With 55 commercial exhibitors and 26 machines demonstrated in the active display part of the field day programme, the event proved its relevance and interest to not only farmers, but manufacturers and machinery agents.

The event was organised by CANFA in partnership with Lockhart and District Ag Bureau, Farmlink Research and Central West Farming Systems.

“The fact the site was wet and there was a heavy stubble load on the showground site is probably indicative of what conditions are going to be this year and farmers were really keen to see how the machines would perform in these conditions,” said CANFA executive officer, Neville Gould.

Victorian farmer and representative of Cross Slot No-Tillage Systems, David Cook said the benefits are mutual for farmers and exhibitors.

“The fact that farmers can see how it works is where the value lies. What you think a machine can do might be very different to what its capabilities are when it operates,” he said.

Hardi Australia southern region territory manager, Roger Cooper has been to 15 conservation agriculture field days.

He said that at these days he sees a new generation of farmer coming through who are switched on to technology.

“Not only are there real benefits for farmers in seeing the machines in action on the day, but for us it’s a good way of seeing what our competitors are doing too.”

Mr Cooper said that the day indicated there was a lot of confidence in the industry at present with plenty of subsoil moisture setting farmers up for a good year ahead.

“We’re very busy with sales at the moment and the other thing that is kicking along is sales in the second-hand market which keeps it all moving along.”

The day concluded with the announcement of The Land farmer modified machine award, which was won by Mike Carey, Coolamon with his golden valley disc opener.