Mallee field days to return

The Mallee region’s signature agricultural event, the Mallee Machinery Field Days, will return in August for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Field days secretary Matt Brady said new and previous exhibitors had expressed interest in returning for the August 3 and 4 event at Speed.

Restrictions relating to the COVID-19 pandemic had forced the event’s cancellation in 2020 and 2021.

The event traditionally attracts more than 8000 people and 300 exhibitors across two days.

Strong inquiries

“There will be lots of new releases this year and for many businesses, this is the first time in three years they have had an opportunity to showcase them to a wider audience,” Mr Brady said.

“The past two years have been tough on everyone.

“It was a first in the event’s proud 40-year history that the field days had been cancelled. “I think a lot of people have missed it. “We are receiving inquires from across Australia with large businesses keen to jump back on board and showcase their products and we are looking forward to welcoming everyone back.”

Mr Brady said while COVID-19 had put a stop to the event, the agriculture industry remained a strong performer.

He said the Speed Lions Club-run, not-forprofit event provided donations back to the community.

“Fundraising efforts across all communities have been impacted because of COVID-19,” he said.

“We’re happy we will be able to provide an economic boost to many community groups and organisations who have been hit hard in recent years.”

Mr Brady said the field days committee was calling for exhibitors wanting to attend the event. Exhibits feature agricultural machinery, tools and hardware, technology, clothing and safety clothing, arts and crafts and professional services.

“While we usually have around 300 sites, COVID-19 has resulted in an influx of extra inquires for additional sites this year,” Mr Brady said.

“Sites are very competitive and capped in number, so we urge anyone who is hoping to exhibit this year to contact us as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.”

The event started in 1979. It leases a permanent site between Speed and Turriff, north of Hopetoun.