The Ag-Grow Emerald Field Days is shaping up to bigger in scope than ever before with more than 300 exhibitors already locked in for the event being held on July 6 – 8.
Ag-Grow manager Donna Reeves said 62 exhibitors offering a broad range of products and services will be attending the event for the first time this year.
She said the consistent growth in popularity of Ag-Grow is due to the heavy emphasis placed on ensuring the event remains first and foremost a launching pad for exhibitors to showcase their goods and services.
“Our role is to connect business to business, business to consumer, exporters with new markets and town with country,” Ms Reeves said.
“As we enter our 28th year, we are working harder than ever to connect people and organisations, create opportunities, facilitate the open exchange of ideas and showcase the best Australian agriculture has to offer.”
She said the three days of Ag-Grow are also designed build long lasting friendships, renew existing relationships and widen business networking opportunities in a relaxed, “in the field” environment.
“In 2016 we welcomed more than 16,000 people passed through the gates to carry out business with hundreds of exhibitors representing the best of Australia’s agriculture industry.”
Ms Reeves said the stud bull program has grown in response to increased demand for quality breeding stock and a handpicked selection of quality stud bulls will be offered at the Superior Bull Sale on Friday morning.
This will be followed by a smorgasbord of more than 100 stock horses for sale on the Saturday morning during the Premier Horse Sale.
The increasingly popular Central Highlands Colt Starting Challenge will return for its fifth year, and will this year feature three unridden colts matched with three junior understudy’s and their mentors who progressively encourage trust and bond with the colt until it can finally be ridden and perform tasks, all in the space of two days.
Don’t miss the Working Cattle Dog Trials which will see the dogs and their masters compete to “handle a herd of cattle” around an obstacle course and are allotted points in the overall competition. The Working Cattle Dog Sale will take place on the Friday afternoon, with the Working Cattle Dog Trials winners presentation occurring at Midday on Saturday, July 8.
Can-Am and side-by-side live demonstrations will also be taking place beside the Working Cattle Dog Trials area.
Ms Reeves said the enthusiasm for the event has remained strong as numbers through the gate have gradually risen at Ag-Grow each year.
“I’ve spoken to farmers from Alpha though to Charters Towers about what keeps them coming back to Ag-Grow and they all agreed that the consistent annual format is a big advantage.
“They said a lot of farmers come to Ag-Grow to buy what they need each year, it’s a big shopping spree for them, they can make multiple purchases in one place, which saves them a lot of their valuable time.
“I welcome all the many friends, sponsors, exhibitors, and visitors that support and spend some time at Ag-Grow and look forward to catching up over the three days.”
For more information regarding the 2017 Ag-Grow Emerald Field Days please visit the event Facebook page or the event website.