Chairman's Welcome - 2012

Welcome to the 2012 Riverland Field DaysThis year we celebrate the Australian Year of the Farmer; a national celebration recognizing the contribution farmers and their families make to the national economy.

While essentially a Horticultural and Agricultural event, there is plenty for all members of the community to see and do. A wide range of exhibitors will be on site displaying the latest products and information to suit all tastes.

A highlight this year will be the appearance of Marion Grasby, from television’s Masterchef program, at the cooking demonstration along with the schools cooking challenge. So visit the Food and Wine village, see the local produce and wine, then take in the cooking demonstration and support your local school.

Once again there will be the popular Irrigation Avenue, Grain lane and Tech Hub all showcasing and providing information relevant to each area.

To take your mind off things business, there is the Vintage Machinery display; and don’t forget to see the latest in fashion at the AG Art Wear Parades in the Sound Shell.

I feel this event has a very real place in the field of primary production. There is a great mutual benefit to be gained for both primary producers and exhibitors. At events such as these, growers can see and assess the need and value of the latest equipment and services available as it relates to their operation.

I would like to acknowledge the efforts of all the volunteers who come together to help with the running of the event and make sure everything runs smoothly. Also thanks to the members of the committee who have worked tirelessly over the past 12 months planning and working on the event.The committee extends a warm welcome to visitors and locals, and hope you have an interesting and informative time.

Anthony Fulwood
Chairman

Welcome by Tim Whetstone, Member for Chaffey

Welcome to the 55th annual Riverland Field Days. This is an event to which everyone in the Riverland and Mallee looks forward every year. It’s a showcase of the best our region has to offer, and one of the most successful and largest field day events in South Australia. This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Riverland Field Days committee and many volunteers who put this fantastic event together.

This year up to 16,000 people are expected to visit the dedicated fielddays site at Barmera to see demonstrations and displays of new products and technology offered by some 450 exhibitors. The fielddays are also acknowledged for the famous ‘Inventions and Innovations’ competition, which continue the proud Australian tradition of practical inventions being developed on the land to make farming easier.

Visiting the Riverland Field Days also provides an opportunity to get around the rest of this great region, experience the majestic River Murray, and sample our unique foods and wines. My electorate officewill be located at the Riverland Field Days on 19 and 20 September, so please feel free to drop by and have a conversation with me or my staff. I look forward to seeing you there.