookware that is manufactured to topline specifications for sales and promotion throughout Australia via field days, large markets, online and now opening a retail shop in Bathurst. 

“Our stall at Henty’s Farm Gate Produce Area this year will be a full-on shop with 60-70 different lines,” Mr Burns said. 

“A lot of it revolves around top quality knives including the ultimate chef’s knife of the Japanese Damascus and the silver and gold editions of professionally polished and corrosion resistant German stainless-steel knives with Pakka wood handles. 

“Each knife comes individually presented and boxed with the Black Wattle engraved logo. 

“These knives are priced for the home cook but are a premium quality.”

Although Black Wattle has exhibited at the Australian National Field Days and Mudgee Small Farm Field Days, it will be the first year for the business at Henty. 

Growing up on a mixed cropping property in the central west, Scott attended the Henty field days from a visitor’s perspective a decade ago.

“Field days are second nature for me.”

Scott said his business partner Alicia is an exceptional cook with a good attention to detail.

“Individual knives and knife sets, including accessories such as a timber magnetic board for knives are very popular,” he said.

“One of our best sellers is the barware, particularly the whiskey sets with curved glasses and a set of six stainless steel cubes for freezing to act as ice. 

“At Henty we will have styled sets of carving knives and wooden boards plus the popular slate serving boards for cheese and condiments.

 “We will be bringing a large range of unscratchable diamond coated frypans and saucepans.”

Future plans for Black Wattle include expanding into interactive cooking classes via their website and digital media.

Fringed with cotton or irrigated crops, the Whitton Malt House is an agri-tourism destination where local produce and people are celebrated.

Located adjacent to Voyager Craft Malt and Southern Cotton at Whitton, the Malt House was established in 2020 and is located halfway between Sydney and Melbourne in the Riverina region, only 150km from Wagga Wagga.

The architecturally designed building with breathtaking floor to ceiling views across the manmade Lake Hulong is a regional dining, event and accommodation venue that must be included in holiday plans.

Over two square kilometres of manicured grounds with a lake, aqua golf, fishing and lawns to relax are all waiting at this spectacular Riverina venue.

Open seven days a week for lunch then dinner service on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, there is something on the menu for everyone.

The Malt House is proud to showcase local, seasonal produce on all their menus and provide a true Riverina dining experience for visitors.

Craft beers, Australian made whisky, gin and vodkas plus local and national wines all form an impressive beverage list available from 10am each day.

There are 14 impressive one or two-bedroom villas overlooking Lake Hulong and are the perfect spot for your next getaway.

The retail store houses rafts, art, homewares and local produce available for purchase plus gift vouchers. 

Often referred to as “an oasis”, the Whitton Malt House appears out of nowhere when visitors are driving on the Whitton-Darlington Point Road. 

Whitton Malt House can be found for the first time at Henty this year at the Farm Gate Produce Area. 

Hutcheon & Pearce is the leading machinery company across New South Wales for good reason.

As a proud Australian, multi-generational family-owned business, Hutcheon & Pearce has a strong connection to the land and the communities it serves. In fact, supporting customers and rural communities has been a hallmark of the business through its 70 years in operation.

And in true Hutcheon & Pearce style, for every 70^th Anniversary 6125M and 6155M Series Special Edition Tractors sold during the Henty Machinery Field Days, Hutcheon & Pearce will make a $500 donation to Ronald McDonald House and a further $500 donation to Country Hope. 

Along with a full range of machines from mowers and gators right through to production ag equipment, Hutcheon & Pearce will have something for the whole family with John Deere toys and twice daily performances of the kids’ favourite, George the Farmer, along with demonstrations by Timbersport World Champion Brad de Losa. 

Starting in the Riverina and now spread across most of country NSW – from Albury in the south to Wee Waa in the north – Hutcheon & Pearce is an extensive network customers can count on. 

With 17 branches, considerable buying power and almost 500 staff, it’s proof that size really does matter when it comes to meeting modern machinery and technology needs.

Customers have access to more resources, support and expertise than anywhere else or ever before. 

Not only does Hutcheon & Pearce provide industry-best farm machinery and outdoor power equipment, it’s also at the leading edge of technology. 

Thanks to John Deere’s commitment to continuous innovation, customers are among the first to benefit from advances in machine performance and accuracy. 

Coupled with TECSight – an elite team of technicians providing phone and field support and precision ag advice – and 24/7 parts availability, farmers can rest assured they can keep going when they need it most.

Recognising another great ag stalwart, the team at Hutcheon & Pearce is excited to bring the best of the best in ag machinery to the Henty Machinery Field Days and join with the community in celebrating 60 fantastic years of Henty.

The Biti family have seen first-hand the spending habits and changes in consumer preference for their vehicles across 45 years at the Henty Machinery Field Days.

Bruno and Lois Biti became a Ford dealership in Culcairn in July 1978 and displayed the new XC Falcon at the field days that year, along with the Daihatsu vehicles they were selling at the time.  

Biti Motors is now under the leadership of the next generation, Paul Biti, and is one of the most decorated dealerships in the country, culminating with the 2013 Top Dealer for Australia Award.

“We pride ourselves in doing things as well as we can and being heavily involved in whatever Ford offer,” Mr Biti said.

“Being a stand-alone Ford dealership, you have to make sure you are supporting the franchise – we have won quite a lot of awards over the years and have always been right at the top of the score board.

“Life has changed for Australians and what we have in our vehicles – the Falcon and Territory were fantastic vehicles, but people’s needs have changed. They want to carry bigger boats and caravans on their travels and hence what used to be the old farm vehicle, the Courier and early Rangers, have now turned into a much more passenger like vehicle, and including the 4WD wagon the Everest.

“Those vehicles now allow for people to drive a heavy 4WD as a pleasure car on the highway.”

Mr Biti concedes even if the Falcon was manufactured today, it would not suit the needs of the modern family.

He foresees the transition to electric vehicles as a difficult one for country or smaller regional dealership of any brand with much of regional Australia not ready for electric cars.

“The issue for regional Australians is the distances needed to be travelled quickly and the 4WD’s require a lot of torque for towing. Europe has stopped producing petrol or diesel small vehicles and heavily going electric so it will be a real issue for Australia,” he said. 

“The Chinese market is moving in quickly with electric vehicles. The next four to five years will be very difficult for dealerships and the public to purchase vehicles they need.”

For Biti Motors, resilience has been critical to survival in a small country town suffering drought, floods, COVID and global recessions over the decades.

The dealership differentiates itself from those in Albury-Wodonga and Wagga Wagga by focusing on quality sales and service.

“Ford survey each of our customers and our score out of 100 is always in the high 90s – all our staff greet the customers and if the customer has a problem they can speak directly with the technician,” Mr Biti said.

Biti Motors is among the larger employers in Culcairn with a staff of 12, including apprentices, and has actively engaged with Billabong High School to encourage young people to take up the trade.

Located on a prominent roundabout, the building is being given a facelift with new Ford branding along the front of the showroom in time for the field days. 

The dealership’s footprint takes in a rich agricultural area extending 100km east and west of Culcairn and touching Albury and Wagga Wagga.

Mr Biti was hoping to have the new Ford F-150 Truck on display at Henty but will be fielding questions and taking orders.

“We have one of the most prominent sites of the field days and last year it was a real challenge to have the stock for display due to getting those vehicles built during covid and shipped to Australia.

“We usually like to take around 16 to 20 vehicles for the site.

“The Ford Ranger will be the main interest – it is a vehicle developed largely since 2015 to turn it into a vehicle that is comfortable to drive and a capable workhorse. The spin-off is the Everest with the new V6 engine increasing its towing capacity to 3.5 tonne to cater for the larger caravans.

“In the SUV class, the European made Escape has been an absolutely astounding seller for us but unfortunately it will cease in 2023 due to expansion of the electric vehicle market.”

September is always a full month for the dealership as the season and people’s buying habits change, and Ford introduce their new models.

“Henty 2022 was an incredible year with a huge crowd on our site – we had the new Ranger and Everest which created so much interest,” Mr Biti said. 

“I was on my own and people were queued up – fortunately I thought, someone left me a stubby, but it was empty and under the bonnet of one of the new Rangers.

“Henty is the best promotion out of all we ever do – it is not just the advertising of our business but the best way to see past and current customers. Fifteen years ago, a customer from 200km away bought a car at the field days and has since averaged two to three cars a year from us.

“For me, I either see the field days on the Monday beforehand or drive around the sites at the end of the day at 5.30pm and I usually find someone to have a talk to.”

The family’s involvement with the field days extends back to the early 1960s when dealership founder, Bruno Biti, began working as a mechanic for Four Way Motors, and demonstrated New Holland balers at the Henty Field Days.

Bruno went on to devote his life to the Culcairn community, serving on almost every committee in the town and being awarded the Citizen of the Year and an OAM.

He and wife Lois founded Biti Motors in 1971 as a mechanical workshop in premises behind the Culcairn Hotel before opening as a Ford dealer in 1978 on the current site.

Paul’s earliest memories of the field days date to 1976 when he would wrangle a day off school to go.

“In the 1970s and 1980s, we used to have field day specials and sold them off the site,’’ he said.

“During the 1990s and 2000s, we rarely sold a car at the field days but in the last decade we have sold cars directly at the event.”

Paul has served in a volunteer capacity on the HMFD advisory board.

“I’m involved with the Culcairn Tennis Club which has one of the food stalls at Henty and that has always been a big money raiser for the town.”

NSW Department of Primary Industries hydrogen powered hair cut demonstration trailer will once again offer free haircuts to Henty Machinery Field Days visitors in its renewably powered mobile barber shop themed as a shearing shed.

The trailer, which has done 25,000km around NSW and provided hundreds of quality haircuts to farmers so far, demonstrates hydrogen fuel cell, solar photovoltaic and lithium-ion battery storage technologies in a practical application.

The H₂Cuts trailer will this year be towed to Henty by the new P2X Express truck, the first heavy hybrid truck powered by both electricity and green diesel in the NSW Government’s fleet. 

NSW DPI has sourced Australia’s first shipment of Neste’s renewable diesel HVO100 fuel to power P2X EXPRESS a fuel which is chemically identical to fossil diesel but burns cleaner without the normal aromatics and is a true net zero fuel, with drop replacement well suited to the needs of agriculture.

Both the truck and trailer will be on display at NSW Local Land Services site so visitors can speak with Michael, John and the shearing team about options within the agriculture sector to reduce energy costs and move towards low or zero emissions energy sources. 

The initiative funded under the NSW Decarbonisation Hub allows free haircuts powered by hydrogen at field days and other events and the opportunity for customers to seek information about energy efficiency measures to reduce on-farm energy costs and emissions will be available.

For more information visit www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/climate/energy

Westonfence is an Australian made fencing system designed for exclusion, boundary, subdivision or retrofit to existing fences.

The initial Westonfence concept was developed by Peter Weston in response to the need for better management of his farm at Nymagee. 

Peter’s philosophy in managing the land for productivity and sustainability included woody weed removal, pasture improvement and ground water catchment/storage.

Improvements in productivity were eroded by increased invasive species pressure to which conventional fencing was ineffective. 

This led Peter to develop a low maintenance, easy to install, economic electric fencing system, Westonfence.

Westonfence is made locally in Parkes, NSW, from recycled plastics, chemical drums and agri-waste diverted landfill. The recycled plastic droppers are insulated, low maintenance, durable and offer an economical alternative to traditional fencing materials.

Westonfence is a complete and permanent electric fencing solution which is adaptable to suit any situation or environment and has been used successfully for exclusion, biosecurity, conservation, containment, and equine fencing across Australia.

“We’re quite proud of the evolution of the Westonfence Droppers from their initial beginnings in Nymagee to the quality product we manufacture in Parkes today,” Mr Weston said. 

Scotch College Melbourne’s Boarders’ precinct, affectionately known as “the Hill”, is about to unveil its new senior wing and parent retreat.

The College deeply values its boarding community and continues to invest in new facilities that enhance the lives of our boarders, their families and the staff who care for them. 

The Boarding Project, an ambitious building program started in 2018, has transformed the school’s residential facilities. 

This project sought to provide the best possible experience for boarders, and to foster a “village” environment that integrates the daily lives of the boys with the families of the staff who care for them.

The Parent Retreat provides a dedicated space for parents, who often travel long distances to visit their sons, to refresh and relax, and to interact with each other over a coffee or garden barbecue.

It is a beautiful and serene environment at the heart of the boarding precinct and links to the Village Green, an open communal space for boarding families to enjoy.

The new Senior Wing is an impressive upgrade of the boarding house accommodation.

“Our senior boys play a crucial role within the boarding community, adding to the esprit de corps and pastoral environment of each of the three houses that accommodate the boarders and their residential staff,” Dean of Boarding Tim Byrnes said.

 “These new, generously sized rooms provide the boys with a homely, purpose-designed base and include separate living and increased study spaces”. 

