Farm World attracts a crowd
FARM World 2015 proved to be an outstanding success despite inclement weather patterns.
With more than 700 exhibitors and crowd numbers up by five per cent on the first day, Warragul’s Lardner Park was buzzing with activity.
“It’s an absolute full house and we anticipated a good turn out,” Lardner Park events CEO Mark Cockerell said.
“The range of interesting machinery and the expanded demonstration program indicated strong demand.”
Farm World field days are run as a partnership with Baw Baw Shire, the Commonwealth Bank and Evans Petroleum BP.
Sales manager of Evans Petroleum BP John Schelling and his team set up shop at Farm World early on Thursday morning with the aim to talk to farmers and recruit new customers.
Evans Petroleum BP is also the major sponsor of AFL Gippsland, which drew in a crowd at Lardner Park with a handballing competition for the children.
Hustler New Zealand and Gendore Tractors and Machinery joined forces during the four day event. Particular emphasis was on the chainless X5000 feed out cart launched in January.
“It is a round and square bale feeder,” Gendore general manager Tim Burgess said.
“We’ve had a bit of interest and think it’s going to be a good couple of days.”
Animal needs were taken care of by CopRice and Browns Stockfeed.
Dairy focused CopRice is hoping to expand its clientele and sale of dairy pellets.
“We have been in Gippsland for a few years now and continued growth is our main aim,” CopRice Gippsland territory manager Katrina Smith said.
Nutritionists from Browns Stockfeed were available to talk to during the field days and were happy to provide expert advice.
“We come to Farm World to show farmers what products we have in stock and what the store can provide,” nutritionist Erin Hanley said.
“We offer consultations for farmers and assist with pasture samples using infrared technology.”
Popular mower brands Husqvarna and Country Clipper were available to check out during the field days, as sold by JSL Light Engine Repairs.
“Being at Farm World is more about advertising and getting the name out there,” JSL managing director Jared Lovie said.
“We want to make JSL known to dealers outside the local area.”
Colin Watson Holden sales consultant Wayne Hicks said it was all about the Colorado car models for farmers.
“The Colorados are good sellers for farmers,” Mr Hicks said.
“The idea of the field day is for us to show the product, generate interest in the Holden brand and reassure our customers our products are staying in Australia.”
Marriots Motorcycles and Power Equipment offered farmers excellent deals.
“These field days are a good chance for us to get out and talk with the customers,” Seadoo and motorcycles sale manager John Jones said.
“We are offering great deals on all premium products across the board.”
Wonthaggi Motorcycles and Power Equipment was also exhibiting at Farm World and promoted the new Razorback scrub cutter.
“The Razorback scrub cutter is ideal for steep or hilly terrain and long grass,” Wonthaggi Motorcycles and Power Equipment owner Allister Scott said.
“It is a shift driven four wheel drive; excellent for farmers to clear scrub.”
John Deere enthusiasts were encouraged to stop by Cervus Equipment’s exhibit.
The company was focused on showcasing its new GPS technology.
“We are showing off new models and the advantages of the GPS equipment,” sales consultant Shaun O’Hara said.
Some of these advantages include high quality signals on undulating terrain and under tree cover with accuracy of up to two and a half centimetres.
Chapman’s Machinery Service ran its exhibit with the Kubota and AGCO dealerships.
“We hope to take the time to catch up with a few customers and make a few sales along the way,” owner Mark Chapman said.
Around 300 women attended a luncheon and were inspired by Dame Quentin Bryce AD, CVO and CEO of Australian Dairy Farmers Natalie Collard.
“The aim of the function was to recognise the important role women play in agricultural,” Mr Cockerell said.
“Dame Quentin Bryce was the Governor General of Australia from September 2008 until May last year and she was a patron for the National Year of Farmers in 2011.”
The Health and Wellbeing section was continued at this year’s Farm World.
The section had been part of last year’s theme but its success made it an asset to continue.
“Farmers were able to receive free hearing checks and the Royal Flying Doctor Service offered free dental checks,” Mr Cockerell said.
“This is important as rural health centres aren’t as strong as their city counterparts and it keeps farmers from neglecting their health.”
Organisations such as the Stroke Foundation, West Gippsland Healthcare and beyondblue were available for consultation.
The Health and Wellbeing initiative will return to Farm World in 2016.
Latest models: from left, Cervus Equipment sales consultants Andrew Cherry and Shaun O’Hara were showing off the new John Deere models and the latest GPS technology.
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Posted by Sarah Vella on Mar 31 2015. Filed under Rural News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry
