Water hits the spot at Tocal Field Days
More than 28,000 people attended the weekend’s 24th Tocal Field Days event, with the special feature of water proving popular with exhibitors and visitors alike.
According to Tocal Field Days Association chair, Cameron Archer, visitors showed a strong interest in displays and demonstrations, while sales of machinery and other goods were strong.
He said the cooking demonstrations and food displays involving chefs from the Newcastle Fisherman’s Cooperative and Wine Country restaurants using local produce were particularly popular.
“High sales volume were reported in many sectors of the commercial sites across farm machinery and equipment, despite drought conditions still affecting parts of the upper Hunter and other regions,” he said.
Locals and visitors provided excellent feedback via the biannual survey, which included positive comments on visitor comfort, cleanliness of the site, helpful nature of the Tocal students and staff and the general ‘feel’ of the event.
“The Association works hard on taking comments on board to improve operations and the overall experience for both visitors and exhibitors.”
This year’s theme of water created opportunities for landholders to seek expert advice from government agencies and have farm soil and water samples tested for free.
“Topics including ‘Adapting to climate change’ and ‘testing for feed quality’ attracted strong interest, while displays of livestock such as Drought Master and Piedmontese cattle and Damara sheep that cope well in drought were also popular,” he said.
“The horse and donkey displays were a crowd pleaser with demonstrations on horse care, harnessing up, mini pony trotting races and Tocal horse course skills.
“A back-to-basics craft program highlighted feltmaking, lacemaking, spinning, weaving and crocheting, along with Wearable Art fashion shows.
“Goat meat kebabs and sausages were trialled with great success by Vacy Public School P&C Association, with meat provided by a local Boer Goat producer.
“The Tocal Field Days Association wishes to thank community groups, volunteers, sponsors and businesses providing in-kind support for contributing to a successful event.”