Education, Entertainment In One Bundle

Newcastle Herald

Friday May 5, 2006

STARTING out as a response to calls and questions from small acreage farmers to the Department of Agriculture, the Tocal Field Days were designed as a show-and-tell and one-stop-shop for farmers thirsty for more information.

But 23 years later it has become a big event that showcases everything from local produce to farming equipment to demonstrations and information sessions.

Event organiser Marie Williams has been putting together the field day for four years.

Ms Williams said that originally the farmers would come along but over time their wives and children started to come too.

She said that while the field day was a lot like a town show, they didn't have dagwood dogs or fairy floss, but they did have kids rides, fashion parades and other entertainment.

It was all quality goods on display, she said.

The focus was on education and entertainment.

Ms Williams said this year's event, which is being held from today until Sunday, had attracted 400 exhibitors.

They were expecting about 30,000 people to attend.

"Each year we do a survey of people who came and every year they have come for the same three reasons," she said.

"They firstly come to seek expert advice, they come to be exposed to all of the latest trends and information in the industry, and they also come to have a fun day out."

This year they have set up a giant testing laboratory with different stations focusing on different areas of agriculture.

For example, one station is specifically checking whether cattle have worms by testing their manure.

Free worm kits will also be available.

Other stations will show farmers how to test fodder and water quality and how to test for chemical residues in soils.

There will be a kids corner, as well as an ask-your-vet section where veterinarians will answer questions about anything from cattle breeds to lap dogs.

Ms Williams said that often the success of an event like this was judged on how many tractor companies signed up to exhibit, because the expense of transporting tractors and equipment was great.

Tocal Field Days have attracted eight tractor companies, which Ms Williams said was a significant number and a great reflection on the event.

Admission to the event costs $32 for a family, $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and $8 for schoolchildren.

Gates open 9am to 5pm.