Clear skies provide strong close for Elmore Field Days

By Michael Lloyd

Oct 9, 2023

Dynamic duo: Shelly Campbell and Ashley Layton at the Drovers Saddlery stall. Photo by Aidan Briggs

It took until the final day, but finally the skies smiled on Elmore.

Farm favourites: Machinery small and large on display at the Elmore Field Days. Photo by Aidan Briggs

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The 2023 Elmore Field Days had been hampered by wet weather on Tuesday and Wednesday of last week before warmer, sunny conditions brought out the best crowd of the week on Thursday.

Watch out for the guard dog: Bad Boy Mowers had its eye-catching mascot on display. Photo by Aidan Briggs

Not that everyone was disappointed by the soggy start, with the consensus from farmers that the rain was much appreciated.

Looking high and si-lo: The Elmore Field Days. Photo by Aidan Briggs

Elmore Field Days committee member Derek Shotton said despite the wet opening two days, it was a successful edition of the event, which celebrated its 60th anniversary this year.

Spoiled for choice: John Deere tractors on show at the Elmore Field Days. Photo by Michael Lloyd

“While this year’s event wasn’t the best, it wasn’t the worst either. On Thursday, as the program drew to a close, we had a great run,” Mr Shotton said.

“We found that many of the people who attended were genuine, which we thought was encouraging.”

So much fun: Chad Lambert and Colton, aged 18 months, from Rutherglen, enjoying the day out in Elmore. Photo by Aidan Briggs

One of the many visitors to the event was Chad Lambert.

The Rutherglen builder attended the field days with his 18-month-old son Colton.

Jeans and more: Newmarket Saddlery’s setup at the Elmore Field Days. Photo by Aidan Briggs

“I came to see what new products the exhibitors have here on offer today,” Mr Lambert said.

“It’s a good crowd and it’s a lot better than yesterday; no rain’s a good thing with outdoor events.”

Hump day: Cecily, 13, Xanthe, 9, Cohen, 8, and Makayla, 7, enjoy checking out the camels. Photo by Aidan Briggs

More than 500 exhibitors were on site at the Elmore Events Centre, discussing updates on products and services available to the agriculture industry.

Impressive: Jimmy O’Neill with the DJI-built Agras T16 drone. Photo by Michael Lloyd

Among them was Albury’s Jimmy O’Neill, who displayed the drone he operates on his farm.

“This drone, the Agras T40, can cover 10 to 15 hectares of land in an hour or about 150 hectares in a 10-hour day,” Mr O’Neill said.

“The unit can carry 40kg of liquid spray or 50kg of solid fertiliser.”

Careful: Attendees watch on as a Snake Safe demonstration is held. Photo by Aidan Briggs

For Mr O’Neill, the drone offers additional benefits that assist with daily farm operations where other equipment might be too expensive.

“The drone is efficient and targets specific areas, minimising the amount of spray used,” he said.

Popular spot: Families stop to eat at the food trucks. Photo by Aidan Briggs

“As the agricultural sector has not always been able to have sufficient staff, drones like these assist farmers who may struggle to attract the right candidate.”

Where to next?: Beverly Manassa and Joshua, 5. Photo by Aidan Briggs

One of the most popular exhibitions was the shearing shed.

Informative: Live demonstration of shearing tools. Photo by Aidan Briggs

Bill Johnson, a legend in local shearing circles, was on stage demonstrating his skills.

Living legend: Bill Johnson has five decades of experience as a sheep shearer. Photo by Michael Lloyd

“I’ve been shearing sheep for the past 50 years, and in that time, I’ve probably shorn 300,000 sheep,” Mr Johnson said.

“When you’re at work, you are there to do a job. But if it isn’t fun, it’s not worth it.”

Mr Johnson operates a sheep property between Bendigo and Colbinabbin.

Keepin’ it clean: Tony Royden and Sam Kelly at the JJ’s Waste and Recycling exhibition. Photo by Aidan Briggs

One of the younger faces in the crowd was Max.

The three-year-old, who attended the field days with his parents, Ben and Amy, and younger sister, Lexie, 2, hails from Nagambie.

“I like the augers,” Max said.

The wet weather didn’t dampen the youngster’s spirits — he gave a thumbs up to the camera as Lexie watched on.

Attendees also took the chance to sate their appetite at the food trucks and stalls while the kids were entertained by the always popular camel rides.