Murrumbateman is ready to welcome hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of visitors to the Murrumbateman Field Days this weekend, 21-22 October.
This year’s top attractions include Camel Rides from Bushfield Farm Camels in Gunderoo, George the Farmer from ABC Kids TV fame and Farmer Dave and the Muttley Crew from Rufftracks (from Celebrity Big Brother) with his amazing high performance dogs.
New displays for 2023 include an earth moving demo area, agricultural drone displays, an artisan lost trade area and snake demonstrations with ACT Snake Removals. There will be the normal Field Days’ favourites with helicopter rides, Yass Antique Machinery Club tractor pull, livestock, horse displays, amusements and children’s farmyard.
Promotions Manager Jo Shipley said the Murrumbateman Field Days were a chance for people living on the land and in the big cities to come together.
“The Field Days really show case what the Yass Valley has to offer wider audiences – be cause we do attract farmers and people who aren’t farmers,” Ms Shipley said. “So we have to make sure that we have something for everybody.”
In 2023, patrons will be able to take part in a range of demonstrations, shopping opportunities and more, all staged across 40 hectares. Farmer Dave and the Muttley Crew from Rufftracks will be present, as will 350 exhibitors, a demonstration of industrial- style drones, displays of cows and other animals, an artisan area for creatives, damper cooking and a demonstration of the ”jaws of life” from VRA Rescue NSW.
For those looking for something hands-on, tractors and other farming machinery can be put through their paces. “If you’re looking to buy a tractor or an earthmoving bit of kit, we’ve got a big hump of dirt out the back,” Ms Shipley said.
“You can have a go at moving it around yourself!”
Ms Shipley said the Field Days also gave people a chance to come to see the best of the south-east region, including Murrumbateman.
“Murrumbateman’s got wineries, it’s got wine trails, and Yass is just up the road with its historic buildings,” she said.
“It’s a really lovely area that people can visit for the day and experience the rural lifestyle.” Ms Shipley said that more than 44 years since the first Murrumbateman Field Days, their audience had only grown.
“Historically, it was very much a farming-based event that was very much for the people of Murrumbateman and the Yass Valley,” she said.
“People came to showcase their agricultural lifestyle.” Ms Shipley said the program had been designed to appeal to everyone who came along. “Now, we still have a farming audience, people come to buy farm machinery, and a lot of our exhibitors are providing services and products for the farming industry, be it for large farmers or small hobby farmers.
“But now we have lots of new hobby farmers in the area as people move to the Yass Valley, and Canberran families come for the day out.” Her best tip for those attending the Murrumbateman Field Days, either for the first time or as a repeat fan, was simple: make a plan and arrive early.
“Have a look at the exhibitors’ guide online or pick one up at the gate so you can make sure you’re in the right place at the right time for exhibitions and events that you want to go and see,” Ms Shipley said.
“Bring some cash as well, and bring comfortable shoes and sunscreen.”
Murrumbateman Field Days will be held on 21-22 October at the Murrumbateman Recreation Grounds, with gates open from 8 am to 5 pm (Saturday) and 8 am to 4 pm (Sunday). Tickets are available for purchase online via Ticketbooth, though tickets can also be bought at the gate using EFTPOS, with no cash option for tickets available.