Scotch College caters for more than 160 boarders, predominantly from rural Victoria and NSW, and is Victoria’s oldest and largest boys’ boarding school. 

Boarders are entwined in every strand of the vibrant Scotch tartan, and enrich the experience of each Scotch boy, family and member of staff.

The school is attending the Henty Machinery Field Days and welcomes all Scotch past, present and future families to visit their booth in the Country Lifestyle pavilion.

PyroAg, a leader in creating commercial quantities of Pyroligneous acid or wood vinegar, is urging Australian farmers to embrace the next generation of sustainable farming practices, as well as stripping their fertiliser costs significantly.

In 2018, PyroAg joined forces with Newcastle University to complete a study, Effect of Pyroligneous Acid on Microbial Community Composition and Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria (PGPB) in Soils, to uncover the suite of benefits associated with wood vinegar.

The study clearly demonstrated PyroAg Wood Vinegar’s potential in improving the soil biological health by enhancing the beneficial plant growth-promoting bacteria.

PyroAg chief executive officer John Mellowes said modern agriculture relies on the heavy use of pesticides and fertilisers.

“Soil health is affected, and microbial diversity is lost. Soil microbes are vital to soil health and fertility. That is when PyroAg – wood vinegar comes into the picture,” Mr Mellowes said.

“The key is for farmers to look for alternative suppliers of bio-stimulants including local Australian products such as PyroAg Wood Vinegar.”

For Miranda Pritchard, 33, and James Allen, 37, their passion and commitment as young and hardworking farmers shines through in their work ethic and commitment in succeeding with their farm in the Mallee.

And more than that, they are a dynamic duo who are committed in leading by example in discovering and implementing smart agricultural choices to amplify their farm’s soil health.

With 1012ha in the Mallee, they are growing pulse crops, lentils, canola, lupins, beans and cereal crops of wheat, barley and triticale.

Introducing PyroAg Wood Vinegar into the soil in late 2020 has been a significant turning point for James and Miranda in the way they approach successful agricultural techniques.

“We decided to use a natural cocktail of PyroAg Wood Vinegar, kelp and BAM (Beneficial Anaerobic Microbes) for our seed treatment rather than using chemicals and results are clear,” Mr Allen said.

“We use 100ml to a tonne of seed with five litres of water dilution and we found that it is the right combination to get the results we want.

“We also use PyroAg to increase chemical uptake for weed control in sprays such as glyphosate and paraquat.

“We have always been in the mindset of looking for sound alternatives that move against the tide of mainstream agriculture.”

PyroAg Wood Vinegar was one of those answers.

“Miranda and I are confident that PyroAg Wood Vinegar plays a significant role in not only in the soil’s health but also the greener canopies we are seeing in our crops across our farm,” Mr Allen said.

“We have used PyroAg Wood Vinegar a number of times in the last seven months as we try to steer away from chemical insecticides and fungicides as much as possible.

“Products like PyroAg are the only ways in moving forward with a clear conscience that is also profitable and sustainable.”

OTR Australia will be at Henty this year with their range of fixed welded wheels, adjustable bolted tractor wheels, demountable rim options and clip-on dual applications and they also carry a complete axle assembly and spare parts range.

Their complete range of wheels from 6-inch through to 63-inch diameter can be designed and manufactured to your requirements. 

OTR Australia is not just a tyre, wheel and axle manufacturer, they can also engineer, design, fabricate and machine components to any required specifications.

Agricultural machinery working outdoors must be robust, which is why OTR Australia take a complete service approach to the manufacture of engineering products and assemblies.

OTR Australia’s manufacturing hubs in Perth, Mildura and Yatala, coupled with reginal branches around Australia, allows for timely and cost-effective delivery of components and products no matter where in Australia you are situated. 

The business is staffed by a group of more than 200 experts with vast knowledge of agricultural products from engineering through to design, production and logistics.

OTR Australia’s combination of large workshop space and staff’s extensive knowledge allows them to work closely with their customers to provide customisable agricultural machinery parts for their unique needs.

Alongside the engineering expertise, OTR Australia carries a complete range of tyres for all applications, from premium brands through to cost-competitive options, and can cater to all of your requirements, be it speed, flotation, traction or height.

Manufactured from the best Australian Blue Scope steel products, OTR heavy duty parts and components are developed with one goal; to maximize the uptime of your work fleet.

With the significant rise of grid connection and electricity costs, Junee farmers Steve and Felicity Harris decided to investigate off-grid solar power solutions for their new home and workshop.

Their desire was to build their new home and workshop in a spot to take advantage of the best views on their farm despite being some distance from the existing electricity network.

After receiving a quote to connect to the existing electricity network, Steve and Felicity decided to contact local solar company SolarWise, Wagga Wagga, to help with the design and costing for an off-grid solar and battery energy system.

The design and consultation process involved analysing the forecasted current and future energy needs, to ensure they had sufficient energy generated to power a modern home and have the capacity to run workshop power tools and welder when needed.

The proposed machinery shed had sufficient roof space to accommodate the number of solar panels required and would be an ideal location to install a backup generator.

Steve and Felicity went ahead with the off-grid option as it offered more independence and control over their future energy needs. Being financially cost effective in both the short and long term as well as being more sustainable with around 90 per cent of their forecast energy requirements being met by solar energy, made off-grid the obvious choice.

Recently Steve and Felicity hosted a farm open day in conjunction with some members of the Riverina Co-op where they took the opportunity to show first-hand how the system operates.

Alex Manley, SolarWise Wagga Wagga managing director, indicated there was increased interest by farmers looking to use solar energy batteries for a variety of purposes other than just powering homes or granny flats.

Workshops, tractor GPS stations, surveillance cameras, satellite internet stations, and solar pumps all feature in their thinking, particularly as the cost of technology is markedly reduced and proving to be reliable and productive. 

SolarWise will be at the Henty Machinery Field Days to answer any questions on becoming part of the solar revolution. 

Visitors to the Isuzu site at Henty will need to prepare for an exhilarating experience that will leave even the bravest souls breathless.

The Iron Summit offers an adrenaline pumping ride like no other where you will experience the thrill of conquering the world’s steepest mobile 4WD ramp, climbing six metres into the air at a daring 45-degree incline, all from the safety and comfort of an Isuzu D-MAX or MU-X.

But as the saying goes, what goes up must come down, with the fun continuing as you tackle the descent back down the other side.

The Iron Summit presents the opportunity to experience Isuzu UTE’s vehicles in a way that’s not possible in a showroom or regular test drive, and to witness first hand why Isuzu UTE’s technology makes it a leader in the off-road 4x4 market. 

To learn more visit www.isuzuute.com.au/events/iron-summit to see the Iron Summit in action. 

SeedMaster Toolbars are helping to streamline sowing time at Gleeson Farms, a large mixed cropping enterprise north of Swan Hill in the Victorian northern Mallee.

Manager Scott Gladman oversees 18,623ha of wheat, barley, chickpeas, lentils, canola and oaten hay.

Five years ago, the farm bought two 24.3m SeedMaster Toolbars to tackle the task and Scott considers it as money well spent.

“The beauty of the SeedMaster is it is so easy to use. You simply set and forget,” Scott said.

“After setting the automatic packing pressure, you use a foot pedal to lift and lower the tynes into the ground, they engage, then you seed up the paddock.”

He loves the toolbar’s precision in placing the seed and fertiliser through its double shoot system and says it has a proven track record as the ultimate workhorse.

“Our SeedMasters work 24 hours a day, and in that time, they cover more than 486ha.

“One standout feature of the toolbar is its ability to speed up when needed. If heavy rain stops sowing, it has the capacity to seed more than 890ha in 24 hours to get our schedule back on track.”

Other popular features include the residue deflectors enabling effortless trash flow, the lift kit providing float when pulling through mud and a compact travel mode.

From a design perspective, Scott Gladman singles out its active wing brace.

“There is a tension bar that goes from corner to corner of the SeedMaster and as more packing pressure is applied and make the bar work harder, it takes that stress rather than the wing.”

He believes bolting the toolbar together instead of welding it, gives the toolbar flex and added strength.

“Our two bars have so far clocked up 111,740 ha yet we have not touched either of them. There are no cracks or signs of wear and tear. 

“The O’Connor’s dealership does a terrific job of providing comprehensive customer service – it’s truly second to none.

“If you want a tool bar that is easy to use, low maintenance, a competitive price and made to last, you simply can’t go past SeedMaster.”

SeedMaster can be found at the O’Connor’s site (627-629) at the Henty Machinery Field Days. 

Westlime specialise in producing high-quality agricultural lime, stock/chicken feed lime, dolomite and road construction materials.

Australian owned and operated, Westlime’s state-of-the-art milling technology and large volume automated machinery ensure their products consistently exceed industry standards.

With a super fine average particle size, Westlime agricultural lime is readily available, facilitating optimal soil health and nutrient availability. The flexibility of dry or moisture-injected products provide ease of handling and spreading Westlime Ag Lime. 

Transportation convenience is also a priority for their customers. With road-train access in Parkes and B-double access in Canowindra, Westlime ensures efficient and seamless logistics, allowing customers to receive their orders promptly and hassle-free.

At Westlime, they understand the unique needs and challenges of farmers and industry professionals.

“The company has actively participated in events like the Henty Machinery Field Days for over 15 years, allowing us to engage with clients and gain valuable insights. We believe in building strong relationships with their customers and supporting local communities,” General Manager Andrew Commins said. 

“This interaction enables Westlime to continually improve our products and services to meet the evolving demands of the agricultural sector.”

Westlime is a trusted Australian family business located in Parkes and Canowindra, in central NSW, and has served the agricultural needs of NSW and central Victoria for more than 20 years. 

Mr Commins said the application of lime to cropping paddocks and pastures increased calcium levels and deficiencies, reduces aluminium and other metal toxicities, improve nutrient availability, accelerate micro-biological activity and increase the release of nutrient elements and organic matter from the soil. 

The Swiss black nosed sheep breed, the Valais, dubbed the world’s cutest sheep, will be at the Henty Machinery Field Days for the first time in 2023.

Alicia McConnell and David Whittaker, of the Alora Prestige Studs, at Gollan, NSW, will exhibit purebred July 2023 drop lambs and Valais/Corriedale first cross ewes. 

The Valais is an incredibly docile and hardy breed ideally suited to small lifestyle properties, but purebreds are rare in Australia with only around 40 stud breeders nationally involved in pure and grade-up programs.

The sheep are characterised by their black nose, eye area, ears, hooves and fetlocks, and can have black spots on their knees and hocks. The horns spiral outwards from the head on rams and ewes, and the fleece weight averages 1-1.5kg for lambs at six months growth. 

Alicia grew up on a mixed cropping and livestock property at Dubbo, instilling a passion for large animal livestock and taking up a career as a vet nurse followed by a laboratory technician with Central West Genetics.

She established her own small commercial flock of 30 Corriedale ewes, impressed by their docility.

“When the Valais came to Australia, I decided to cross them with the Corriedale as part of a breed-up program,” Alicia said.

“The sheep originate in Switzerland from the Valais region and are a dual-purpose sheep. When the Valais were first imported to New Zealand, I flew over there to see them.

“What I had heard and read on these sheep they were very much a docile, friendly, inquisitive breed – I love to go out in the paddock, call them and have them come running.

“They need to be shorn twice a year as they punch out 10cm of wool every six months. We are still pursuing options for the wool as it is quite a coarse fibre used mainly for felting and carpets. It could be blended with the likes of a Corriedale or English Leicester. 

“The first cross Valais/Corriedale average 26 micron.  There are only about 50 purebreds in Australia so there is very little data on the wool. Worldwide the Valais is recognised as a rare breed and Switzerland has closed its borders to exporting genetics to protect the Swiss flocks.

“Genetics is now being sourced from the UK and Australian breeders have formed the Valais Blacknose Australia which manages a DNA verified registry.”

The first F1 lambs were born in August 2022 and of the drop, Tuppence and Topaz will be on display at the Henty field days along with the first purebred Valais lambs born at Alora in July. 

“In Australia they are mainly being marketed as pets due to their friendly nature and uniqueness -they are not trying to target the wool-meat market,” Alicia said.

She has artificially inseminated a portion of the Corriedale ewes with Valais semen and uses first cross ewes as recipient mothers for embryo transplant programs.

“The Valais are quite large at birth and we do not recommend maiden ewes being used in breed up programs – it is better to use a mature, experienced mother.”

Alicia has sold most of her F1 wether lambs but has retained all the F1 ewes for grading up purposes.

Alora displayed the F1 ewes at the Dubbo and Wellington shows, with plenty of showgoers likening the crossbred to a Hampshire Downs cross. To purchase a nine-month-old F1 wether will cost you $500, F1 ewes around $5500, purebred ewes and rams $25,000 each, semen at $550-$1100 a straw and frozen embryos are priced around $10,000. 

Alicia said the Valais was a late maturing breed with mature ewes weighing 75-85kg and the rams 100-110kg. She said the preferred cross for grading up is English Leicester or Dorset Horn ewes.

“I have never been to the Henty field days so it will be exciting to be exhibiting there – the field days give us the best opportunity to present the F1 Valais. As they are not purebred at this point, we cannot show them so the field days and ag shows are ideal for promoting to a mixed group of people.

“I’m expecting my next shipment of genetics from the UK by Christmas but am happy to take contact details from interested people and speak to them about their options. If I can’t help them, there are plenty of other breeders who can.”

The Henty Machinery Field Days is the largest event on the agricultural calendar in southern NSW and is located in the heart of the Greater Hume Council – one of the state’s most productive agricultural areas.

Agriculture, forestry and fishing is Greater Hume’s largest output generating sector, supporting an estimated annual output of $441 million. This industry sector is also the largest employer with 1125 jobs which represents 32 per cent of total employment in the region.

The proximity to jobs and higher level services and short commute times to Albury, Wodonga and Wagga Wagga are key drivers for the ongoing growth in population; new residents are attracted to the rural lifestyle, basic services and large residential allotments on offer in the five towns and six villages across the local government area.

Mayor Cr Tony Quinn said Greater Hume offered an affordable option for families to consider.

“Residents enjoy relaxed living and access to modern local sporting and community facilities,” Cr Quinn said.

This is combined with the current median house price of $391,000 (as at December 2022 quarter) and industrial zoned land in Holbrook and Jindera, means Greater Hume is ready to support business and families to live a greater life.

Exhibitors from the Greater Hume Local Government Area at the field days are:

Bendigo Bank

Biti Motors

Brocklesby Public School P & C 

Business Edge Accountants

Commins Hendriks

Culcairn Swimming Pool Committee

Culcairn Football Club 

BE Lieschke & Son Pty Ltd

Delta Agribusiness

EasyKlip

Elders

Flyfaire Wines

Fox & Lillie Rural

Glynncorp Electrical

Greater Hume Council

Hahn Building

Henty and District Antique Farm Machinery Club

Henty branch of CWA

Henty Early Childhood Association

Henty Football Club

Henty Golf Course Improvement Association

Henty Park Tennis Club

Henty Public School P & C

Henty Show Society 

Holbrook Football and Netball Club

Holbrook Rotary

Jayfields Nursery

JGW & Wiesners AGCO dealers

Kotzur

Landcare

Local Land Services 

Neil Anderson Auto

NSW Police Service

NSW Rural Fire Service

Nutrien Ag Solution

Otto Suffolk Stud

PJN Steel Fabrication 

Pleasant Hills P & C

Rene Poll Dorset and White Suffolk/Charollais stud 

Riverlife Church

Silo Bag Ag

Silo Upgrades

St Joseph’s Catholic School Support

St Joseph’s Catholic Church

St Pauls College Walla Walla 

St Pauls Lutheran School Henty 

Strathview Genetics

Walbundrie Building Committee

The Murray Darling Basin produces one third of Australia’s food supply, yet 77 per cent of people who live in the Basin don’t even know they live here, according to research recently commissioned by the independent Inspector-General of Water Compliance.

In addition, 78 per cent of people believe any decisions made in the Murray-Darling Basin are driven by political motives. 

Perhaps its why up to 80 per cent of people strong support an independent federal body overseeing rules and regulations across the Basin.

And that is exactly what the independent Inspector-General aims to do, by holding governments and regulators to account. 

The Honourable Troy Grant is the first Inspector-General of Water Compliance, and aims to tackle these issues, and many more identified in the research, to help improve trust and confidence in the water management across the Murray-Darling Basin.

“I have travelled the length and breadth of the Basin, speaking to communities about the issues that concern them,” Mr Grant said.

“I’ve acted on many of those concerns, commissioning audits and reviews into things like river management, compliance and enforcement, and overland flow, while also holding the government to account.

“I also commissioned a review to see if any member of the public could clearly see where the $13 billion in Basin Plan funding has been spent, and outcomes achieved from that funding.

“I found that it is an incredibly difficult task for an average taxpayer to find information that clearly explains what money has been spent, where it has gone, what has been achieved, and how much remains.”

The Inspector-General is supported by a well-connected group of field officers, who are located across the Basin in Goondiwindi, Dubbo, Albury, Mildura and Loxton.

“Its important field officers are local people who understand local issues. They’re available at the Henty Machinery Field Days at site 708 to chat to. 

“If you are unable to make it to Henty, you can also contact your local field officer by calling 13 44 92.”

To view the IGWC’s reports and audits visit igwc.gov.au 

If you have saved the date to attend Henty in September, then mark another date in your calender to check your fuel tank.

Trusted local fuel provider Lowes bp is asking growers to call in to their site to check out the field days specials from Castrol, Mobile and Prolube then talk tank safety with the team.

“Older farm fuel tanks might have done the job for decades, but they may end up costing you n the end. With mounting farming costs, you don’t want to be losing money with older tanks which are not as efficient as modern tanks and monitoring equipment for safety and preventing fuel evaporation or reducing fuel theft,” Lowes Health, Safety and Environment general manager Bernie Morris said. 

Lowes bp are providing free tools and assistance to conduct on farm fuel tank safety checks to proactively address these risks.

Mr Morris said it was not unusual to see tanks well over 20 years old in some areas and although they may seem to be in a good condition, time and exposure to elements take their toll.

“Our Lowes team can assist with on-the-spot advice or scheduling a site visit. You can also take hoe our tank safety checklist. 

“Long days at events can leave you exhausted and we don’t want you heading home that way. Along with fuel information and great field day specials, the Lowes site is where you can enter the Henty gate prize competition with $500 gift cards to win every day. You can grab a free Rural Road Safety lollipop or just relax in the Rural Road Safety chill zone. 

“Often there is the perception that driving on country roads has less risk. Lowes bp partner with Rural Road Safety Month, to raise awareness of safety on rural and remote roads. 

“This year the team from Rural Road Safety are on site and talking about the role distraction plays in road fatalities.”

Why not test your own reaction time and maybe win a gift card in the process. Top scorers can earn themselves a $20 BP e-gift card. 

Look for the quirky Lowes bp inflatable fuel truck at the Henty Machinery Field Days to discover how you can win bp gift cards, ensure your fuel tanks are safe and do your part to raise awareness of safety on rural roads. 

Nathan Maloney is Henty born and bred, spending his childhood helping out cooking steaks or making deliveries at the field days and as adult working as an electrician and in recent years as an exhibitor.

As the owner of Wodonga business, Redi 2 Hire, Nathan and his wife Melinda are now the newest businesses to join the Henty Machinery Field Days as official sponsors.

Nathan grew up playing for the Henty Swampies AFL team and has sponsored the club for many years. He often helped out his parents cooking in the steak house at the field days to raise funds for Henty Public School, and also made parcel deliveries at the goods shed.

When he qualified as an electrician, each year Nathan helped out colleague Rodney Gabriel making sure all the power was connected and working on every site on the field days each year.

While living in Melbourne Nathan and Mel started their own electrical business and after nine years with a young family they decided to relocate before to Table Top and open Redi 2 Hire, an equipment hire and sales business, in Wodonga in 2014.

“We provide a friendly, professional service to the Wodonga, Albury and surrounding regions with an extensive range of new hire and sales equipment for use by the home handyman, tradesman, building, contractor, councils and industry,” Nathan said. 

“Our aim is to provide customers with high quality products, and have been a premium sales and service agent for Wacker Nueson since 2016. Of German origin, Wacker Nueson is a leading global manufacturer of high-quality construction equipment and compact construction machines, putting their confidence behind the product with an industry leading five-year warranty on all products.”

In 2020, Wacker Nueson Australia Pty Ltd became the exclusive distributor of Dingo Mini Digger/Loader machines, attachments and parts for the Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Islands.

The new range of mini loaders has continued to be manufactured in Dalby, Qld, by Dingo Mini Diggers/Loaders under the Wacker Nueson brand. As such, Redi 2 Hire now services and repairs Dingo’s and has a large range of spare parts on hand.

Redi 2 Hire provides sales and service agents for Ox Tools range of concrete hand tools, Digga attachments, Norm Engineering excavator and equipment attachments, Crommelins Machinery and hydraulic and engine oils from Penrite Oil.

A member of the Hire and Rental Association Australia, Redi 2 Hire can hire portable outdoor cinema screens, access equipment, compaction and excavation equipment, compressors, concreting and bricklaying equipment, generators and welders, landscaping and gardening equipment, scaffolding, mini loaders, lifters, power tools, saws and demolition tools and trailers. 

A keen classic car enthusiast, Nathan hires out the portable outdoor cinema screen to vintage motoring clubs, councils and festivals for drive-in movie nights. 

“Our company is well renown for being able to find anything people need at short notice,” Nathan said.

“Henty is my home and any chance I get I like to get back there – we have been an exhibitor for the last five to six years under Wacker Neuson so our business is a natural fit with the Henty Machinery Feld Days.”

Event hire company Barlens have taken out the gold Logie for the Hire and Rental Industry Association of Australia.

Barlens Structures Solutions chief operating officer Morris Mckeeman said the Hire and Rental Company of the Year award was a massive effort from everyone in the company.

 “I must say everyone is still pretty much on a high about this,” Mr Mckeeman said. 

“It’s no small feat when you know you’re going up against the best hire companies in the country but to take it out is another matter. When you get down to the last two companies the HRIA judges fly in and pull your business apart and make sure you are indeed worthy of such a title.

“Innovation to the industry, presentation to the market and of course performance are key factors the judges consider, then no one knows the outcome until the gala awards dinner night and this year was Sydney’s turn to host the event.”

Innovation to the industry sector is an area Barlens work on continuously to improve.

The business has recently finished engineering and building a chair washing machine.

“I know this doesn’t sound a big deal but when you need to clean 23,000 chairs used to service the music scene Australia-wide you need to clean them quickly, so the machine we have manufactured and installed from scratch has the capacity to clean 25 chairs a minute and that’s a big deal in rock and roll,” Mr Mckeeman said. 

“The new machines we have introduced to clean and dry marquee vinyls and the Albury showroom marquee that is built in glass all adds to the innovation category. Presentation and performance come down to your staff and area managers, they just make this part happen.

“The introduction of Barlens Structure Solutions (BSS) is another area we have reached new heights. 

“The installation of large permanent or semi-permanent structures is another area we have ventured into, and we now build larger marquees than ever in five states and territories of Australia.”

Barlens recently completed one of these structures measuring 30m wide and 50m long with a height of 6.2m at the port of Newcastle.

“The installation happens with cranes and large machinery, is an example of what can be done, and our solution was so successful the client now requires three more in other states,” Mr Mckeeman said.

“Another exciting thing that has happed recently was the invitation to build large quantities of marquee structures for the Avalon Air Show. Not many companies have the capacity to supply such large amounts of structure to one show, but it is exactly what Barlens did.

“What a great show, if you have never been to an Avalon Air Show I suggest you lock this one in on your to do list - a massive event with some of the biggest military planes in the world and if that’s not what you’re into then the pyrotechnics alone are well worth the trip.”

Mr Mckeeman said Barlens has never lost sight of where the business originated.

“I look back at the start of my involvement with the Henty Machinery Field Days some 19 years ago and to see where the HMFD has come in this time is massive.

“It’s still one of my most favourite builds of the year. It sounds strange to me to say 19 years as it does sound a long time but during this time, I have met some of the best people going around.

“The fact we are treated like family in Henty is just a testament to these people, I think some people wouldn’t understand the enormity of what goes on to run a field day of this magnitude.

“Pretty much when the first marquee comes down post event the entire Henty team start working and planning on the next show.

“It’s pretty much a year-round event for these guys, when you have been to your very first HMFD you then see how much does go on behind the scenes to pull a gig like this off. They are just an amazing team, and we are looking forward to HMFD ‘23.”

Bridges, mobile phone towers, fish motels, solar farms, anti-tank guns, sheds, silos and multi-storey buildings have all been lifted into place around the Border region by Dunn’s Twin City Cranes.

The Albury/Wodonga based company has been a sponsor of the Henty Machinery Field Days for about eight years, with a large crane visible in the centre of the site holding aloft the HMFD public address system.

“It’s a big area between Albury and Wagga for farming and construction industries so for people to see our cranes out there it is good exposure,” principal Jon Dunn said.

“We have a crane holding up the public address system above the field day site each year and contribute a crane for 10 weeks to assist with the site loading and unloading at Henty.

“There has been follow-up work from Henty, including shed construction and loads of farm equipment and silos.”

The business, operated by Jon and his wife Melanie, services clients within a 200km radius of Albury-Wodonga and also has a strong focus on regional charity work.

Jon was honoured last year by the Crane Industry of Australia – Excellence Award in appreciation of his significant contribution to the industry. 

Jon had worked as a crane operator, rigger and dogman for Fitzgerald Constructions before establishing Dunn’s Crane and Access Hire with a single crane in 2004 in Corowa.

