Good rain across the State leading up to the field day set a positive scene, with those farmers attending expressing their optimism about the cropping season ahead.

CANFA executive officer, Neville Gould said he had many reports of farmers now preparing country for the season ahead and from field day exhibitors pleased with the level of enquiry.

“We had probably the biggest range of exhibits ever this year and exhibitors were enthusiastic about the positive interest in their machines, information and technology,” said Mr Gould.

There were in excess of 30 active demonstrations of machinery and more than 20 static displays showcasing the latest information and technology available on conservation agriculture, as well as two soil pits which attracted great interest from farmers and school students.

Mr Gould said the event also attracted overseas interest, with three overseas contingents in attendance.

“Crister Stark, the chairman of European cultivation and seeding manufacturer, Vaderstad, was in attendance along with the President of Abati Titanium in Argentina, Raul Abati.

“There was also a group of farmers from the Manitoba-North Dakota Zero Tillage Association,” said Mr Gould.

Other highlights of the day included the announcement of the Young Farmer GPS Prize, the presentation of a cheque for $22,000 from Woolworths for the development of a multi-disc demonstration planter and the announcement of the winner of The Land Most Innovative Technology Award, which went to Gason.

The 2011 NSW Conservation Agriculture Field Day will be held at Lockhart Showground in February.