The Mallee’s signature agricultural event, the Mallee Machinery Field Days, is set to return to Speed on Wednesday, August 2, and Thursday, August 3. 

This year marks the 43rd annual event, which aims to showcase the latest technology and advances within the agricultural industry.

With more than 350 exhibitors from across Australia, the field days event features broadacre farming equipment and machinery, worth more than one hundred million dollars.

Organised by the Speed Lions Club, the event is steeped in history and has been a major fundraiser for the Lions Club for more than four decades.

“We’re happy we will be able to provide an economic boost to many community groups and organisations who have been hit hard in recent years,” MMFD secretary Matt Brady said.

Proceeds from past events have been donated to the Royal Children’s Hospital, The Royal Flying Doctor Service, local hospitals, schools, sporting clubs, community groups and not-for-profit organisations.

The biggest

The Mallee Machinery Field Days is the largest agricultural and agribusiness trade show run by farmers for farmers.

From humble beginnings, the annual field days have evolved and have stood the test of time which has been no mean feat for the small but dedicated group of volunteers who work year-round to bring the event to fruition.

Hot off the back of a successful event last year, following two years of cancellations due to COVID-19 in 2020 and 2021, the committee is gearing up for a huge two days.

“We’ve had lots of new inquiries this year which is always good, and a sign that we are continuing to deliver an event which agricultural businesses want to be a part of.”

The continued interest in the field days and the fact that agricultural machinery is not getting any smaller has resulted in the expansion of the site, for the first time in many years.

“We’ve extended our outer ring by adding an extra 12 big sites,” Mr Brady said.

“There’s been increased demand for larger sites and increased interest in the field days from new exhibitors, so we’ve made a few changes to accommodate those needs.”

New exhibitors to showcase their products at this year’s event include Midland Semi Trailers, Hansa Spreaders, Whitefield Farm Equipment, The Spray Shop and Brentlynd Park Hay Carts.

“It’s good to see that we are continuing to attract new exhibitors to the site each year,” Mr Brady said.

Group of the Year

In November the Speed Lions Club was named the Awards Australia Community Group of the Year at the Victorian Community Achievement Awards. 

The Community Group Award recognises groups that make a significant contribution to their community. 

The award recognised community groups who share a strong sense of team spirit, and play a vital role in enhancing the social, economic, commercial and environmental prosperity of the region.

Things to see at this year’s event

• Meet farmer Will and Jess from Farmer Wants a Wife (main ring, Wednesday).
• Bluey and Bingo will make an appearance throughout the field days.  They are gearing up to take part in the upcoming Variety Bash (both days, Site 59).
• Show your support for supermoto rider Josh McLean who is preparing to represent Australia.  He will be raffling a motorbike to help with sponsorship to get him to the event. (Site 5).
• Helicopter joy rides.
• Guest speaker – Kimberley Furness – state winner of AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award and founder of OAK Magazine which aims to inspire and capture the stories of rural and regional women in business. 
• EnviroEdu will provide a Wildlife Detective CSI program and native animal show (Wednesday only – Site 240).

This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 1 August 2023.