He is also a qualified diesel mechanic and first began operating cranes at the age of 19.

Dunn’s Twin City Cranes Pty Ltd began in 2009 with the purchase of Twin City Cranes.

Employing 16 staff, the business operates 17 cranes, four semi-trailers, a Peru (powerline construction), a heavy rigid truck and medium rigid truck.

 “Our scope of operations and diversity of equipment enables us to supply to a range of markets including shutdowns, farming needs, building and construction industries, along with transportation requirements,” Mr Dunn said.

“The vast range of cranes range from the 2.9 tonnes mini crawler and seven Franna pick and carry compact city cranes, to all-terrain cranes from 40 to 130 tonnes for construction and communication tower work.

“The 130 tonne crane reaches 92m in height, or 30 stories, and can be used for projects such as air conditioning change-out on top of buildings and factories.

“Our dedicated employees are experienced in all fields of the industry and there is a strict adherence to industry safety standards.

“We are available 24 hours seven days a week to help our clients and we always ensure the work gets completed in the minimum possible time.”

Among the major projects Dunn’s have been involved in over the years includes the Wodonga Plaza, Visy Tumut, Essential Energy, and Downer Engineering. 

Last year Dunn’s helped construct the new soccer pavilion and grandstand at Baranduda Fields – the largest regional sporting facility between Sydney and Melbourne. This year the company placed “fish hotels” in the Belvoir Lake as part of an ongoing program to protect native species and improve the health of the waterway. 

Dunn’s Twin City Cranes has a strong history of contributing to the community and were major sponsors of the Tallangatta Football League for six years. 

The company is a family orientated work environment and spends a significant amount of money annually in donations and sponsorship to sporting organisations, medical charities and community groups.

Many donations of crane hire in-kind have been made to organisations such as Give me Five for Kids, Royal Flying Doctors, and Border Relay for Life.

Monthly donations are made to the Peter Mac Foundation, Heart Research Institute and Starlight Foundation, while annual donations are given to Country Hope, World’s Greatest Shave and the Christmas Party for Special Kids.

RB Sellars has been outfitting hard-working Aussies who share passion for the land since 1996. 

The brand started life as a small catalogue business with the simple idea of a hard wearing, well-crafted work shirt in a range of colours. 

The now iconic Burton work shirt has since become the Australian country uniform with over 200,000 Burton Shirts sold last year. 

The range now includes functional and hard-wearing workwear for both men and women, plus a large collection of casual wear, farm wear and a teen and kids range. 

Since its humble beginnings the brand has grown its regional presence to include stores across Australia and New Zealand, a successful online business, and a business-to-business arm outfitting rural and urban businesses Australia wide.

RB Sellars is proud to be associated with Henty Machinery Field Days for yet another year. 

Owned by The Propel Group, RB Sellars sits side by side with two other iconic Australian Brands – Rossi Boots and Driza-Bone. 

Rossi Boots has been designing and making their iconic range of boots since 1910. Crafted from the finest leathers, Rossi boots are designed for hard work and the weekends. 

Driza-Bone has been making their iconic range of hardwearing, wind and weatherproof oilskins and dry wax coats since 1898.

Telstra has a strong connection to rural and regional Australia dating back over 100 years.

“We have a long history of investing in the communities and over the past seven years, we’ve invested $11 billion in our mobile network nationally, with $4 billion of this invested in our regional mobile network,” Telstra Riverina and Central West NSW Regional Engagement Manager David Saunderson said. 

Telstra offers the largest 4G and 5G coverage area of any other mobile network. As of June 2023, Telstra has deployed 5G to more than 4700 sites within selected areas of more than 400 major and regional cities.

“Telstra 5G now covers more than 85 per cent of the Australian population and we’re continuing to invest, expanding 4G and 5G coverage by 100,000 square kilometres by June 2025,” Mr Saunderson said.

“Part of how we’ll expand our coverage is by closing our 3G network on June 30, 2023, so we can repurpose the bandwidth for 4G and 5G.”

Mr Saunderson said providing connectivity in a country as vast and sparsely populated as Australia was hard work. 

“But it’s also incredibly important as the digital economy grows. Our team is on the ground, listening and working hard to keep regional and rural communities connected, no matter where they are located.”

Telstra is a proud sponsor of the Henty Machinery Field Days and will be at site 508.

ANZ is proud to be a major sponsor of the Henty Machinery Field Days and can be found at site 567. 

ANZ recognises the importance of regional events such as the Henty Machinery Field Days and commends the organisers on maintaining the event at such a consistently high standard. 

To support its customers, ANZ has built a team of more than 200 agribusiness managers who are dedicated to your business and your industry. 

Through the ANZ Seeds of Renewal program, ANZ has also donated more than $5 million to over 800 regional community projects in an effort to build vibrant and sustainable rural communities, including farmers and local community groups from Riverina/Greater Hume. 

ANZ looks forward to continuing to help the industry evolve off the back of growing global demand for safe, premium quality food which plays to the natural advantages of Australia’s highly regarded agriculture industry.  

Field day attendees are invited to drop by the ANZ site to say hello and rest their legs. 

For the past six decades, innovation has been at the heart of the Henty Machinery Field Days, and in 2023 Henty will be partnering with Farmers2Founders to shine a spotlight on the opportunities available. 

Producers looking to adopt trailblazing technology on farm and benefit from improved sustainability, reduced costs and empower them with better decision-making capabilities can visit the TEKFARM Agritech Innovation Hub.

Powered by Farmers2Founders, the hub will showcase the best and upcoming innovative tech solutions available to producers across all agricultural sectors, empowering them with cutting-edge tools and technologies to revolutionise their farming practices and enhance productivity. 

In recognition of NSW’s prominent role in AgTech, the 2023 Henty Machinery Field Days will mark the resurgence of the Agri-Innovators Award.

This year the award program will encompass a wider range of agricultural sectors, showcasing the accomplishments of emerging innovators and introducing a significant accolade to the Female Innovator of the Year. 

This expansion aims to celebrate and champion the ground-breaking advancements in agriculture within the state. 

The award categories are:

* Agritech Innovation of the Year 

* Emerging Ag Tech Innovation

* Innovative Producer Award

* Female Innovator of the Year 

Henty machinery Field Days chief executive officer Belinda Anderson welcomed the partnership with Farmers2Founders to showcase innovative solutions ready for adoption on farm.

Mrs Anderson said The Land and NSW Farmer Association Farm Inventor of the Year competition had been a perennial favourite at the field days for 51 years until it was replaced by the Agri-Innovators Award in 2015.

“The awards had provided the launching pad for scores of backyard tinkerers, budding entrepreneurs and enterprising visionaries, highlighting everything from the latest technical and commercial developments through to product releases,” Mrs Anderson said.

“These new award categories will complement the existing highly coveted HMFD Machine of the Year Award and Best Australian Designed and Manufactured Machine.”

Farmers2Founders Head of Operations and Partnerships Claire Pink said the TEKFARM Agritech Innovation Awards were open to tertiary and university students, farmers, backyard tinkerers and innovators from any state.

“Entries can by any agribusiness invention, ranging from a mobile phone app or computer software program to the largest tillage machinery,’’ Ms Pink said.

Entries close on August 21, 2023, with entries to be judged prior to the field days and the winners to be announced at the Henty Machinery Field Days at 10.30am at The Stump on Thursday, September 21.

For more information and entries visit www.farmers2founders.com/henty-agri-innovators-awards

Planning is in hand to mark a milestone at the 2023 Henty Machinery Field days with the 60^th anniversary celebrations on September 19-21.

Over the decades, the not-for-profit co-operative has garnered a reputation for kick starting the last quarter of the agricultural calendar in southern NSW and northern Victoria.

Last year’s event drew a record crowd of 70,000 over the three days and showcased over $120 million worth of machinery and technology from 750 exhibitors on the 105ha site.

Despite visitor numbers capped on the final day due to adverse weather, a visitor survey has revealed 90 per cent of visitors felt the 2022 Henty Machinery Field Days had met their expectations. 

 The survey was undertaken by independent researchers at Destination Research and Development at the 2023 field days, and supported by the Association of Agricultural Field Days of Australasia.

Key results of the survey were:

• 37 per cent of visitors were primary producers
• 93 per cent of visitors came from outside the Greater Hume Local Government Area
• 45 per cent of visitors travelled more than 100km to the event 
• 82 per cent felt products for sale was their primary interest
• 56 per cent felt livestock/animals was their primary interest 

When it came to visitor spend, the average was $105 per person and 14 per cent of visitors bought major purchases valued at over $1000 to average $4158. 

Many aspects of the event met high levels of satisfaction including the venue, atmosphere and organisation. 

HMFD chief executive officer Belinda Anderson said the survey validated the efforts of a large number of cooperative members who give their time and passion to ensure the success of the event.

Mrs Anderson said the not-for-profit HMFD Cooperative enabled fundraising of almost $400,000 to regional sporting clubs, community organisations and schools from the 2022 event.

“Community groups of all types, including sporting clubs, schools and improvement committees from around the region contribute to the preparation and running of the event through catering and providing services,” Ms Anderson said.

“The vision of our founding members is what you see today. Sixty years on we have become one of the largest agricultural field days in Australia and must-see destination on the agricultural calendar.”

The first official field day was held at the Henty Showgrounds in 1963 following a one-day header school in November 1961 organised by Milton Taylor, secretary of the Henty branch of the Farmers and Settlers’ Association.

Culcairn farmer Eddie Thomas stepped into the position of chairman of the newly formed Henty Machinery Field Days committee for the first official event in October 1963 at the Henty showground.

The event was held on private properties in the Henty area until 1976 when it found a permanent site on a former travelling stock reserve on the Cookardinia Road. 

The 60^th anniversary event will have all the usual attractions including the prestigious Henty Machine of the Year Award, the working and three sheep dog trials, Country Lifestyle pavilion, Farm Gate Produce Market, Baker Seeds agronomy trials, helicopter joy rides, live entertainment and the Natural Fibre Fashion Awards. 

A vintage display by the Henty and District Antique Farm Machinery Club will commemorate the change in technology over the past six decades.

Also back this year will be the exhibitor awards for Best Outdoor Large Commercial, Best Outdoor General, Best Indoor (Country Lifestyle and Farm Gate).

Applications for all exhibitors will open mid-March with returning exhibitors able to rebook their 2022 site until April 30, 2023.

A three-year strategic planning framework to help identify opportunities, manage regional growth pressures, and address economic development and infrastructure needs was launched at the Henty Machinery Field Days.

Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, The Hon Kristy McBain MP, launched the new Regional Development Australia Murray 2022-2025 Strategic Plan on September 20.

The Plan was developed with input from a wide variety of local stakeholders and considers Commonwealth, state and territory and local government plans. 

Regional Development Australia Murray (RDA Murray) chief executive officer Edwina Hayes said improved digital connectivity, greater technology uptake by industries, a skilled workforce and improved housing supply were central to the plan and the future of the region. 

“We developed the plan based on sound evidence of how to best support to future growth and competitiveness in the Murray region,” Mrs Hayes said.

“The development of this plan has been a long-term process. Our staff and Board all live and work in local communities across the Murray region and over the past couple of years, we have been continually engaging with key stakeholders about what matters for local people. 

“This SRP was written in response to the feedback we collected through these conversations, as well as through surveys and other engagement, and builds on solid foundations of local culture and priorities.”

Mrs Hayes said the plan recognised the need to capitalise on government investment and commitments, including nationally significant infrastructure projects such as Inland Rail, Energy Connect and Snowy 2.0. 

“The next three years are critical for our region, as we continue to recover from the challenges we have faced in recent years, like COVID and bushfires. 

“Regionally our focus is on managing our current needs, while taking advantage of the opportunities coming our way and responsibly and sustainably planning for the future. 

“We need to leverage the opportunities to create positive changes that will have profound and lasting impacts on our region.”

Over coming months, RDA Murray will have a particular focus on the skilled workforce aspect of the plan, rolling out new initiatives to support workforce attraction and retention to support local business expansion.

You can access the Regional Development Australia Murray 2022-2025 Strategic Plan here: https://www.rdamurray.org.au/index.php/about-us/strategic-plan/

There was an endless stream of mullets being shaped and trimmed at a renewably powered mobile barber shop at the 2022 Henty Machinery Field Days.

The NSW Department of Primary Industries H2Cuts was a demonstration trailer themed as a two-stand shearing shed and hosting free haircuts powered by hydrogen across the three days.

The H2Cuts trailer was developed to initiate conversations with the agriculture sector as it explores pathways to reduce energy costs and move towards low or zero emissions energy sources.

The hairdressers wielding the blades on the shearing board were from Wagga Wagga and Griffith.

NSW DPI research officer – energy efficiency solutions Michael Cashen said H2Cuts partners with Sustainable Salons capturing hair waste from across Australia to minimise the salon footprint. 

