There is a gathering looked forward to every year. A gathering of landholders, both large and small, from the massive station owners to the small hobby farmer. A gathering of primary producers, men, women, husbands, wives and kids, all looking forward to a much deserved day out. Then there are the day trippers from the nearby towns, children on school trips, the 3 day eventers who visit for the duration, country folk from far and wide, a few city dwellers too and travellers from around the globe.

Attracting over 100,000 visitors from around the nation and overseas, this gathering of people is one of the few events rural Australia has on such a large scale. This gathering just happens to be only an hour’s drive for me and, given that events in the region are very few and far between, it is one I was looking forward to. A day to get away, relax and take some photos. This gathering is AgQuip, one of the largest agricultural events in the world. It is also the premier primary industry field days in Australia with over 3,000 trade exhibitors.

Why would you go to AgQuip if you’re not a farmer? Now in it’s 47th year, AgQuip has become more than just a field day to showcase the latest tractor or tillage equipment. The tractors, combine harvesters (or more colloquially a header!), cotton pickers and more are still there to entice those on the land with a bevy of agricultural implements needed to farm efficiently, but these are bigger, better and with new technology. Like the vintage tractor of yesteryear, the ageing farmer may feel overwhelmed by all the automation, however the younger generation are all too eager to learn all about the new high tech features of the huge agricultural machinery, compare booster equipment for greater mobile reception or grab the latest dog collars with GPS trackers!

AgQuip has surpassed the title of an agricultural field day. You can now browse a new house, get the latest solar panels, purchase a composting dunny (Australian for toilet!) and the backyard landscaping is not forgotten with the pool, spa, fire pit and timber furniture to relax away the hot dry summer. For those itching for adventure there are motor homes, caravans, camper trailers and all the camping equipment you could need.

Once a gathering of male dominated farmers, it offered little for the ladies. Now there are trade show pavillions and the smaller trade stands scattered along the many aisles. Stalls of clothes, soaps, fudge, wine, household items and handmade goodies. Too many to mention here but I will say if you love food you can get the best steak sandwiches (usually with the breed of choice watching you eat their long lost pal!) afternoon tea with the Country Women’s Association or snack on an array of food from the many different stalls.

Why would you go to AgQuip if you’re not a farmer? You go to AgQuip for the day out, a chance to catch up with people and soak up the atmosphere. You go to shop for the latest equipment after a good year, you go to support the retailers in a bad year. We are in the midst of our worst drought on record. In the small rural towns of Australia no one has any money to spare, if the farmers don’t spend, it has a carry on effect to the local businesses. What we country folk do have is support for each other in the tough times. It’s not just about spending money, it’s the networking, the professional relationships built, the chatter at the bar with an old friend, a chance to forget the hard times for just one day and when the rain comes, and the drought breaks, we will once again visit AgQuip with heavy wallets in hand.