Media Releases

2010 Prospectus Release - Presidents Report

03 June 2010

I welcome this opportunity to invite all our previous exhibitors and potential new exhibitors to submit applications for display sites by the process indicated later in this Prospectus.

The Elmore Events Centre continues to be developed with the creation of additional facilities and we have been attracting an increasing number of complementary events to take advantage of our facilities.  This is a trend we would like to further develop.

For instance our new equestrian complex on the site has quickly attracted strong support.

As I write this introduction we are about to commence the development of our major  new multi-purpose pavilion which will have internal dimensions of 88 metres by 66 metres as a high clearance clear span building with a total floor area of 5,500 square metres

As part of a $1.3 million development project, 50% of the funding will come from the Victorian Government Regional Infrastructure Development Fund.  The balance will come from the Field Days own resources.   I am sure all our exhibitors and visitors will realise the important benefit it will be in future years and what a complement it will be to our existing site facilities.

Also as I write this report large areas of Victoria have benefited from an early ‘Autumn break’ with beneficial rains improving both pasture and crop conditions and filling many farm dams.  I consider that these rains will be an important confidence booster for all of us who are engaged in a variety of agricultural enterprises.

I view the Elmore Field Days as a giant “warehouse” for all types of agricultural pursuits.  We offer something for everyone in the way of machinery, products and services. embracing virtually everything from viticulture to dairying, livestock, broadacre cropping and for the hobby or small scale farm enterprise.

Our in paddock demonstrations also enable a diverse range of machinery to be witnessed under field operating conditions.  We have been receiving increased support in recent years from machinery manufacturers and their dealers who see the benefits in being able to show their equipment in a working environment

My Committee views our in-paddock demonstrations as an important part of the Field Days.  So our exhibitors have equipment, technology and services solutions on show for virtually every type and scale of operation and each year we supplement our exhibitor’s sites with a range of relevant features.

For instance this year will be the second year of our “Ewes for the Future Trial” involving ewes from five breeds – First Cross, Merino, Centreplus, Dohne and SAMM.   The results that are coming through will give important information on the best lamb mothers, their productivity and value of their lambs and thus should prove highly relevant to all sheep producers.

We continue to encourage members of the rural community to undertake some recreation and stress relieving activities and there will be plenty of these opportunities on display again this year.

Information about climate change, alternative energy choices and the rapidly evolving issues of carbon trading and offsets has also been an important theme over the last two years and these developments continue to be highly relevant to all of us engaged in farming.

I invite exhibitors to support the 2010 edition of Elmore Field Days and I give the assurance that my Committee is committed to making our three days as relevant and successful as those which have preceded it.

Darren Trewick

President