Westech Field Days in Barcaldine – Everything You Need to Know

The next Westech Field Days event takes place on 7 and 8 September 2021, in Barcaldine. It’s an opportunity for exhibitors and visitors to come together in a joint enterprise to discover new products and industry innovations.

Over the years, these triennial events have become known as the “friendly field days” with a warm welcome for visitors of all ages. There was much disappointment last year when the COVID-19 situation led to a postponement of the scheduled event. But now it’s back and there is much excitement about the two days of discovery, networking, and plenty of fun for younger visitors.

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The history of Westech Field Days in Barcaldine

The history of the event began back in 1982. It was the brainchild of Ken Wilson, the Sheep and Wool Advisor for the Department of Primary Industries (DPI). He recognised the need for producers to see new technology and advancements without having to take a long journey to a show that was more focused on farming than grazing.

Wilson took his idea to other DPI sheep and wool advisors. The result was the creation of a field day in Barcaldine. The name of the event “Westech” comes from a merging of the words “western technology.”

The first Westech took place in 1983; around 50 exhibitors and 500 visitors attended. Following this success, it was decided to hold the event every three years. This gave time between events for more technological and process advancements to emerge.

 

 

Since those early days, the Westech Field Days event has grown immensely. This has mostly been due to the attendance of exhibitors eager to display products such as machinery, tools, and fencing. Products are not limited to the agricultural field either; fashion, furniture, health, and gardening are just some of the other areas that feature.

In 2008, the original creator of the event, Ken Wilson, was honoured by having a pavilion at the Barcaldine showgrounds named after him. This was in recognition of his achievements and the success of the Westech event over the years.

It’s excellent news that this varied and exciting event is back this year, at Barcaldine, with a program that has something for everyone.

Program of Events for Westech Field Days in Barcaldine 2021

The 2021 Westech Field Days event is packed with impressive features for all attendees, including demonstrations, presentations, auctions, and kids’ activities. Plus, there is a Westech Community Event on Tuesday night with a bar and live music.

Here is a taste of what visitors to the event can expect:

Tuesday 7 September

• The opening of the AgForce Kids’ Show-bag Trail at 9am.
• Workplace Health and Safety presentation by Safe Station at 11am.
• Online auction demonstration by FarmGate Auctions at 12pm.
• Will Roberts, World President of the Stud Sheepbreeders Assoc., with the opening speech at 12:45pm.
• Kids’ Bouncy Rodeo at 3pm.
• Biosecurity update by Biosecurity Qld officer at 3:20pm.

Wednesday 8 September

• E-beef and remote technology presentation by Leanne Hardwick of DAF at 10:30am.
• Meat Sheep Enterprise presentation by Sophie Curtis of ‘Bellevue ‘ Millmerran at 11:40am.
• Panel session to discuss “Workforce attraction and retention” at 1:30pm.
• Assessing pasture recovery potential presentation by Jane Tincknell of DAF at 3pm.

For full details of activities and presentations at this year’s event take a look at the program of events.

Talk Sheds with Michael Leask

If you’re needing a structural shed or a steel roof structure, Michael can be found at A16 where he will be sharing a site with Multikraft Probiotics. Michael will be available for site visits and you can call our office 1300 296 206 to organise a time. Entegra has been manufacturing sheds for more than 35 years and we can update you on the latest trends in sheds.

There is plenty to do at this event! All family members are catered for with gardening tools, clothes, and jewellery also on display. This really is a fun event for people of all ages.

Anyone who wants to visit the Barcaldine showgrounds for the Westech Field Days should take a look at the visitor information. Then, it’s all about heading to this popular and much-anticipated event.