The first major field day in Queensland for 2018 will arrive at the Caboolture Showgrounds from Friday, March 2 to Sunday, March 4, with more than 200 exhibitors gearing up to display the latest in farming equipment, machinery, agriculture, produce and horticulture at the Farm Fantastic Expo.
Australian Events company director Bob Carroll took control of the expo in 2016 and together with his staff thought it was important to shift the focus of the event back to agriculture.
“We had a vision that first and foremost, Farm Fantastic should be returned to its roots as a showcase for products and services relevant to farming operations, from hobby farms to large commercial operations,” Bob said.
“Based on the uniformly positive response we’ve received from exhibitors and visitors since the change, we feel we made the right choice,” he said.
“We’ve noticed, in particular, that visitors are very interested in learning more about sustainable living practices which has led to our Backyard Living pavilion becoming very popular.
“The Destination Food Experience pavilion has also been a hit with guests. They get a real buzz out of sampling the products and recipes which are largely produced and created within the region.”
Bob said the horsemanship training workshops offered last year proved popular and he hopes to build on that strong foundation this year with an expanded concept for which the organisers are expecting good support.
“This year we’ll have world acclaimed horseman, Justin Colquhonn from Elite Horsemanship set to present a series of demonstrations and workshops over the course of the three days.”
He said the working dog demonstrations will also return.
“We’ve worked hard on that event as we think it provides an invaluable insight into how to train and look after your animals for work use and protecting the homestead.”
Sheep shearing demonstrations and a free animal farm for kids round out an action packed program, and don’t forget to jump on the free train for a ride around the event.
Bob said from feedback he has received, the expo is providing an excellent educational experience for guests.
“They learn so much about the latest agricultural products and services available over the three day’s of the expo, and importantly if they’re on a buying mission they’ll always head home with a good deal from the plethora of Farm Fantastic-exclusive specials being offered by exhibitors.”
Expo guests will also have a chance to take home some great door prizes including a brand-spanking new Kubota zero turn mower courtesy of the David Evans Group, valued at $7210.
To further enhance the Farm Fantastic experience for visitors Australian Events in coordination with the Moreton Bay Regional Council and the Caboolture Show Society have been working hard to ensure that traffic access to the expo is improved this year.
“We believe the changes will make traffic flow more efficient, we want people to arrive at and leave the Farm Fantastic Expo happy.”
A free city shuttle run by Blue Bay bus service, will also be running daily. The shuttle will run hourly from 8.30am to 3.30pm from Railway Station with a stop at Hasking Street before arriving at the event showgrounds.
The Farm Fantastic Expo is open from 9am to 4pm daily. Tickets prices are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and students, children under the age of 16 enter free with an adult.
The event website has a list of all of the exhibitors, prize details and how to enter, details on parking, how to get there and entertainment times. Also make sure you grab your free copy of the 2018 Event Guide as you enter the event.