Mr Cashen said the trailer demonstrated hydrogen fuel cell, solar photovoltaic and lithium ion battery storage technologies.

“We did 52 haircuts on the first day of Henty – we use it as a conversation starter around diesel, fertiliser and chemicals, and how they can be decarbonised,” he said.

“It’s an easy way to ease into that conversation on renewable energy. We have had a lot of farmers lining up for a haircut with many young fellows keen on having their mullets tidied up.

“We are partnering with NSW Farmers on their site and, as our primary focus is the agricultural sector, we will be heading to the Murrumbateman and Orange field days from here.”

Information about energy efficiency measures to reduce on-farm energy costs and emissions developed under the NSW DPI Climate Change Research Strategy was also provided to the barber shop’s customers and field days visitors.

“The trailer builds awareness of important issues such as where agriculture sources its energy, fuel security, transitions to electrification, developing technologies, recycling and the circular economy,” Mr Cashen said.

“Over a typical field day we would use one hydrogen gas cylinder – hydrogen allows you to store excess solar or wind energy as a gas to be used at a later time.”

After a two-year hiatus the national economy benefited from a $100 million injection from the biggest and most successful Henty Machinery Field Days on record.

Community groups throughout the Riverina were also the benefactors of the record-breaking 70,000 strong crowd, whose funds raised by the not-for-profit Henty Machinery Field Days to be ploughed back into community social capital and infrastructure.

Held on September 20-22, the 59^th annual field days featured 14km of outdoor shop fronts from over 800 exhibitors on over 1200 sites.

The combination of three above average seasons and record commodity prices resulted in visitors responding from every state in Australia, seeking out the hot ticket items of hay, tillage, fencing, and grain handling equipment, tractors, headers and stock handling equipment.

HMFD chief executive officer Belinda Anderson said the record-breaking crowd had forced an unprecedented decision to turn back ticket holders from the gates as the grounds and carpark reached capacity by midday on Thursday.

Mrs Anderson said neighbouring paddocks were also used to absorb the excess vehicles.

“We have had a record 70,000 visitors across the three days with the bulk of those attending on Thursday,” she said.

“This is a record attendance in the 59 years of field days history. It is possibly a number we will never see again.

“The combination of a public holiday, good weather and the return from COVID created the perfect storm.

“Sadly, for public safety reasons we had to close the gates and turn people away on Thursday. All gate entry tickets for those who could not get in on Thursday will be refunded.

“The HMFD volunteers were so positive and enthusiastic coping under extreme pressure considering these people walk away from their other lives for the two weeks of the field days.”

Mrs Anderson said the record event represented a massive economic injection to the local, regional and national economy.

“Considering the economic value to the national economy in 2014 represented $92 million, it would be worth well over $100 million to the national economy today.

“Our exhibitors are over the moon, reporting enormous sales of all manner of agricultural products and services.”

This year the program incorporated an evening concert featuring country music stars Brooke McClymont, Adam Eckersley and Danny Phegan. The free entertainment was made possible by a grant submitted by Greater Hume Council to the NSW Government for the Reconnecting Regional NSW – Community Events Program.

Mrs Anderson said HMFD hosted a trade delegation from the Province of Santa Fe, Argentina, headed by the Minister for Production, Science and Technology for the Province, Daniel Costamagna, on the Tuesday and Thursday. 

The delegates were actively looking to explore mutual business opportunities in agricultural machinery, agtech, sprayers, biotech and livestock.

The field days were officially opened on September 20 by Mrs Joy Beames, CWA of NSW State President, in tribute of the organisation’s commitment to and advocacy for regional, rural and remote families over the past century.

A highlight of this year was the coveted Henty Machine of the Year Award being presented to the MacDon FD2 Flex Draper, entered by MacDon Australia Pty Ltd.

Highly commended was the John Deere See & Spray™ Select entered by Hutcheon and Pearce.

In other awards, Daniel Draper, West Wyalong, NSW, won the Greater Hume Council Award for the best new Australian designed and built agricultural machine for a dual auger multi-purpose 70 bag Ezy Feeder.

Muddy River Agricultural won the award for the Best Large Commercial and Charles Sturt University won the Best Outdoor General.

Premium gift company My Hygge Home won the Best Indoor site in Country Lifestyle and first-time exhibitor Tony Sanderberg, Wollongong, with his Kick Ice Cocktails was awarded Best Indoor Site at Farm Gate Produce Market.

Andrew Savage, RB Sellars B2B sales manager, said Henty was a key event bringing the retailer out into the regional communities

“The clothing industry has bounced back well after COVID with most stores shut but people able to access our website for the full range,” Mr Savage said. 

“People like to touch, feel, try it on, and get the sizes correct.

“RB Sellars is still privately owned after 36 years by Australian families. We make our product for the conditions, with a good fit and broader through the arms so when you are bending down and twisting it stays on.”

Sales representative Anthony Liesckhe, D Lieschke & Son, Walla Walla, was happy with crowd numbers with strong demand for quad bikes and side-by-side ATV vehicles.

“With the year we’ve had, it’s good to have a cabin and roof over the head. There definitely is strong confidence in the market out there with sales and a lot of follow up inquiry with some people waiting until the end of harvest before purchasing,” Mr Lieschke said.

Case IH sales manager Anthony Lind, Wodonga, said pent-up demand had resulted in tractor sales across the three days of Henty.

“We haven’t seen a lot our customers for quite a while and it’s important to keep working on those relationships to let them know we are here for them to help get ready for harvest,” Mr Lind said.

“We are happy and proud of what we are about to push out the door from this event. There is still pent-up demand, people are still buying tractors and we are lucky to have a few new ones here.

“Last month we delivered more tractors in Australia for August than we ever had.

“It’s not so much is there as a shortage of tractors but we are selling more tractors than ever creating a bit of lag.

“We are very excited by what’s happening in the ag sector and we think this is a damn fine place to be.”

For distillery owner, Jake Eaglesham, Riverina Gin, exhibiting at Henty’s Farm Gate Produce Market was a last-minute decision.

“People of the Riverina and rural communities like to meet the maker and producers – you can have the best website in the world or pretty shop front it still makes a difference when you can speak to customers face to face making them more willing to purchase if they can associate with a person or family,” Mr Eaglesham said.

“It was a last-minute decision to come to Henty with the recent distillery opening but it is nice to get in front of the people to sell your product to.”

First time exhibitor at Farm Gate was paddock to plate producer Grunt Pork and Codemo Smallgoods, Grong Grong. Co-principal Lauren Dowling said Henty provided an opportunity to showcase their pork and small goods to a wider audience.

“We made our honey kabana especially for the field days and we sold out of it,” she said.

GrainCorp chief operating officer Klaus Pamminger said the presence at Henty was to articulate to growers GrainCorp was more than “just a silo company”.

Mr Pamminger said the outlook for crops on the Eastern Seaboard was promising however waterlogging had affected potential yields in central NSW.

He said globally agriculture was facing a labour shortage with GrainCorp targeting 3500 jobs over the harvest from north to south.

“There are challenges with not enough truck and train drivers, so supply chains maybe disrupted from farm to GrainCorp or GrainCorp to port.”

Mr Parmminger said GrainCorp had partnered with other organisations at Henty to engage with farmers on soil carbon sequestration.

“My purpose is to articulate to people we are more than just a silo company. There are many other items, technology and science farmers can employ on their farm, with carbon markets and sequestration being an opportunity and not a threat to farmers, they just need to understand it.”

Walbundrie Building Committee treasurer Sue Collins said funds raised by working in the main food shed at Henty were invested back into the community.

Up to 70 volunteers drawn from around Walbundrie staff the shed on a roster serving 9000 buckets of chips, 2000 chicken schnitzel burgers and 2500 steak sandwiches. 

“Missing it for the last two years has been detrimental for the town,” Mrs Collins said.

“We were excited to have the main shed this year and use the funds for students furthering their sport or needing accommodation, people who are sick or anyone needing help in the community.”

HMFD is set to host the 60^th anniversary field days on September 19-21, 2023 with planning to start soon.

A southern NSW designed and manufactured multi-purpose feeder has won the coveted Greater Hume Council Award at the Henty Machinery Field Days.

The award recognises the best new Australian designed and built agricultural machine and was judged by a panel of independent judges at the Henty Machinery Field Days on September 20-22.

It was presented by Greater Hume Council Deputy Mayor Cr Annette Schilg and Henty Machinery Field Days director Matt Noll to Daniel Draper, Steele Steel, West Wyalong, on Thursday, September 22, for a dual auger multi-purpose 70 bag Ezy Feeder.

Mr Draper was overwhelmed at the win with his first entry in the coveted award.

He took on the business the week before Henty Machinery Field Days in 2018 and was mentored through the event by Steele Steel’s previous owners. 

Born and raised in Wagga Wagga, Mr Draper is a fabricator by trade and worked in off-shore mining for 14 years before founding Daniel’s Fabrication in Wagga, producing 600 trailers and almost 6000 lick feeders.

“Tuesday was a great day with everybody saying let’s go to the Henty field days and it was good to see a lot of old customers wanting to renew their machines,” he said.

He said the Ezy Feeder had been originally launched in 2004 and evolved into the 2022 winning model described as a “hamburger with the lot”.

“It has a rear additive box resulting in a better mix of feed, lime, lupins and nutrients if deploying out of the auger or if trail feeding, it drops it straight out the rear end.

“The 305 litre poly injected additive box was designed by a company in Melbourne.

“It has a dual auger system for doing short fillings and an extended auger for using as a mini-grouper or seeder to fill an agri-drill.”

The Ezy Feeder is equipped with digital scales with Blue Tooth and an onboard X320 water-proof display while the read-out transfers to a tablet in the vehicle.

“The operator can wireless remote the whole unit from in and out of gear through to operating the single bins. Feed rates can be manually adjusted or you can remotely add the buffers of salt, minerals and lime,” Mr Draper said.

“The first blue tooth version prototype was rolled out two years ago and it is now a lot more responsive with less delay. We now hold one of the fastest actuators, so you get a quicker hitching and adjustment without having to go pneumatic. 

“Everything is built in-house at West Wyalong from the ground up.”

Mr Draper paid tribute to his staff operating under challenging times, including material shortages and rising input costs, to get the machines manufactured.

“It doesn’t matter whether it is agricultural, industrial, commercial or hospitality, getting skilled staff to walk through the door is a struggle,” he said.

It was the second time in a row an agricultural manufacturer from West Wyalong had won the Greater Hume Council Award.

“It’s one of those country towns where we all support each other and it’s good to have a great farming community like West Wyalong,” Mr Draper said.

“I feel very privileged to win this award and will be a benchmark for us. Everyone is under the pump with builds but the patience and understanding of the farmers supporting their local businesses is great.”

A low loader stacked with hay and silage was helping to drive home the message around the urgent need for donations for the nation’s flood affected farmers.

The Lions Club of Victoria Need for Feed Albury volunteer Tony Furze was at the Henty Machinery Field Days with his truck loaded with hay donated by Henty farmers to raise awareness.

HMFD chairman Nigel Scheetz had donated hay to the charity with the fodder going to drought affected farmers, including one load to Muttaburra, Queensland, and he encouraged Lions Club Need for Feed to have a site at the field days.

“We require fodder to take up to the Northern Rivers flood affected areas around Lismore and Casino – the floods were in February but the water just hasn’t drained away and nothing is growing,” Mr Furze said.

“We have had 150 loads delivered into the region since February, but we are down to the last of our stocks and are desperately in need of more, whether it is big squares, round bales or silage.

“There is going to be a lot of silage made this year as it is so wet there may not be much hay but if anyone has got some last year’s hay, we are more than happy to collect it.

“We had a very good day on Tuesday at Henty with some good donations of hay and money to buy fodder.”

Need for Feed was established in 2006 by Lions Club member Graham Cockerell in response to what was at the time the driest period on record.

During the millennial drought over 1300 truckloads of fodder worth $12 million were delivered to farmers free of charge into all the eastern states including Tasmania and South Australia. 

There were also more than 700 truckloads valued at least $6.5 million for those affected by the 2020 bushfires. 

Over the past two years the charity has had trucks on the road each week in between major hay runs.

To donate visit the Need for Feed Australia Facebook page.

A body-hugging cream hand crocheted dress with detached hood stole the limelight on the catwalk at the Henty Natural Fibre Fashion Awards winning the best crocheted and knitted for long time entrant Judy Bond.

The outfit made from superfine Merino wool was designed and entered by Mrs Bond, of Buronga, and capably modelled by Riverina Anglican College, Wagga Wagga, Year 9 student Mabel Meckiff.

Mrs Bond had four garments in the finals for the best knitted or crocheted category and was on hand to receive a $500 cash prize.

The 17^th Henty Natural Fibre Fashion Awards were a highlight of the Country Lifestyle program at the Henty Machinery Field Days on September 20-22 with the winners announced on Thursday. 

