MORE than 620 exhibitors are ready to display their wares at Tasmania's biggest agricultural field day, Agfest, when gates open next month.

FAST FACTS

  • WHAT: Agfest Field Days
  • WHEN: May 6-8
  • WHERE: Quercus Rural Youth Park, Oaks Rd, between Carrick and Bracknell, 22km west of Launceston
  • HOURS: 8am to 5pm. Car parks open at 6:30am
  • ENTRY FEES: adults $13, children aged 5-15, $3
  • MORE DETAILS: phone 1300 243 378

Hundreds of visitors make the journey from the mainland to see the latest and greatest in agricultural machinery and know-how.

There's everything from sheep dog trials to cooking and machinery demonstrations at Agfest, where crowds in excess of 60,000 are not uncommon.

Last year, almost 71,000 people visited Agfest and event organisers are expecting a similar turn-out next month.

Agfest's Katie Coad said most of the country in Tasmania's north was in excellent condition, a fact which had boosted farmers' confidence.

"The countryside is nice and green thanks to some decent rain and I think that will ensure we have a big turn-out at the event," Katie said.

One of the new attractions at Agfest is the introduction of the Equine Expo, which boasts a fenced, 60m x 20m sand arena, along with 20 sites for equine industry exhibits.

The Equine Expo is situated between the craft pavilions and the sheep dog trial areas in the northeast corner of the site.

"It gives the horse industry a focal point at Agfest and allows a wide variety of demonstrations to be held, such as fencing and veterinary practice," Katie said.

Agfest is also well-known for its comprehensive displays of machinery to suit everything from hobby farms to intensive horticulture and forestry.

Barry White, from Landpower Australia at Ulverstone, has been an exhibitor at Agfest for 10 years.

"It's a great event and has grown lots in the past decade," Barry said.

"It's a great opportunity to get our gear out in front of the farmers and public and to have it all in the one place is a huge benefit."

William Adams agricultural business manager Jamie Palmer, of Burnie, is also a long-time attendee.

Jamie said Agfest was about as good as it gets when it came to field days.

"It's great timing for the farmers and approaching the end of the financial year means you can usually get a great deal from the machinery retailers," Jamie said.

"It's well attended and well organised."