An aerial view of the 2022 Henty Machinery Field Days, which drew a record crowd of 70,000 to view more than $120 million worth of machinery and technology.
The Henty Machinery Field Days will celebrate its 60th anniversary on September 19 to 21.
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“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,” HMFD chief executive officer Belinda 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 Showgrounds.
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 Cookardinia Rd.
The 60th anniversary event will have all the usual attractions including the prestigious Henty Machine of the Year Award, the working and three sheepdog 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 and 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.
Check the website for more information.
An aerial view of the 1977 Henty Machinery Field Days, the second year at its new home.
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