Murrumbateman Field Days has received a government grant as it prepares for its return in 2024. Photo: Yass Valley Council.
An annual event celebrating “farming, family and fun” has received thousands in funding to help it grow further as it goes into its 45th year.
The Murrumbateman Field Days has been awarded $20,000 from the NSW Government’s Regional Event Fund, which is managed by Destination NSW.
Manager Tom White said the grant would help extend the event’s reach to new audiences.
“This funding allows us to attract more people from south Sydney and coastal regions, showcasing our attractions and the beauty of the whole Yass Valley region,” he said.
The 2023 Field Days generated more than $7.3 million for the local economy and $44 million for the wider Australian economy, according to the event.
“With this grant the Murrumbateman Field Days will now be able to offer regional NSW farming industries a greater chance to benefit from increased promotional activities and will help showcase the best of our local rural region,” he said.
Promotions manager Jo Shipley said the grant money would help them promote the field days to full-time farmers and those who enjoy a slower, more rural lifestyle alike.
“This is a great opportunity to really tap into those farming and hobby farming families in the Goulburn and Southern Highlands agricultural area and the Illawarra and coastal regions,” she said.
“Our visitor data tells us that we do get quite a few visitors from those regions. People will travel hours to come and see the field days.
“We’re hoping to do a TV advertising campaign, more radio advertising and – fingers crossed – a billboard on the Hume Highway.”
Ms Shipley said the wider exposure would support the region.
“Visitors bring more economic spend into the area, into the Yass Valley and into Murrumbateman,” she said.
“They’ll be spending on hospitality, on fuel and – hopefully – at the field days in a real boost for our exhibitors.”
The announcement of the grant comes as the team puts the final touches on their plans for 2024.
“We’re going to have big machinery that people can come and have a look at and try [operating],” she said.
“We’ll have the helicopter so people can go for a ride around the area.”
Racing pigs, visits from working dogs, a range of horse events, displays of agricultural technology and lifestyle exhibitors, a petting zoo, a display of snakes, drone displays and rides are also in the works.
The final program is set to be released shortly.
“It’s a whole day out of farming, family and fun things to do and see,” Ms Shipley said.
“Lots of the rural farming communities come to buy big ticket items like a tractor, an AV or new fencing.
“We have them all in one place where you can come and have a look around, and compare [products] to get the best deal.”
The Murrumbateman Field Days will be held on 19 and 20 October. Tickets will go on sale on 1 August and be available online or at the gate with EFTPOS.
Sponsorship and volunteer opportunities are still available.
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