Agriculture never stands still … and fuel prices continue to go up, said HMFD chairman Nigel Scheetz during the opening of the 2026 Henty Machinery Field Days. Photo: Toby Kohlhagen.
With the spectacle of one of Australia’s most recognisable politicians out of the way, it was back to the business of all things agriculture on day two of the nation’s biggest machinery field days.
As the event marks an historic 50 years on its permanent Cookardinia Road site, it’s the grassroots history that will forever remain its foundation, according to HMFD chairman Nigel Scheetz.
There were no wages or free barbecues back when a group of about 20 farmers used to gather for weeks ahead of time to clear logs and rabbits from the dirt, he told one of the biggest crowds on opening day at Henty on Tuesday (22 September).
“It was just hard work by like-minded farmers excited about the future of agriculture,” he said.
“And the reason we are here has remained!”
Originally a travelling stock reserve, the 89-hectare site was transformed into the not-for-profit Henty Machinery Field Days in 1976 after moving between local farms and the Henty showgrounds for over a decade.
A 1977 aerial photograph of the now-permanent Henty field days site. Photo: Supplied by HMFD.
It was, Mr Scheetz reflected, incredible to see how far the event, now in its 63rd year, had evolved.
“Agriculture never stands still … and fuel prices continue to go up,” he quipped.
With a record 896 exhibitors, Mr Scheetz noted HMFD contributed more than $72 million in economic impacts to the national economy every year.
“It’s a reminder of how important agricultural field days continue to be,” he added.
But the strength of Henty has always come from its people – the past, the present and those who will build it in the future, according to the long-standing board director.
That’s the real story of Henty. Not politics or politicians but the people who’ve worked and loved the land for generations.
It’s the story of a much-loved tradition in September where farming folk gather to get that quote for a new sprayer or baler, or to catch up with a neighbour they haven’t seen for months … a chance for vital community connections that go far beyond talk of “this ripping season”.
It’s the hot chips, cold drinks and steak sangers at the community-run canteens that see more than $400,000 ploughed back into local organisations, sporting clubs, schools, church and service organisations through the food sheds and bars, car parking and amenities at Henty.
It’s kids being pushed in prams, dusty boots, trademark RB Sellars work shirts, a sea of countless caps and Akubras, aching feet, empty wallets and full hearts.
It’s weathered hands that have long known the value of hard work, long hours and the vagaries of farming.
An ethos that has flowed down through the years of all those who have worked to make the field days what it is today, according to Mr Scheetz.
“We are an organisation built by generations of people who have believed in agriculture and innovation,” he said.
“Technology, markets, machinery and farming practices change. The challenges facing our farmers and rural communities continue to evolve … Henty provides an important place where those changes can be seen, discussed and understood.
“As we look around today, we can be proud of what past generations started and equally excited about where the Henty Machinery Field Days goes from here.”
It’s a legacy that will survive long after the brief circus of one woman in a big orange hat with a lot to say has faded from view.
Because even after the politicians leave, the real heart of Henty remains exactly where it has always been — built in the paddocks and proudly powered by its people.
Original Article published by Jodie O’Sullivan on Region Riverina.
