Henty Machinery Field Days calls for Agri-Innovators Award entries

FARM inventors, backyard tinkerers and students are urged to enter their innovative ideas for the Agri-Innovators Award at the 2017 Henty Machinery Field Days.

Work saver: Patrick Daniher, with last year’s winning invention, a remote-controlled belt feeder.

FARM inventors, backyard tinkerers and students are urged to enter their innovative ideas for the Agri-Innovators Award at the this year’s Henty Machinery Field Days.

The entries must meet the criteria of having a practical on-farm application, be based on an original idea of the entrant, and not be in full-scale production at the time entry.

Last year’s inaugural entries ranged from a hand tool to a slip-on fencing tray and automated bale feeder, from farmers in North East Victoria, southern NSW and the NSW southern tablelands.

Last year’s winners were Pat and Margaret Daniher, of Girral, with the remote-controlled Daniher Belt Feeder, an easy solution to feeding out fodder off the back of a ute.

HMFD chief executive officer Belinda Anderson said the decision to reboot the innovation concept came after inventors were left disappointed when the NSW Farm Inventor of the Year Awards stopped in 2015.

She said Agri-Innovators was aimed at tertiary and university students, farmers, backyard tinkerers and innovators.

“Entries can be any agribusiness invention, ranging from a mobile phone app or computer software program to the largest tillage machinery,” she said.

“This year’s entrants will receive exposure to the agricultural marketplace and the opportunity to network with potential manufacturers.”

For entry forms, phone HMFD on [phone] or email [e-mail]