Fashion designers vied for the chance to win a Bernina 325 sewing machine valued at $1499 plus $1000 cash prize money courtesy of Bernina Australia and Sew Fab, Narrandera, for the Best Garment in Natural Fibre. 

Open to amateurs and professionals, the awards recognise the innovative use of natural fibres – from paddock to catwalk – in creative but wearable clothing.

The judging emphasis was on visual appeal, creative and innovative use of natural fibres.

This year’s judges were Beryl Brain, Grong Grong, Leanne O’Toole, Wodonga, and Leanne Bensley, Albury.

Awards organiser Lyn Jacobsen said the natural fibres could include wool, alpaca, angora, mohair, cashmere, cotton, silk and linen.

Mrs Jacobsen said the awards had attracted entries from around the nation, as well as from repeat New Zealand designer Laurel Judd.

She paid tribute to the models from Riverina Anglican College, Wagga Wagga, for stepping in at late notice to assist, and doing their own hair and makeup.

“This year COVID hit everybody with so many designers unable to get themselves organised for the Awards. Two weeks out I put out an SOS plea for them to get busy and our entries doubled in number,” Mrs Jacobsen said.

“It’s been a year of trials and tribulations and we do thank the sponsors, judges and all those helpers out the back.”

The best garment designed by a student was won by Angela Saunders, Eldorado, Vic, with khaki pants and shift in russet tones and black.

Laurel Judd, New Zealand, won the accessories category with a magnificent rust coloured cape with a feather detail modelled by year 10 student Caitlin Cumberlege. 

Laurel also picked up the Best Garment in Natural Fibre, winning a $1000 cash prize and Bernina 325 sewing machine, a cerise and grey pant suit, skirt and poncho.

Harriet Barton, 15, modelled a striking red beret to win the millinery section for Karen Hyde, Wagga Wagga, notching up back-to-back wins on 2019. 

This year’s inaugural Business Development Award: Australian Made Fibre, sponsored by JMP Developments, Wodonga, and winning $500 was Jo Woods, Anabranch Creative, Albury, for a dress created from linen tea towels by seamstress Teresa O’Reilly, Albury. Each tea towel was printed with sketches of Riverina towns.

Judy Bond said her superfine Merino wool dress was designed as a bridal outfit with the hood or could be worn as an evening gown.

“I thread the pearls on to the yarn before I start and work them into the fabric until I have created my own fabric,” she said.

“I had five gowns in the competition and had to finish some and alter others quickly but got there in the end.”

Judy, 77, has battled ill health and molecular degeneration over the past few years but uses a large magnifying glass to complete her spectacular designs.

Henty Machinery Field Days has confirmed the annual field days will be held only once in 2022 but the option of an alternative event next March remains viable.

HMFD chief executive officer Belinda Anderson said the field days would run on September 20-22 2022 and the HMFD Board was evaluating options for an event on March 12-13 2022.

“After surveying the exhibitors booked for the 2021 field days, it was clear a replication of the field days in March followed by our annual event in September was not the way forward,” Mrs Anderson said.

“There were still many exhibitors keen on an event but the nature of their business has the HMFD management looking at a different style of event on March 12-13 2022.

“As this new event is still in the development phase with a few more logistics to be locked in, no further details are available at this stage.”

Adaminaby trailer Dean Incher has made it back-to-back wins on 2019 to take out the prestigious Murray Valley Yard Dog Championships at the Henty Machinery Field Days.

Dean and his black and tan Kelpie, Rafa, won the final on 185 points, closely followed by Shane Maurer, Stockinbingal, with Stuart on 177 points and Michael Hedger, Rocky Plain, with Trapper in third on 176 points.

Incher, a sheep and cattle producers, had won the championships in 2019 with the same dog and also placed fourth with Hulk on 175 points and fifth with Oby on 169 points.

Sponsored by Hypro Pet Foods and Wagga Wagga Veterinary Hospital, the trial drew almost 200 entries and was run over the three days of the Henty Machinery Field Days on September 20-22 under judge Matt Brindley.

Dean Incher said to win Henty twice in a row was special with the seven-year-old dog by a homebred Wik Wak sire out of a Tumut Valley bred bitch.

“I had the right dog on the day – it was a big effort by him and I’m pretty proud of him,” he said.

“He has a few pups on the ground and they are shaping up alright.”

In the lead-up to Henty Rafa had placed equal second at Eugowra and won a championship trial at Dalgety, NSW.

“Henty is a prestigious one to win – dog trialling everywhere is competitive so to come out on top is not easy to do,” Mr Incher said.

“From here we head to the Boorowa Championships on October 1.

“The other two dogs are younger and one is a half-brother to Rafa, and both worked well today.”

Meanwhile, in the Hypro Sheepdog Trial, Mick Hudson, Cobar, and his dog MGH Rabbit emerged from the finals to win on 276 points.

It was also a back-to-back win for Hudson from 2019 when he won with Ritchies Finn who placed third in 2022 on 260 points.

Mr Hudson placed second with Daisy on 274 points while Peter Oxley, Orange, was fourth with Caesar on 257 points, John Perry, Bredbo, fifth with Joe on 251 points.

Filling the placings were Paul Elliott, Henty, with Briskett in sixth on 225 points, Paul Darmody, with Marlin on 222 points and in seventh and in eighth Brett Smith, Cowra, and Devil on 173 points.

Mick Hudson said the six-year-old Rabbit had had one litter of pups but had managed to win the Queensland championships and Central West Championships.

"Genetics plays a major part – her father represented Australia six times,” he said.

“Daisy and Rabbit are half-sisters while Finn has been an exceptional dog winning the Commonwealth Champion of Champions twice but after two years of not trialling due to COVID has slowed her down.

“We have 30,000 acres at Nymagee and muster goats, cattle and sheep, and do a lot of mustering goats on a share basis for farmers.”

Mick left Henty bound for the Supreme Australian Championships.

“Hopefully this bitch comes through and represents Australia against the Kiwis,” he said. 

“The sheep were tough here and there was a lot of strong competition but I’m trying to stay calm and focused.

“Henty is a very well-known trial – it’s not a state championship but its equivalent in most people’s eyes and that’s why they get such good entries here.

“It’s exposing our sport to a massive crowd at Henty – it’s good for the sport and the people.”

Judge Liam Cotter, Michelago was judging at Henty for the first time and considered the trial to showcase the very top handlers and dogs in the country.

“It ranks in the top four competitions of the National NSW titles, Supreme and Henty,” he said.

Thursday, September 22

Demo Kitchen:

9.30am: Vendor walkabout with Farm Gate coordinator Ordette Mannering.

9.30am: Paella hints and tips from chef Paul Haberecht at Smart Hospitality.

10am: Codemo Smallgoods. John and Lauren Dowling craft traditional, home-grown smallgoods from their own stock. John will talk about the differences in cured meats such as salamis and pancetta.

11am: Flyfaire Wines: Check out the amazing wine and cheese pairings and latest new products from Merlot flour to handcrafted cheese, including lactose free options.

12pm: Fermentation masterclass with Wolki Farm: Join Ann Wolki demonstrating sauerkraut and kimchi. What is fermenting, how does it work, gut health benefits and preserving produce to last longer.

1pm: Sparkling wines masterclass by Cofield Wines. Join Damien Cofield to discover the secrets behind the making of sparkling wines using the Method Traditionelle process. Sample some of Cofield’s finest sparkling wines and unleash your love for bubbles. 

2.30pm: Daily draw of the winner in the Farm Gate Produce Market hamper.

2.45pm: Q&A with Jake Wolki. Come and have your questions answered about creating a diverse and profitable farming system from beef to pork, chickens, eggs, venison and honey. 

Farm Gate Outdoor Stage:

9.45am-10.45am: Acoustic duo “Happy Hour” – Anthony Melton and Col Anderson perform.

11am: Circus star Marcela Scheuner will dazzle the crowd.

11.15am: Soloist Tess Melton entertains.

12 noon-1.30pm: Acoustic duo “Happy Hour’’ – Anthony Melton and Col Anderson perform.

2pm: Circus star Marcela Scheuner will dazzle the crowd.

2.15pm: Soloist Tess Melton entertains.

Please note: No bookings required. All masterclass and demonstrations are free to attend. Tastings will be available for most demonstrations and products available for purchase for exhibitors’ stalls. Times and presenters may be subject to change. Visit HMFD Facebook for updates.

8am: Henty Working Dog trials start at the dog trial arena.

8am: Champion axeman and men’s health advocate David Foster appears at Atlantic Oils site. Block P Sites 698-699.

9am: Wagga Air Centre helicopter joy flights start.

9am: Reptile Kingdom Australia display every hour on the hour. Central area near the HMFD Office.

9.30am: Country Lifestyle program starts

9.30am: Farm Gate Market Produce pavilion program begins.

9.45am-10.45am: Acoustic duo Happy Hour, Anthony Melton and Col Anderson, entertain at the Farm Gate outdoor stage.

10.30am: CSU Innovation and Research Hub speaker Shawn McGrath on better productivity and profitability: sheep nutrition, management and reproduction. Site 564/565 Block N.

11am: One minute’s silence in honour of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and signing of the condolence book at The Stump.

11am: Country Lifestyle exhibitor fashion parade includes mini parade of fashion across the decades.

11am: George the Farmer performance at Hutcheon & Pearce site 489-498 Block M.

11am: Circus star Marcela Scheuner dazzles at the Farm Gate outdoor stage.

11.30am: CSU Innovation and Research Hub speaker Martin Coombs on effective diagnosis, treatment and protection of dogs from grass seeds. Site 564/565 Block N.

12 noon-1.30pm: Acoustic duo Happy Hour, Anthony Melton and Col Anderson, perform on the Farm Gate outdoor stage.

1pm: Judging of the 2022 Henty Natural Fibre Fashion and Accessories awards at Country Lifestyle.

1.30pm: Presentation of the Greater Hume Council Award for the Best Australian Designed and Manufactured Machine at The Stump.

1.30pm: CSU Innovation and Research Hub speaker John Broster on herbicide resistance. Site 564/565 Block N.

1.30pm: Henty Working Dog trials finals followed by presentations.

2pm: George the Farmer performance at Hutcheon & Pearce site 489-498 Block M.

2pm: Circus star Marcela Scheuner dazzles at the Farm Gate stage.

2pm: See the agricultural drone demonstration from XAG Australia at the demonstration area near the agronomy plots.

2.30pm: Daily draw of the winner of the Farm Gate Produce Market hamper.

4pm-5pm: Acoustic duo Happy Hour, Anthony Melton and Col Anderson, entertain at the bar.

5pm: Helicopter joy flights finish. Gates close.

After 5pm: HMFD Gate prize draw sponsored by Mogas.

Protecting production and the recognition of the value of agriculture in mainstream society was under the spotlight as NSW Farmers Association president Xavier Martin addressed Henty Machinery Field Day visitors.

Mr Martin, a grain grower on the Liverpool Plains, was a guest speaker at The Stump on Wednesday, September 21 and outlined the challenge going forward with agriculture.

He emphasised NSW Farmers would continue to advocate on worker shortages in agriculture, and consideration of agricultural production before “anyone considers putting a big city shovel into a farm.”

“It is absolutely critical we get the protection of production, that recognition of the value of agriculture, baked into the process right from the very start,” he said.

“Before some developer goes cruising out to the country to find a spot for a solar installation, they need to know they will need the support of the community and a very strong business case before building on productive land will be allowed.”

Mr Martin said NSW Farmers had been reminding industry bodies, government agencies, policy makers and politicians that agriculture is not just another industry like mining, forestry or construction.

“In short, we’ve been telling them that farms equal food for families. This advocacy work so many of us in agriculture need to be doing, reminding people their daily bread is the result of hard work on good soil with just the right amount of water and sunlight.

“Our productive agricultural land is one of our most precious resources…it is the economic dynamo that drives our communities.

“Support that production and you see new houses, new cars, a bright future for children; take it away and you see the towns wither and die.”

It may look like a rusty plough on a pole but a rare collectible installed at the Henty Machinery Field Days has a unique link with the notorious bushranger Ned Kelly.

Ned and his gang used plough discs from single furrow horse drawn ploughs to make their armour and the plough discs carried the manufacturer’s mark of Lennon.

To mark 40 years of the Henty and District Antique Farm Machinery Club, a Lennon single furrow horse drawn plough was unveiled atop a pole at the club’s display site at Henty Machinery Field Days.

Surviving members of the original foundation committee were at Henty on Wednesday, September 21 to see the dedication of the plough on the pole. They were Max Hogg, Kerry Piestch, Rob Jones and Trevor Terlich.

Dating back to 1903-1906, the plough was manufactured by agricultural implement maker Hugh Lennon, of Spotswood, Melbourne.

The Irish engineer emigrated to Victoria in 1859 with a “broken down constitution and a good character” and saw the need for good agricultural machinery in the young colony. He produced a plough suitable for dry farming on the northern places made from wrought iron to minimise repairs.

