The first day of the event kicked off on Tuesday. 

Manager Murray Wilson said the site featured machinery worth between $200 million and $300 million.

“If one machine is worth $400,000 to $500,000 and we have hundreds and hundreds of them – it adds up,” he said.

“We have lots of small stuff as well – there is about $1 million in marquees alone.”

He said about $50 million in trade would occur throughout the year as a direct result of the field days.

“Farmers come here and collect information to make purchases later in the year,” he said.

“The companies know that and are here to promote what machinery they have.”

The event features about 700 exhibitors, occupying about 1000 sites.

“There was a lot of enthusiasm from businesses wanting to be involved – we had lots of calls on Monday from people wanting to book sites but unfortunately we couldn’t fit them in,” Mr Wilson said.

“We are one of the biggest machinery and broadacre-focused field days in Australia, so from a farming point of view it is very important to be there if that’s your business because your customers and clients will be there as well.

“It is a big regional event.”

Mr Wilson said he was pleased with the crowd numbers on Tuesday, but expected numbers to increase on Wednesday and Thursday.

“The numbers were on track for an opening day,” he said.

“We think we will have more people when the weather is predicted to be cooler on Wednesday and Thursday – some people definitely wait for the cooler days.”

He said there had been a lot of optimism from exhibitors and visitors.

“We had exhibitors still setting up quickly on Monday morning – we had a lot of work to do to get the sites filled by 8.30am when the gates opened,” he said.

“I’ve spoken with a few exhibitors and they are happy with the day.

“They are enjoying the fact that it’s not 40 degrees.

“If there are smiles everywhere and everyone is happy, then we must be having a good event.”

Mr Wilson said there were also lots of activities for families and children. 

“If people have no interest in farming, they can still have a great day out,” he said.

“The field days are a celebration of living in regional Victoria.”