Tasmania's major farm field day, Agfest, begins today at Carrick near Launceston in northern Tasmania, with more than 700 exhibitors expected to attract more than 60,000 visitors.
A strong theme for the event is innovation, with a University of Tasmania Innovation Hub showcasing agricultural research and development.
The event, which is calculated to contribute $27 million to the state's economy, is managed by 120 members of Rural Youth Tasmania and volunteers with an average age of 24.
Agfest Chair, 27-year-old Amanda Bayles, grew up on a farm south of Cressy and first began at Agfest as a volunteer, directing traffic to car parks in the early hours in frost and fog.
"As Agfest chairman, I meet people from many walks of life, have gained a lot from this experience and I truly enjoy the challenge," she said.
The 33rd Agfest will feature farm machinery demonstrations, sheep dog trials, an international wood chopping competition and is also hosting the annual conference of the Association of Agricultural Field Days of Australasia.
Firmer farm outlook
CEO of Rural Business Tasmania, Elizabeth Skirving, said the field days are positioned against a positive economic outlook for Tasmania's rural business.
She said, with the exception of the systemic poppy mildew, it has been a reasonably good season.
"Over all it's been a great season for everybody, we can do with the rain that we got this week," he said.
"There are a few really dry spots that would be encouraged by that rain and hopefully, fingers crossed, we will get some more in the next few weeks, but not in the next few days!"
Ms Skirving said the top 20 per cent of farmers are innovating and prospering, their organisation which provides financial advice and business support, is keen to help the remainder grow.
