A BUMPER crowd has gone to the Henty Machinery Fields Days for the opening of this year’s event.
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Featuring more than 800 exhibitors and in excess of $100 million of machinery onsite, good weather led to a solid showing at Tuesday's opening with 60,000 people expected over three days at the mixed farming extravaganza.
Farmlink chief executive and 2015 Rural Women's Award winner Cindy Cassidy’s opening speech highlighted the importance of innovation.
"The Henty Machinery Field Days, with its focus on innovation and bringing people together to share and learn, is a fabulous example of how farmers can be supported in their adoption of new technologies and ideas," she said.
"Farmers feed and clothe the nation.
"The food and fibre they produce supply the needs of Australian citizens and those of our neighbours.
"Our agricultural sector is an important source of export income and a food security asset."
First day attendees ranged from people working on large-scale agricultural operations to hobby farmers, and those simply keen to have a look at the latest in farming technology.
Benalla dairy farmer Anthony Hill, who was seeking a vacuum tanker, said having a range of items in one location was a key drawcard.
"The kids want to get new dirt bikes so we're looking around to see what's new," he said.
"The problem is a lot of companies you visit don't have stock, but you can come here and compare it all.
"We go to a field day every year, either here or in Elmore."
Jill Houssenloge runs a small farm at Yerong Creek which is in the process of becoming organic.
She was interested to learn about alternative lifestyles in terms of housing and land, and was particularly keen to learn more about soil.
"I last came here about four years ago and this is the best I've ever seen it," she said.
"I'm absolutely enjoying it.
"The diversity is fantastic and it gives a tremendous boost to the town."
Henty organisers are hoping for big crowds which will largely be dependant on the wet weather often experienced during the event.
Crowds were greeted by sunshine yesterday before rainfall at about 1pm.
Sun and clear skies are predicted on Wednesday and Thursday.
Chairman Ross Edwards said the event was probably the biggest gathering of its type in the world/
He said nearby towns received a significant financial boost each year.
Half of attendees are expected to travel from more than three hours away to attend.
