Mildura District Dried Fruit Assoc. (A.D.F.A.) Inc.
Horticltural Field Days:
The 60th MILDURA HORTICULTURAL FIELD DAYS
Celebrating 60 years of Innovation
Tuesday 24th & Wednesday 25th May 2011
Mildura Field Days celebrate 60 years
The Mildura Horticultural Field Days will be held on Tuesday 24 and Wednesday 25 May at the Sunraysia Institute of TAFE site, Benetook Avenue, Mildura.
This year the Mildura Horticultural Field Days turns 60 and the organising committee has something special in mind.
"The field days have come a long way, but changed little since their humble beginnings 60 years ago, back then growers proudly showed their inventions at what was known as Gadget Day at Irymple. Today we are treated to a plethora of modern machinery and innovative equipment on display, but the motive is the same, to educate growers and help them remain at the forefront of their industry." Field Day Coordinator John Hawtin said.
To commemorate this rich history of horticultural resourcefulness, the organising committee is searching for old gadgets, or the commercialised machinery that was developed from them, to put on display.
The old black and white photographs taken of gadgets over the years will be presented as a slide show in the Industries and Department of Primary Industries (DPI) marquee.
A further feature of the field days this year will be the addition of broad acre equipment.
The committee recognise that some wheat and grazing farmers from around the Mildura region attend the field days. Tractor and machinery dealers that have previously exhibited have invited, to bring along their broad acre equipment.
The field days offered growers and farmers the opportunity to see world’s best practice on the one site. On display will be the latest in technology, advances in machinery and access to a host of advisory services.
For the exhibitors, they offer over 5000 people coming past their stand over the 2 days.
Information regarding the best in irrigation equipment, water conservation, property and disease management practices and related equipment will again be on the site to help growers meet the challenges of producing horticultural crops.
The Sunraysia region is recovering from prolonged drought and water restrictions, but unprecedented heavy rainfall in the lead up to harvest has meant another tough year for growers with cash reserves at rock bottom and morale low, the field days offer a good excuse for growers to get away from the block, to seek advice from the experts on hand and to catch up with fellow growers.
The Mildura Rural City Council has again provided financial support for the field days through its Events and Festivals Grants program and TASCO Inland Petroleum has sponsored the entry prize where four lucky winners will each receive a $250 fuel voucher from TASCO.
This sponsorship has allowed the organising committee to keep admission free; however a gold coin donation at the gate would be appreciated.
All growers in the region are encouraged to come and celebrate the 60th anniversary of the field days.
