THE move by Agfest 2022 to the new temporary August timeslot is paying off for organisers.
Organiser Rural Youth has received strong support from agricultural farm machinery dealers for the August Agfest 2022 event.
Rural Youth postponed Agfest 2022, from May 4-7 until August 24-27, due to concerns about running an economically viable event in May because of Covid restrictions.
The mounting support for the temporary move to the revised date comes as the preparation for Agfest 2022 start to ramp up.
Wayne Elphinstone, from Gaffney Machinery, said his team was excited that there would be an Agfest in 2022.
“The Agfest committee should be congratulated for holding strong and deciding to postpone to August instead of cancelling the entire event like so many others,” Mr Elphinstone said.
“For our business, Agfest, no matter what time of the year it is held, is an important and worthwhile event to attend. It is always too good of an opportunity to miss to showcase our new products and to meet with our customers face to face.”
With Agfest moving straight back to May in 2023 it does mean there will be two Agfests in one financial year.
However, Mr Elphinstone said his business had budgeted for an Agfest in this financial year.
“So it is no problem to roll over the amount set aside for this to the August event.”
For those exhibitors who may struggle attending both the August and May event there is the option to reduce exhibit space to attend the two events.
Mr Elphinstone highlighted the need to attract young people to the industry, especially to fill the diesel mechanics roles critical to the industry.
“I see Agfest as a great opportunity for the industry to build relationships with the Rural Youth members, who volunteer at Agfest, and to encourage them to consider a career in agricultural machinery.
With applications for exhibitors closing on February 28, Mr Elphinstone encouraged all agricultural machinery dealers and the industry at large to get onboard and support the August event.
“We are looking forward to spending the four days in the paddock at Agfest 2022 and hopefully enjoying some early spring sunny weather.”
Primary Industries and Water Minister Guy Barnett said Agfest is an important event for the primary industries sector.