Seymour Alternative Farming Expo: Take the lead

DISCOVER the latest in emerging ag industries, new technology and gourmet food trends at this year’s Seymour Alternative Farming Expo.

ALPACAS, hemp, goats and rare poultry breeds are just a taster of what’s on display at this year’s Seymour Alternative Farming Expo.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

FEB 15-17

TIMES 8.30am-4pm

CONTACT

seymourexpo.com.au

1300 178 881

VENUE

Kings Park. Tallarook St, Seymour

Picture: Chloe Smith

Almost 500 exhibitors will be at the three-day event at Kings Park in Seymour, which is expected to attract 22,000 visitors.

Event manager Susie Filleti said the expo had grown exponentially since Seymour locals Colin and Bev Stray founded it 27 years ago.

“Back when it was first created, the expo was really about alternative animal farming,” Ms Filleti said. “We broadened that term ‘alternative’ to encompass innovation, new ideas and trends within farming.”

This year, visitors can learn about the latest technology, practices and trends in small and backyard farming; get up close to animals and enjoy market-style shopping, food and entertainment.

Drone racing and working dog demonstrations are new to the expo this year.

“One of the innovative ideas we’ll be exploring is industrial hemp farming,” Ms Filleti said.

“The Hemp Building Company will be looking at how Australia’s housing crisis can be addressed using Hempcrete and demonstrate how it is used by building a doghouse during the event.”

Ms Filleti said the event’s Country Kitchen and Butcher Shop would be highlights, with an expanded schedule of cooking demonstrations.

“Event stalwart Bob (the Butcher) Dewar is hanging up his cleaver for the last time but he will join Secret Garden chef Adrian Hensley and new butcher Victor Bonacci for three final sessions,” Ms Filleti said.

“They will elaborate on the ever popular steak session, create a loaf of sourdough from scratch — a process that normally takes three weeks — and smoke a whole leg of ham ready to dig into during the last session of the day.”

Another addition is Happy Half Hour, with beverages from Tooborac Hotel and Brewery, Bellarine Estate and Original Spirit Co available to taste test.

Mitchell Shire Mayor Bill Chisholm said the expo was an anticipated attraction for the shire that added more than $6 million annually to the local economy.

“The Seymour Alternative Farming Expo is one of the best ways for traditional and alternative farmers to come together in our municipality to learn from each other,” Mr Chisholm said. “With plenty of new techniques being shown off each year, it is great to see so many people come together to understand new technologies, as farms and households embrace sustainable living and adapt to our unique environment.”