THE wind was chilling, but field days visitors still gave the event a warm welcome, writes MARK SAUNDERS

Tens of thousands of visitors braved icy winds and the threat of rain to attend this month's 46th Elmore Field Days.

    The winners
  • Telstra CountryWide award for Technology and Innovation:Gallagher three-way SmartDraft sheep drafter
  • Betty Childs award for best display in the general interest area: The Bulb Warehouse; honourable mention to Perry's Lemon Myrtle Rainforest Products
  • The TMA Elmore Machine of the Year: RFM CT Planter
  • The Bendigo Advertiser best paddock demonstration: The Haeusler Group
  • The Weekly Times Elmore Imported Machine of the Year: Massey Ferguson 8600 Series tractor
  • The Weekly Times Elmore Australian Machine of the Year: Berrima Engineering BR hay rake
  • The Weekly Times best static site: Toyota; honourable mentions to Ford, Pioneer HiBred Australia, Smyth Seeds, Heritage Seeds and Rhino Water Tanks
  • Life Governor's award for best overall exhibit: Lely Australia; honourable mentions to New Holland, Steffen Systems, Konigs Shepparton and Hardi Australia

Organisers estimated the crowd to be 40,000, slightly up on last year's event.

Elmore field days president Darren Trewick said a much better seasonal outlook undoubtedly helped boost crowd numbers and provided a general positive feeling among exhibitors.

"With irrigation allocation in the Goulburn Valley now up to 30 per cent and the pasture and crops looking fantastic, there was a genuine air of confidence," Darren said.

That sentiment was echoed by many machinery exhibitors.

Sales manager for Yoemans Plow Company Leigh White said Elmore was a succesful event.

"I sold four ploughs off the stand to people in local districts, so it was well worth going," Leigh said.

"We get to demonstrate the equipment as well and that makes a big difference."

Neill Morey, from Shepparton Ag, said there was more optimism than expected.

"With the (irrigation) allocation announcements, there was a little bit of confidence around from the dairy farmers," Neill said.

Long-time exhibitor Clive Edwards, from Lely Australia, said the response to his company was also better than expected.

"We made retail sales from the stand and the mood of the farmers seemed a little more upbeat this year, with not so much gloom," Clive said.

Tim Bickley, from TenPack, said he sold out completely of small square hay bale handling equipment.

"That was a great change from the past three or four years, when the season was all over by the field days," Tim said.

Field days public relations officer Sam Shotton said there was also evidence the 50 per cent investment allowance on new capital equipment was encouraging farmers to make investment decisions.

"The in-field demonstration programs run twice on each of the three days also attracted plenty of interest," Sam said.

"The field days committee continues to actively support the demonstrations, as they meet the interest of farmers to see equipment items working in the field.

"Our many features, such as the Ag Art competition, which had almost 50 entries, was again a crowd-pleaser and adds to the appeal for all members of the family.

"Key events, such as the Ewes for the Future trial, the climate change, alternative energy and recreation and leisure features provide scope for further development and increased public interest next year."

Darren said plans for re-development of the site also sparked plenty of interest from exhibitors.

"The news that we will be building a huge shed for indoor displays and other event purposes certainly had exhibitors talking," Darren said.