Henty Machinery Field Days chairman's message

On behalf of the HMFD board and staff I would like to extend a warm welcome to our exhibitors and visitors for Henty 2024.

Henty Machinery Field Days is certainly back stronger than ever post Covid cancellations.  2022 saw our highest crowd numbers on record and 2023 was our largest exhibition on record. 

At the time of writing, 2024 was heading towards another sell out year for exhibition sites. This is telling HMFD management that we play a significant role in the connection of agricultural businesses to their consumers, the farmers, who are in the field with these products and technologies.

The HMFD board and its members extends our congratulations to former Chairman Ross Edwards on receiving a medal of the Order of Australia for his contribution to the Lockhart shire community and Henty Machinery Field Days. Ross was a member of the Pleasant Hills Rural Youth in 1966 when he first worked at Henty as a volunteer car parking attendant.  Ross then went on to serve as a director on the board and chairman from 2007 to 2019.  We are indebted to Ross for his long involvement and dedication of almost 60 years.

The board also welcomes Jordan Muller as a new director and pays tribute to retiring director Rohan Bahr for his invaluable contribution over the years.

As the development of new solutions, innovations and technology in agriculture are happening at a great pace, we at Henty are embracing and ready to showcase what our exhibitors have on offer.

We are proud to announce this year the development of Agtech Alley. In partnership with NSW Department of Primary Industries Farms of the Future program, and sponsored by Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Agtech Alley will feature over 20 agtech suppliers.  

Our popular vintage display will be marking 100 years since Henty inventor Headlie Shipard Taylor designed the revolutionary Sunshine W Type self-propelled header. This harvester was the forerunner for the modern harvester’s the world knows today. 

Another drawcard at the vintage display this year will be the celebration of 160 years of Furphy Engineering. The Furphy Engineering and foundry of Shepparton, is best known for its iconic Furphy watercarts that were first manufactured between 1878 and 1880 and grew quickly in popularity on almost every Australian farm during the federation drought of 1895-1902.

Our CEO, Belinda Anderson and her staff have been working tirelessly to make this event what our visitors and exhibitors have grown to expect and beyond, so we look forward to welcoming you all back in September 2024.

Nigel Scheetz

Chairman HMFD