Newdegate Machinery Field Days blessed by sunny skies and warm weather as crowds flock to see the best in ag

Warm weather was the major talking point on the first day of this year’s Newdegate Machinery Field Days, as the winter sun warmed spirits and sent the temperature soaring to 21c on the first day of the event.

While beanies, scarves and coats are usually the cornerstone of Field Day patrons’ outfits each year, T-shirts and plenty of smiles were spotted throughout the grounds at the September 3-4 agricultural showcase.

This year’s event theme Ag is You showed the connections that everyone — from farmers to consumers — has with agriculture, underscoring that the industry is not just about machinery and crops, but about community and people.

WA Governor Chris Dawson, the key speaker opening the event, paid tribute to those working in agriculture, labelling it an incredible industry full of great people.

He described the event as one of the “most renowned and recognised’ Field Days in all of Australia and paid tribute to this year’s theme.

“Agriculture is not just an industry. It is a community — made up of all the people involved,” he said.

“There are many great things about this unique job of Governor. But one of the absolute highlights is meeting the people of our great state — and even better when you can come and meet them at their place.”

Newdegate Machinery Field Days president Ashley McDonald said the theme was reflective of those that made the local community and sector such a success.

Speaking to the Countryman, Mr McDonald said the theme was “relevant to the times we are in”.

“Farming today, people need to realise how many people it touches,” he said.

“We also want to showcase the diversity they have embraced to meet ever-changing needs.”

Addressing a sponsors luncheon shortly after the main opening, keynote speaker Holly Ludeman said the Field Days gave her fond memories of similar events she attended growing up in eastern Victoria.

The well-known livestock veterinarian said the theme was a “beautiful statement that was fitting for the rural community”.

“Agriculture really is about each and every one of us — farmers, stock agents, truck drivers. It is all of us,” she said.

Ms Ludeman, who shared her story about starting in the industry and her first journey on board a live export vessel, told the crowd that while agriculture had “always faced uncertainty” it was something that “brings us together”.

“Our future will be built on our foundation of innovation, resilience and community,” she said.

Beyond farming technology, this year’s event offered something for everyone, from competitive events to cultural celebrations.

One of the biggest attractions was a live mural painted by renowned WA artist Jacob “Shakey” Butler.

The mural, measuring 14 metres wide and 2.4 metres high, was painted on the limestone wall near the Family Interest and Display Pavilion.

It was their first time visiting Newdegate as a family, and the sheer volume of children’s entertainment and family-friendly nature of the event made the 650km round trip well worth it.

For Pip, her stand-out highlights were “having some lollies”, seeing Kelpie puppies and colouring in at the AFGRI Equipment exhibit in the machinery section.

Field Days vice president Stephanie Clarke-Lloyd, who will make history when she becomes the event’s first female president next year, said the weather was a key talking point this year, and was a key contributor to the swell in numbers through the gates.

“The weather was unbelievable... we were so delighted and really just enjoyed every moment,” she said.

“We had a great turnout and 300 exhibitors... with the best weather the event has had in a long time.

“To have the WA Governor attend, fine weather and to be packed with exhibitors in the same year... was a total blessing.”