AFTER 21 years, the Seymour Alternative Farming Expo has grown into the ultimate showcase for alternative farming ideas.
From small beginnings, the expo has experienced consistent growth in exhibitors and has about 500 bookings for this year's event, about 100 of which are new this year, ensuring the event is fresh for visitors.
Event directors Colin and Bev Stray said the Seymour expo was more about "mum and dad businesses" operating from the back of a ute than the big corporates, though, they added, they too were welcome.
Visitors have the opportunity to deal with small operators who work directly with the people that make the product, and can share their passion and enthusiasm.
"The recipe still seems to be right some 20-plus years later, which is a subtle mix of a bit of everything," Colin said.
"We spend a lot of time seeking out quality exhibitors to showcase all aspects of rural living, providing valued information and advice."
Colin said success stories were not uncommon at the expo.
"An exhibitor from many years ago, who was struggling in business to make ends meet, broke down with his 1960s Ford truck on the way to the expo about 20km away, so we arranged to tow him in, where he set up and traded exceptionally well," he said.
"So well, in fact, he took sufficient orders to see the business through to our next event where he again exhibited, this time with a brand-new vehicle, three staff and a brand-new outlook for the future.
"He has since gone on to return and exhibit for a further 10 years."
The Seymour expo has seen many examples of small, one-man businesses getting some exposure to the right market.
Colin said visitors enjoyed the fact there was something going on all the time, such as buskers entertaining in and around the food-ending sites.
Features such as the chainsaw carving, where 15 skilled operators came together to carve out timber figurines, were popular, he added.
The Timberland attraction involves 15 to 20 timber craftsmen and hobbyists transforming rustic timber, old railway sleepers and stockyard panels into furniture and handmade products.
These will be displayed as finished products and available for sale.
Visitors can choose a piece of timber and the timber men and women can make it into a beautiful piece of work.
"We are putting together 20-plus craftsmen and hobbyists to demonstrate and display all sorts of blacksmithing, renovators of recycled products, rustic garden art, bush furniture and so on," Colin said.
Livestock exhibits are up this year at the Seymour farming expo, with strong entries in cattle breeds suited for small hobby farms.
Sheep, goats, alpacas and even backyard chooks help make up the mix.
Tractors, trailers, farm bikes and all types of machinery, labour-saving devices, innovative building products and alternative energy showcases will also be on display.
