Sungold Field Days: Big days of dairy at Allansford

THE biggest crowds ever — that’s the solid expectation of organisers as they put the finishing touches to next week’s 36th annual Sungold Field Days.

Ready to go: The Sungold Field Days at Allansford, near Warrnambool, kick off on February 8 with large crowds once again expected amid a host of activities, product releases and many new exhibitors.

THE biggest crowds ever — that’s the solid expectation of organisers as they put the finishing touches to next week’s 36th annual Sungold Field Days.

The event, from February 8-10, will be opposite the Warrnambool Cheese and Butter Factory at Allansford, 12km east of Warrnambool on the Great Ocean Road.

More than 220 exhibitors spread over 7.5ha will showcase the latest in agricultural machinery, dairy innovations and technology, backed by varied entertainment.

Field days chairman Tony Rea, whose sons now farm the family properties at Childers Cove and Naringal, said the mood in the area was buoyant.

“The season has been wonderful — one of the best in years,” Mr Rea said.

“There have probably only been three or four summers like it over the past 30-40 years, with plenty of optimism that milk returns are just starting to turn the corner.

“We feel sure this year will be the biggest in our history with people coming from all over western Victoria, from the Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia to Geelong and Ballarat.

“We have 35 new exhibitors and at least 25 new product releases, with an enormous amount of farm machinery on display for dairy, beef, cropping, sheep and contracting enterprises.”

Organised by the Adelaide-based Event Managers Australia, the program includes whip cracking shows by three-time world record-holder Nathan Griggs.

Two of those records are concerned with making the most cracks in one minute, the third for cracking the longest whip in the world at over 100m.

There’ll be woodchop demonstrations by the Western Victorian Axemen’s Association, the oldest in Victoria, as well as a chainsaw competition and axe throwing.

Also planned are cooking demonstrations by chef Brenton Banner, from Warrnambool, presentations by Warrnambool Cheese and Butter cheese grader David Mellor, a vintage car, truck and tractor parade, live music, drone flights, free health checks and an animal farm.

Volunteers assist with running the event, alongside local football and cricket clubs and the Allansford primary school.

Returning this year is the Sungold Field Days Dinner, planned for February 9 at the Lady Bay Resort. Guest speaker will be Xavier Rizos, from the Westpac innovation team, focusing on innovation in agriculture, while children’s cancer charity Leila Rose Foundation will conduct a fundraising auction.