THE Mallee’s signature agricultural event, the Mallee Machinery Field Days, is set to return to Speed following its cancellation in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19.
From humble beginnings, the annual Mallee Machinery Field Days has evolved and stood the test of time, which has been no mean feat for the small but dedicated group of volunteers who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure its comeback.
Organised by the Speed Lions Club, Mallee Machinery Field Days president Jacko Kiley said it was great to see the event back on the annual calendar.
“It’s great to be back,” Mr Kiley said, noting this year would feature one of the largest agricultural displays in the event’s 42-year history.
“Everything that’s leading in broadacre farming is going to be there.”
From the latest agricultural machinery to finance and brokering, clothing and safety gear, the exhibits cover all facets of farming.
Mr Kiley said this year’s field days would feature more than 300 exhibitors from across Australia, featuring a range of farming equipment and machinery worth more than $1 million.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone back to the site,” Mr Kiley said.
“We’ve had lots of interest from both new and existing exhibitors.”
Mr Kiley said the Lions club was also looking forward to giving back to the community through its fundraising efforts, which were impacted following the cancellation of the event.
“Our community groups which assist with running the field days have gone without for the past two years,” Mr Kiley said.
“For many of the groups, this is their biggest fundraising event for the year, so it will be nice to see them benefit from it once again.”
This year’s Mallee Machinery Field Days will take place on August 3 and 4, at the field day’s site – 2km south of Speed on the Sunraysia Highway.
