Farm World is like Disneyland for the agricultural sector.
FIFTY years after rather humble beginnings, Farm World 2012 will confirm its place as Victoria’s largest regional mixed farming event.
The popular four-day field-day program will again be held at Lardner Park near Warragul from Thursday 22 to Sunday 25 March.
While it may have been initiated to demonstrate machinery to local farmers, Farm World is now widely recognised for its broad focus on sustainable and successful rural living.
From sawmills to silage wrap, and spanners to sheds, Farm World 2012 has an impressive array of products and services displayed by more than 700 exhibitors.
Lardner Park’s chief executive officer Mark Cockerell sees a great deal of pride among exhibitors.
“There is a huge commitment to presenting the latest in equipment, information, technology and support systems to the public,” said Mr Cockerell.
“Exhibitors strive to help visitors make informed purchasing decisions.”
It is easy to see the attraction for annual crowds of more than 50,000 who descend on Lardner Park each year, many of whom come back year after year.
The more traditional animal health products, hay making machinery, and fencing materials are expected to receive their usual steady flow of visitors.
More recently, products such as fire fighting equipment and alternative energy systems have been gaining popularity.
Despite the broad focus of the current field-day program, Farm World’s 50th anniversary will see many reminders of its beginnings as a farm machinery demonstration event.
It was visionary farm machinery dealers who initiated the first Farm World in 1963.
Until that time, machinery featured in street parades around local towns and lacked the authenticity of working demonstrations.
The first field day was such a success that several sponsors, including Vacuum Oil, which later became Mobil, were sought to enable it to continue. Current Mobil distributors, Southern Cross Lubes and Evans Petroleum, continue the tradition as committed partners 50 years on.
Today, state-of-the-art agricultural machinery will be on show, with exhibitors expected to put ‘something special’ into their displays for this anniversary year.
The size, high tech applications, and ergo-dynamic design, to say nothing of sheer horsepower, would amaze field day visitors of yesteryear.
Celebrations at Farm World will take on an even greater festive feel with 2012 also being Australia’s ‘Year of the Farmer’.
As an official proud supporter of the year-long national celebrations, Lardner Park will host the Year of the Farmer roadshow early in its 55,000 kilometre journey across all states and territories.
A special initiative for the female visitors to Farm World will be held on Thursday 22 March.
Ladies Day – Women in Agriculture is the brainchild of local agritourism operator, Angela Betheras.
“Farm World exhibitors will extend a special welcome to its rural women, with several special events during the Thursday,” said Ms Betheras.
She will be one of three inspirational women speaking at the Ladies Day luncheon. She will present her experiences in developing her alpaca and agritourism business, Nickleby at Darnum, together with the highlights of being recognised as Victorian Rural Women of the Year in 2011.
