SPECIAL REPORT: MURRUMBATEMAN FIELD DAYS

IT’S FIELD DAYS TIME AGAIN IN THE YASS VALLEY!

Murrumbateman has opened the gate for hundreds of exhibitors and to welcome thousands of visitors across the weekend of October 21-22.

-Words BEV MALZARD

Murrumbateman Field Days injects millions of dollars into the local economy every year and this wellloved event has been hosted and managed by the Murrumbateman Community Association (MCA) since 1979.

The Field Days represent the flagship event for the Yass Valley, welcoming crowds from nearby Canberra and as far afield as the South Coast, Cooma, Young, Cowra, Goulburn and Albury.

A proliferation of small farms around the Yass Valley has led to demand for the latest in machinery and supplies, and Murrumbateman Field Days delivers it all to this growing audience.

Held across the weekend of October 21-22, the Field Days event features exhibitors who are spread across 40 hectares and a brigade of volunteers from the local RFS, schools and community organisations support the event.

And for social media fun and publicity, internet provider YLess4u offers free community WiFi connection in the Murrumbateman recreation grounds. Post selfies with a gleaming new tractor and pictures to promote the innovative product on display, or maybe TikTok your way through the exhibits and activities!

SUPPLY MEETS DEMAND

The first Murrumbateman Field Days event in 1979 hosted 23 exhibitors, and by 1981 it had grown to more than 60 exhibitors. In 2019 there was a whopping 400 exhibitors, with similar numbers booking sites for this year.

Watch horses in their element: riders will be showing off their skills on brumbies rehomed from Kosciuszko National Park, and there will be ponies for children to ride.

Hobby farms and small holdings have grown in and around the Yass Valley which has led to demand for the latest in small farm machinery and supplies to this growing audience. Growth in land development around Murrumbateman and north Canberra has attracted tree changers and people seeking a rural way of life in this region, so there’ll be new faces this year at Field Days.

Farm machinery and equipment exhibitors include tractors, mowers, water tanks, shed suppliers and builders, fencing, solar panels and batteries, ploughs, irrigators, pipes, generators and more. Available for purchase – products include: hats, boots, clothing, craft and lifestyle products plus garden supplies, innovative equipment and garden art on display.

The latest farm drone technology will be demonstrated on the main oval and customers are invited to ‘try before they buy’ the latest equipment in a large pile of dirt at the earth moving demo area. Some of the biggest dealers in the small and large earth excavation equipment will be getting down and dirty.

Visitors can watch craftspeople at work on lost trades such as woodwork, leather work, yarn crafts, spinning and metal work. But that’s not all; while the farmers are checking out the latest and greatest new equipment and farm technology there’s much to be done for family members.

ENTERTAINMENT AND ACTIVITIES – FOR ALL

This year’s special treat is a first-timer to Field Days: George the Farmer from ABC Kids TV fame. George the Farmer is one of Australia’s best live farming children’s performers as he brings together his love of the country to connect children with farming practices through fun songs and entertainment.

The Field Days are also welcoming another TV celebrity to the event: Farmer Dave and the Muttley Crew from Rufftracks. In his interactive show, Dave and his super competitive agility dogs from the Muttley Crew bring together amazing canine performances and family-fun competitions including dog jumping and races.

There will be the tractor pull and display organised by the Yass Antique Farm Machinery Club, and there will be some of the Club’s restored tractors on site to enjoy.

Children have the chance to meet and pet many animals in the Children’s Farmyard Petting Zoo, and there are alpacas, cattle and sheep in the animal Exhibition areas. And what would a day out be without reptiles? There will be demonstrations on how to handle snakes, and a Farmyard Trail has been set up for kids to follow.

A proliferation of small farms around the Yass Valley has also led to demand for the latest in machinery and supplies.

Watch horses in their element: riders will be showing off their skills on brumbies rehomed from Kosciuszko National Park, and there will be ponies for children to ride.

The village green will feature musicians, dancers and singers performing over the weekend and Dirkins Amusements will provide fairground rides for the kids (and big kids at heart) to enjoy. Don’t forget to pick up a showbag too.

There will be helicopter rides for those game to give it a try, as well as the usual fare of food and drink.

ONLINE TICKETS NOW ON SALE

Tickets must be purchased online this year, at mfdays.com/tickets. There’s also an online exhibitor directory so attendees can plan their day.

People and organisations wanting to showcase their product, service or business should contact the Murrumbateman Field Days team via the website as well.

Why not make a weekend of it? Combine your trip with a visit to the Murrumbateman cool-climate wineries and historic Yass with stylish cafes, superb winery cellar doors and first-class restaurants.