General News
26 July, 2024
Welcome to the 44th Mallee Machinery Field Days
The 2024 Mallee Machinery Field Days (MMFD) will be the biggest yet in terms of exhibitors offering an enormous range of goods and services tailored to life on the farm.
This year marks the 44th year of the event which brings together over 350 vendors from all over Australia to showcase the latest technology and advances within the agricultural industry.
This year’s event features broadacre farming equipment and machinery worth more than one hundred million dollars.
From the latest agricultural machinery to finance and brokering, clothing and safety gear, the exhibits cover all facets of farming and rural life.
This year’s special guest speaker is former AFL player Terry Daniher, and the Crafts Pavilion will feature a Proud Poppy Clothing pop-up shop and sip-and-paint session with Rainbow’s Turbo Gallery owner and operator, artist Belinda Eckermann.
From humble beginnings, the annual field days have evolved and have stood the test of time - no mean feat for the small but dedicated group of volunteers at the Speed Lions Club.
The event is steeped in the history of the club, and has been a major fundraiser for them for more than four decades.
“We’re happy we will be able to provide an economic boost to many community groups and organisations who have been hit hard in recent years,” MMFD secretary Matt Brady said.
Proceeds from past events have been donated to the Royal Children’s Hospital, The Royal Flying Doctor Service, local hospitals, schools, sporting clubs, community groups and not-for-profit organisations.
The Speed Lions Club was named the 2021 Awards Australia Community Group of the Year at the Victorian Community Achievement Awards
The award recognises groups that make a significant contribution to their community, share a strong sense of team spirit, and play a vital role in enhancing the social, economic, commercial and environmental prosperity of the region.
The Mallee Machinery Field Days is one of the largest agricultural and agribusiness trade shows in the country - attracting over 8000 visitors across the two-day event.
More importantly, it is run by farmers for farmers, and the sole focus of the MMFD has always been agriculture - a fact which the organisers believe is responsible for the longevity of the event.
Located within the Yarriambiack Shire, the purpose-built site, with its unique looping layout, is located two kilometres south of Speed on the Sunraysia Highway.
Public gates are open both days from 8.30am to 5pm, with entry costing $15 per adult. Children under 15 years are free.
On the day
The Mallee Machinery Field Days site is located at 2574 Sunraysia Hwy, two kilometres south of Speed, 141km south of Mildura and 169km north of Horsham - the two nearest major towns.
The purpose-built site has onsite parking, mobile phone service and EFTPOS facilities.
Use of the airstrip is strictly prohibited.
First aid and emergency services are available in the centre of the site near the Crafts’ Pavilion.
This is also where the toilets are located.
Food and refreshment stalls will operate for the duration of the Field Days.
There is no onsite accommodation, and onsite camping is not permitted.
The nearest hotels/motels are in Lascelles (25km south), Patchewollock (28km west), Woomelang (40km south-east) Ouyen (42km north), Sea Lake (50km east ) and Hopetoun (55km south-west).
The nearest camping facilities are at Tempy (9km north), Lascelles, Woomelang, Ouyen, Sea Lake, Hopetoun and Nandaly (36km north-east).
There are fuel stations in Speed, Nandaly, Sea Lake, and Hopetoun, and EV charging stations at Ouyen, Sea Lake and Hopetoun.
The terrain is relatively flat, but paths and walkways are gravel, unsealed, so the ground could be soft or muddy if there has been rain in the week before.
Visitors are reminded to please observe exclusion zones, warning signs and barriers, especially around heavy plant and machinery exhibits.
Parents and guardians, please supervise children at all times.