Great-granddaughter Mrs Fay Powell, Albury, and great-great grandson Geoff Powell, Hobart, were on hand to unveil the plough made by their ancestor.

Geoff Powell was thrilled to see work put into restoring the plough and the installation on its pedestal, saying the model was now quite rare.

“The Lennon plough had been manufactured in our family since 1866 and to see one in this condition is wonderful,” Mr Powell said.

“There is another model at Cambridge, outside of Hobart – in 1996 there was a ploughing competition in Tasmania and won by a Tasmanian using a Lennon plough, which was eventually mounted on a stand in a city park. That was the only other one I’ve seen on display.

“During the 1880s, Lennons were the biggest plough makers in Victoria with Ned Kelly making his armour from mouldboards taken off Lennon ploughs.”

The armour, on display in the State Library Victoria, is marked with the Lennon stamp.

“It is wonderful to be preserving this sort of history at Henty. Before these ploughs were around farmers were using imported ploughs that weren’t really designed for Australian conditions,” Mr Powell said.

“Hugh Lennon and a few others changed all that so this was an important moment in Australian farming.

“Hugh made the plough out of wrought iron for Australian conditions compared to the softer cast iron.”

The single furrow plough was donated to the Club by the estate of the late Colin Schroeter, a vintage machinery enthusiast from Table Top.

Cocktails, tillage machinery, education and interior design products were among the winners of the 2022 Henty Machinery Field Days Exhibitor Awards.

The awards were presented on Wednesday, September 21 at The Stump by HMFD chief executive officer Belinda Anderson to the winners of the Best Outdoor Large Commercial, Best Outdoor General and Best Indoor Exhibitor sites – Country Lifestyle and Farm Gate.

Short-line agricultural equipment distributor Muddy River Agricultural, Mooroopna, Vic, won the Best Outdoor Large Commercial, while education and research institution Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, took out the Best Outdoor General.

Premium gift company My Hygge Home won the Best Indoor site in Country Lifestyle and first-time exhibitor Tony Sanderberg, Wollongong, with his Kick Ice Cocktails was awarded Best Indoor Site at Farm Gate Produce Market.

Belinda Anderson said the field days co-operative prided itself on providing a showcase with a modern professional image, and the latest in agricultural machinery and technology.

Mrs Anderson said the exhibitor awards encouraged site holders to strive for similar ideals during the field days.

Judges Daryl Thomson and Bec Clancy covered the 14km of external shop front plus the indoor sites, assessing visual presentation, display, layout and innovation.

They inspected sites ranging in frontage from 3m to 180m.

Mrs Clancy said the Muddy River Ag site had great visual presence and presentation with eye catching white picket fencing, a defined entrance, flagpoles, marquee and good signage.

“Charles Sturt University had a large, interactive site with good signage, defined areas for the different departments, they offered information sessions to attract people to the site and face painting at the entrance,” Mrs Clancy said.

“Kick Ice Cocktails had great display of a mini bar with a neon sign, palm trees and the host was wearing an Hawaiian shirt in the theme.

“My Hygge Home had a black and white themed display with display racking and products well set out.

“We are seeing exhibitors put a lot of thought into their site design, being innovative to catch the consumer’s eye, attract them into the site and engage with them.”

Steve Robertson, Muddy River Agricultural’s NSW territory manager, said the site design was a team effort after exhibiting at many field days. 

“The owner of Muddy River wanted to make a statement at the field days this year so we went with the white picket fence and layout, and it has worked really well,” Mr Robertson said.

“Having the fence makes it feel more welcoming and everyone has appreciated it.

“The organising committee at Henty has been so helpful and friendly – we have done a lot of field days and Henty is right at the very top.”

Mr Robertson said demand was extremely strong on opening day for sprayers and tillage machinery with strong sales and follow up inquiry.

“Farmers were interested in shallow and deep tillage, high speed discs, coultors and knife points.  Most of our machinery can be delivered around Christmas or in the New Year so there is no two year wait.”

Charles Sturt University Marketing Business Partner Faculty of Science and Health, Belinda Doherty, said the site’s footprint had increased from a small shed to a larger shed with a Global Digital Farm, soil sensors, drones, dung beetle research system, Wi-Fi Hub, and undergraduate and post graduate course area.

“We have really brought research to life for the community,” Ms Doherty said. 

8am: Henty Working Dog trials start at the dog trial arena.

8am: Champion axeman and men’s health advocate David Foster appears at Atlantic Oils site. Block P Sites 698-699

9am: Wagga Air Centre’s helicopter joy flights start at the heli pad.

9am: Reptile Kingdom Australia display every hour on the hour. Central area near HMFD Office

9.30am: Country Lifestyle program starts at Country Lifestyle Pavilion.

9.30am: Farm Gate Market program begins at Farm Gate Produce Area.

9.45am-10.45am: Acoustic duo Happy Hour Anthony Melton and Col Anderson entertain at the Farm Gate outdoor stage.

10am: Dedication of the historic Lennon plough on a pole at the Henty and District Antique Farm Machinery Club site. Block F Sites 263-266

10.30am: Winners of the HMFD exhibitor awards announced at The Stump.

10.30am: CSU Innovation and Research Hub speaker Skye Wassens on “What can frogs and reptiles tell us about wetland health and farm biodiversity?” Site 564/565 Block N.

11am: Country Lifestyle exhibitor fashion parade includes mini parade of fashion across the decades.

11am: George the Farmer performance at Hutcheon & Pearce site 489-498 Block M.

11am: Circus star Marcela Scheuner will dazzle at the Farm Gate outdoor stage.

11.30am: CSU Innovation and Research Hub speaker Jane Quinn on how focusing on feed efficiency in cattle can drive on-farm productivity. Site 564/565 Block N.

12pm-1pm: Acoustic duo Happy Hour entertain at the Farm Gate stage.

12.30pm: Yanco Agricultural High School drum corps entertain at The Stump.

1pm: 2022 HMFD Natural Fibres Fashion Awards with prize money totalling over $5500 across all sections. Competition to be judged on Thursday.

1.30pm: CSU Innovation and Research Hub speaker Jeff McCormick on transforming cattle production on farm with dual-purpose crops. Site 564/565 Block N.

1.30pm: NSW Farmers’ Association president speaks at The Stump.

2pm: Daily draw of the winner of the Farm Gate Market Produce hamper.

2pm: George the Farmer performance at Hutcheon & Pearce site 489-498 Block M.

2pm: See the agricultural drone demonstration from XAG Australia at the demonstration area near the agronomy plots. 

2.30pm: Country Lifestyle fashion parade.

2.30pm: Circus star Marcela Scheuner dazzles at Farm Gate.

5pm: Helicopter joy flights finish. 

After 5pm: Daily draw of the gate prize sponsored by Mogas.

5.30pm: The Voice contestant and recording artist Danny Phegan and his Longreach band take to the stage behind Farm Gate. 

6pm: Country music stars Brooke McClymont and Golden Guitar award winner Adam Eckersley perform. 

A flex draper offering more capacity, speed and flex has won the coveted 2022 Henty Machine of the year Award.

The MacDon FD2 Flex Draper, entered by MacDon Australia Pty Ltd, impressed judges with its innovation, design and engineering. 

Highly commended was the John Deere See & Spray™ Select entered by Hutcheon and Pearce.

A total of 22 machines and equipment at the cutting edge of agricultural technology were showcased in the Henty Machine of the Year.

Announced on the opening day, this award is presented to the most outstanding new piece of agricultural machinery exhibited at the field days.

It is judged by an independent panel of five regional primary producers on Monday (September 19) and presented at the field days opening today (September 20).

Judging criteria include the machine’s purpose and suitability, scope of application, construction (durability and design), ease of maintenance and service, ease of operation and adjustment, availability of parts and overall value for money.

Judge Warren Scheetz said the award this year incorporated both 2021 and 2022 entries, and the job to select a winner was a difficult one.

“Competition was extremely close over a broad range of areas between all entrants,” he said.

“The MacDon has increased the performance of the draper front by 20 per cent to match the ever-growing high capacities of the modern day headers.

“MacDon has also increased the flex of the machine by up to 70 per cent over previous models along with the ground following capabilities.

“It is a simple, well-constructed mechanical design featuring ease of use.”

The FD2 FlexDraper is the evolution of the ground following innovation MacDon first brought to market almost 20 years ago. 

MacDon listened and worked with farmers, in the most challenging real-world conditions to result in more sizes, durability and harvesting innovations.

The FD2 boasts an all-new frame that features a super structured five-sided back tube. This solid backbone creates a durable platform to handle the toughest of conditions.

MacDon's ClearCut High-Speed Cutting System delivers clean cutting at up to 30 per cent faster speeds. The improved knife drive has more power and new knife section geometry with 25 per cent more cutting surface.

MacDon national sales manager Kari Sattler said harvesters represented a large investment and needed to keep working. 

“Farmers are taking on more country every year to keep in the game and in doing so you need to able operate fast to beat the weather, get the quality grain in the headers as quickly as we can and keep it moving,” Mr Sattler said.

“We also understand it’s not always easy harvesting, not all our crops are standing so if it’s flat on the ground, we need to scoop that up.

“This machine is designed to cut at less than an inch off the ground to eliminate obstacles such as rocks or sticks from bouncing over so as not to cause damage to the combine or make our samples dirty reducing quality.

“The fact this machine can cut so low yet stay so light on the ground, even in mud it will really shines as it floats on top.

“This machine will flex over contour banks and will rollover a 7 foot high contour bank. It was made deeper to take more material at higher speeds.”

The draper is available from 25 to 50 feet wide, including a 41 foot for controlled traffic, 

Mr Sattler said demand for the MacDon product had been “crazy”.

“We are only able to manufacture 50 per cent of our allocation for the world.”

As a regional resident, Mr Sattler is a long term fan of the Henty Machine of the Year Award.

“You see some up coming brands really having a go and I’ve always thought one day we will get on that list, and here we are.”

Using computer vision and advanced nozzle control technology to target spray weeds in fallow fields, the John Deere Seed & Spray ™Select significantly reduces herbicide use by applying only what is needed.

When using the targeted spray, small cameras integrated in the boom continuously scan the paddock and send data to the sprayer’s vision processing unit.

Once weeds are identified, specific nozzles are activated to target spray them. The number of nozzles activated can vary based on weed pressure within that area of the paddock. 

When necessary, the sprayer can switch from targeted spraying to broadcast spraying, all with the push of a button on the in-cab display. 

Mr Scheetz said the John Deere See and Spray™ Select System uses a combination of cameras and processes to detect weeds before activating the required nozzles to apply chemical with high accuracy.

“This reduces chemical applications by up to 77 per cent over traditional blanket broadcast, thus reducing input costs and chemical use,” he said.

“Henty continues to showcase the latest in agricultural technology and the entrants have certainly excelled this year.”

Hutcheon and Pearce sales operations manager Andrew Watt said what set the machine apart was its ability to both broadcast and selectively spray at the same time at high speeds and in low light conditions.

“Coupled with that is the ability to not just look at the different colours but also detecting the images as they come towards it – it sets the foundation to add in green on green, weed detection and stand counts,” Mr Watt said.

Championing the sustainable and environmental values of wool was firmly in the spotlight at the official opening of the 2022 Henty Machinery Field Days on September 20.

The opening day drew a record crowd for a Tuesday, keen to grab a field day bargain, enjoy the entertainment and meet old friends. 

The field days were officially opened by Mrs Joy Beames, CWA of NSW State President, in tribute of the organisation’s commitment to and advocacy for regional, rural and remote families over the past century.

Mrs Beames said CWA of NSW was founded due to a serious lack of available services for country people and continue to advocate for many needed services, including the lack of maternity services throughout NSW.

She expressed a personal passion in the Henty Natural Fibre Fashion Awards and encouraged all to purchase Australian produce. 

UK woolgrower and wool advocate Lesley Prior, who serves as a councillor on The Campaign for Wool with His Majesty Charles III as patron, also spoke at the opening.

Mrs Prior said the role of international coalition of wool producing nations aimed to promote wool use and champion the industry.

“Funding is from member countries but Australia as the largest producer in the world is the major contributor. From those who work with the Campaign, thank you from the bottom of our hearts,” she said.

“Getting that story out there costs money and without the support from Australian wool producers it just couldn’t be done.

“The Campaign started by the then Prince Charles 12 years ago partly because of poor wool prices but as a direct result of his concern for the environment.

“He started talking about wool’s sustainability and environmental credentials long before it became fashionable. And now in 2022 everyone is talking about it. 

“Wool is less than 2 per cent of world fibre usage with oil based man-made fibres dominating – all of us at the sharp end of the industry understand the value of wool, not only for its incredible versatility providing clothing and interior textiles such as carpeting but also for a whole range of other things you might not think about.”

Mrs Prior said sheep were part of a truly circular sustainable system with every kilogram of greasy wool sequestering 1.8kg of carbon dioxide 

She said Henty Machinery Field Days provided access to the tools for monitoring, measuring and managing wool enterprises.

