Ongoing winter rains and strong livestock prices have brought smiles to the faces of local primary producers and exhibitors alike, as the region counts down the days to the 46th staging of the region’s biggest social event on the calendar.

This year, more than 700 exhibitors - from big-name international manufacturers to small, local businesses - will present a showcase of $320 million worth of agricultural machinery, equipment and technology over three big days on September 22, 23 and 24.

HMFD chairman, Ross Edwards, says the tantalising prospect of a good spring and a successful harvest means this annual pilgrimage to Henty is likely to be as big as ever.

“There’s certainly a degree of confidence in the air that we haven’t felt for the past four or five years.

“The crops are looking great, we’re had good winter rains and all we need now is a strong

finish.

“Lamb prices are at record levels and beef prices continue to be very strong,” said Mr Edwards.

Executive Director, Doug Meyer, reports that exhibitor demand has increased significantly this year.

“We’re riding on a high - we’ve almost had more inquires than we can handle.

“I’ve got to tell you that it was a very different story back in April.

“Obviously, this part of the world is enjoying a better outlook than other regions,” said Mr Meyer.

Mr Meyer attributes the event’s enduring popularity and success to its strict agricultural focus.

“Henty is regarded as the best mixing farming field days in Australia and that is solely because of our unwavering focus on meeting the needs of our visitors and our exhibitors.

“This is unashamedly an event run by farmers for farmers and we have never lost sight of that.

“We try hard to attract only quality exhibitors and in return, we offer them access to large numbers of professional producers and contractors who are serious about wanting to adopt new technology and farming techniques.