Announced on the opening day, this “farmers’ choice’’ award is presented to the most outstanding new piece of agricultural machinery exhibited at the Henty Machinery Field Days.

It is judged by an independent panel of regional primary producers.

In many cases the machine has gone on to become a standard piece of equipment on farms.

Judging criteria includes the machine’s purpose and suitability, scope of application, construction, ease of maintenance and service, ease of operation and adjustment, availability of parts and overall value for money.

Last year, the award attracted a record 34 entries and was won by the Morris RAZR disc drill, with the KSI 161285 Swingaway mobile conveyor highly commended.

Machine of the Year chairman and Brocklesby grain grower Matt Bergmeier said the award was open to all machines on site released into the Australian market in the previous 12 months.

 “A win at Henty gives the entrant valuable exposure for their product,’’ Mr Bergmeier said.

An additional accolade is the Australian Tractor and Machinery Association Award for the best new Australian-made machine.

It is judged and presented on the final day of the field days. Last year, the award went to the fully flexible NDF disc planter.

Nominations are made by the Henty Machinery Field Days Co-operative members who unload the machines – in the vein of the Archibald Prize packer’s award. 

Judges then visit each nominated company during the field days.

Machine of the Year entries include:

Bute Engineering Seed Cleaner, Bute Engineering

Multi 4000 fertiliser spreader, Tow & Farm

G Series self propelled sprayer, Goldacres

John Deere LINK, Hutcheon and Pearce

Sideshift, Allen Farming Company

SS400, Eagle I Machinery

Truck tyre changer, Tyre Doctor

Cropscan 3000H on-combine analyser, Next Instruments P/L

Condor Endurance self-propelled sprayer, Agrifac Machinery

Super Drill, Brookfield