“It is much easier to the journalist’s eagle eye if what you say backed up by accurate figures on fuel, fertiliser use or a natural capital report. Believe in their worth or not, they are the tools buyers are beginning to ask for.

“The more information we have, the more we can feed it through to national and international bodies like Australian Wool Innovation, Campaign for Wool and the International Wool Textile Organisation, all of which are punching well above their weight on our behalf against the oil based fast fashion industry.

“Needless to say, this is not just applicable to wool but meat-based agriculture is on the back foot at the moment, certainly from where I come from. 

“So, I say get out there, enjoy Henty and use it plan your own campaign against misinformation – the tools are out there to go and do the job.”

HMFD Chairman Nigel Scheetz said the cooperative was proud to be celebrating its 59^th year, achieving technological advancements and innovation our predecessors would never have dreamt of.

"After more than two years of high rainfall, exceptional commodity prices and Australian farmland set to record another year of double-digit growth, the outlook for the farming sector is bright,” Mr Scheetz said. 

“Sales of agricultural tractors in August were again strong up by 22 per cent on the same month last year and now 2.5 per cent up on the 2022 year to date. Agricultural export earnings have been forecast to climb to a record $70.3 billion in 2022-2023 – almost 50 per cent more than where it was 10 years ago.

“This all adds up to boundless career opportunities for our younger generation now heading to or making their way through university and tertiary education with aspirations of making agriculture their chosen career.

“HMFD has a strong passion for our future farmers. We are proud to see our younger generation keen to be a part of all areas of agriculture whether it be research, service or hands-on – we at Henty applaud every facet.”

 Students in the Fashion Design program at Wodonga TAFE are excited to be exhibiting their creations at the 2022 Natural Fibre Fashion Awards at this year’s Henty Machinery Field Days. 

Students are hoping to continue the winning streak, with previous Student Award winners being selected from Wodonga TAFE’s student entries over the 5 years prior to the Fashion Awards and Field Days being in hiatus due to COVID-19 restrictions. 

Fashion Design Teacher at Wodonga TAFE, Ms Deidre Brown, said the standard at The Natural Fibre Fashion Awards is always very competitive.

“This gives our students a great challenge to work towards, being creative and designing fashion garments while working with natural fibres”, Deidre said.

“Having The Natural Fibre Fashion Awards right here in our region is also a great opportunity for our students to showcase their hard work at a national level.” 

“I’m very proud of the students and what they have designed this year.

“They’ve completed items for their collections to a very high standard and have worked hard to include intricate details within a range of well finished garments.” 

As in previous years, students from both the Certificate III in Clothing and Textile Production and the Certificate IV in Clothing Production courses submitted their original creations into the Awards. 

Wodonga TAFE is the only TAFE provider to offer these courses outside the metropolitan areas, with applications again open for 2023 enrolments in both qualifications. 

Welcome back! 

We are very pleased (and relieved) to open the gates again to the 2022 Henty Machinery Field Days after two years of cancellation. 

We welcome back all of our past exhibitors, last here in 2019, along with those exhibitors new to us in 2022.

While the impact of the cancellations in 2020 and 2021 cannot be ignored, the future is bright and HMFD intends to be a part of that optimism.

Our field days showcase innovation and the latest in technology to the agricultural community.  We are an event that has something for everyone with many interesting and educational exhibits throughout the site.

Henty Machinery Field Days marks it’s 59^th year since it began in 1963 and we look forward to our 60^thanniversary next year. 

This year we will have all the past attractions which we know you will enjoy again this year.  Henty Machine of the Year, Greater Hume Council Best Australian Designed and Manufactured Machine, Natural Fibre Fashion Awards, Exhibitor Awards, vintage machinery, Baker Seeds agronomy plots and the ever-popular sheep dog trials. 

An event of this magnitude cannot happen overnight with many hours of planning and management put towards these field days.  HMFD is proud of what we produce through the hard work and efforts of our directors, staff and members.  

Since 2019 we have had two dedicated members retire from the Board.  Ross Edwards served as chairman from 2007 to 2021 and has been a Cooperative member for 56 years. We also thank John Maher for his 26 years of dedicated service to the field days as a Director - John retired from this role in June 2022.  

HMFD also pays our respects on the passing of former Director Len Hamson and accountant Graeme Simpson.

Henty Machinery Field Days would like to thank their valuable sponsors in 2022 - ANZ, The Border Mail, Telstra, Barlens, Dunn’s Twin City Cranes, Coates Hire, RB Sellars, National Emergency Management, Resilience and Recovery Agency, Mogas, Mottech Parkland Pty Ltd and Lowes Petroleum. 

Nigel Scheetz

HMFD Chairman 

Southern Australia’s single biggest agricultural event, the Henty Machinery Field Days, is back with all the latest technology plus added live entertainment for the family.

The agribusiness super event is scheduled for September 20-22 and will showcase more than $158 million worth of agricultural machinery and products to the nation and the world. 

HMFD chief executive officer Belinda Anderson said the program had been expanded this year with a country music spectacular with headline acts Brooke McClymont, Adam Eckersley and Danny Phegan performing on the Wednesday night.

 Mrs Anderson said the new free event would be a separate ticketed concert on Wednesday from 5.30pm behind the Farm Gate pavilion, with entry tickets booked online on the HMFD website.

The free entertainment has been made possible by a grant submitted by Greater Hume Council to the NSW Government for the Reconnecting Regional NSW – Community Events Program.

“The field days will have all the usual attractions including the prestigious Henty Machine of the Year Award, the working sheep dog trials, Country Lifestyle pavilion, Farm Gate Produce Market, Baker Seeds agronomy trials, helicopter joy rides, live entertainment, outdoor reptile show, the Natural Fibre Fashion Awards and vintage farm machinery display,” Mrs Anderson said.

“We expect the strong demand for all agricultural machinery, livestock handling equipment and fencing materials to continue through 2022 and, combined with the focus on regional Australia with the public’s keenness to get out and about, will auger well for a successful 2022 Henty Machinery Field Days.

“We acknowledge Thursday, September 22 has been declared a national public holiday as a day of mourning for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. HMFD will be opening as planned and the public holiday provides a great opportunity for everyone to attend.” 

This year Henty celebrates its long and proud association with the Country Women’s Association and recognises the organisation’s centenary by having CWA NSW State President Joy Beames officially open the 2022 field days. The official opening will include the presentation of the prestigious Henty Machine of the Year Award.

Greater Hume Council will sponsor the Best Australian Designed and Manufactured Machine to be presented on Thursday, September 22.

National and international agricultural and commercial businesses will be eligible for the HMFD Exhibitor Awards at the 2022 field days.

Awards will be presented on Wednesday, September 21 to the winners of the Best Outdoor Large Commercial, Best Outdoor General and Best Indoor Exhibitor sites (Country Lifestyle and Farm Gate Produce Market).

Mrs Anderson said the exhibitor awards encouraged site holders to strive for similar ideals during the field days.

“Many of our exhibitors put a lot of time, resources and effort into having their sites looking first class, to engage with field day patrons and potential customers,’’ she said.

“Cutting edge technology combined with innovative ideas and marketing techniques are continually being used at the event by businesses to capture new market share.

“We want to recognise and reward these businesses who take a great deal of pride in their sites.’’

Field days visitors are invited to join the conversation about shaping the future of agriculture and the environment at Charles Sturt University’s Innovation and Research Hub.

The Hub is about sharing impactful research in agriculture, the environment and sustainability, and how it will improve connections, collaborations and communities.

At Country Lifestyle, the stage will be the focus of fashion parades featuring garments from exhibitors daily at 11am and 2.30pm, including a mini parade of clothing from across the decades as a tribute to NSW CWA turning 100.

Designers with a flair for converting natural fibres into wearable art will compete for almost $5500 worth of prizes, including the new Business Development Award: Australian Made Fibre sponsored by JMP Developments, Wodonga, for $500.

The Henty Natural Fibre Fashion Awards showcase designs using at least 70 per cent natural fibres with parades daily at 1pm and the winners announced after 1pm Thursday.

The Farm Gate Produce Market will be a hive of activity of gourmet products direct from regional producers whilst outside on the sound stage is the talented regional duo Happy Hour.

Competition is expected to be intense this year at Henty as the nation’s best sheep dogs and their handlers gather for the Henty Working Dog Trials.

Visitors will be able to take 10-minute helicopter joy flights over the field day site and surrounding countryside with Wagga Air Centre pilot Chris Cabot.

The display by the Henty and District Antique Farm Machinery Club members always draws a large crowd of both young and old visitors, and includes the unveiling of an installation of a historic plough on a pole this year on the Wednesday morning. 

Field day patrons will have the opportunity to win this year’s daily gate prize of $1000 at Buzz’s Bikes and Bits plus fuel and lubricant credits courtesy of Mogas.

During the field days, patrons spending $50 or more at the Mogas Henty OPT at 21 Railway Parade can simply drop their transaction receipt in the barrel at HMFD and be in the running for three daily prizes of $500 credit towards the next fuel or lubricant purchase. 

The company is offering a daily gate prize of $1000 vouchers redeemable at Buzz’s Bikes and Bits in Albury over the field days plus three daily prizes of $500 fuel credits. 

Visitors are eligible by purchasing a full-price adult day pass. 

Field day visitors will also have the chance to win a wireless weather station package courtesy of Mottech Parkland.

To enter the draw for the Davis 6820AU Wireless GroWeather Ag Focused VP2 ISS and WeatherLink Live, simply clip out the coupon in the HMFD program and drop it in the barrel at the Mottech Parkland site 359.

HMFD benefited this year from $651,000 in funding under Round 2 of the Regional Connectivity Program to build a new 35m tower to replace a temporary small-cell Telstra service, with the new tower to be completed for the 2023 event.

Pre-purchase tickets by heading to the visitor’s page on www.hmfd.com.au and click on Buy Tickets. Online prices are $22 for adults and $7 for children 12 to 17 years.

Gates are open from 8am to 5pm, with adult gate tickets $25, children 12 to 17 years $10, and children under 12 free when accompanied by an adult. 

There will be an ATM courtesy of the ANZ Bank on site 567.

In recognition of the Country Women’s Association 100^th birthday, the 2022 Henty Machinery Field Days will be officially opened on Tuesday, September 20 by CWA of NSW President Joy Beames.

Mrs Beames hails from the central western town of Dunedoo where she operated a family farm with her husband Ken up until last year.

Joy also worked as a practice manager for a local doctor, and has two children, Phillip and Heidi. 

She has been a member of CWA since 1992 and has held many positions at branch, group and state level, representing the Association at many events including meeting with members of State Parliament to achieve Association objectives.

Mrs Beames has organised several regional and Sydney based agricultural and environmental seminars for members to attend and participate in. She has been an active participant in the tea rooms at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.

Mrs Beames was the CWA representative on Rural Women’s Council for almost three years until it wound up and the Association’s representative on the Tocal College Advisory Council for three years.

Locally, she was the coordinator of the Sir Ivan Bushfire Appeal and liaised with the CWA of NSW’s Disaster Relief Fund Committee to distribute funds and goods.

She has also been a member of the local Hospital Advisory Council, a director of Dunedoo Sports Club, President of Dunedoo Bowling Club, office bearer in the local swimming club and hospital auxiliary. 

Joy hosts her own radio program on community radio.

Henty Machinery Field Days chief executive officer Belinda Anderson paid tribute to the CWA saying the organisation had supported the field days from the early days.

“Henty owes a great deal to the many CWA volunteers over the years, generous with their time and enthusiasm to keep our field day visitors and exhibitors entertained and fed at Country Lifestyle,” Mrs Anderson said. 

“They have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the program runs smoothly and all exhibitors and visitors have an enjoyable experience.” 

Joan Meyer, representing the Riverina Group Country Women’s Association, was invited by the Zone 7 United Farmers and Woolgrowers Association to formally stage an annual ladies lifestyle section in 1969. She organised a full two days of subjects of interest to the women on the land.

Demonstrations of spinning and weaving, and talks on the farm garden were spliced with car maintenance and cooking with electricity on the farm.

During the 1970s, Henty CWA branch members were kept busy co-ordinating the women’s interest sessions, which included a talk on freezing food, a fashion parade, and demonstrations of cooking with gas.

The women’s interest program reflected the tight household budget of 1975 with “do-it-yourself’’ and recycling sessions, while carcass cutting demonstrations were extended to include pigs and sheep.

The sight of CWA members delivering morning tea using an old pram to busy exhibitors has become synonymous with the field days. Among the consistent demonstrators over the years have been CWA cookery entrant and judges Ann Adams and Josie Kilpatrick. 

Today, under the direction of CWA member Lyn Jacobsen, Leonie Kohlhagen and their CWA colleagues, field day visitors can enjoy a full program of guest speakers, fashion parades and the Natural Fibre Fashion Awards in a permanent large pavilion opened in 2016 and named in honour of Joan Meyer.