Ms Bunn said the past few months had been dry and challenging, but there was rain on the horizon.
Traditionally, rain received around the Henty Machinery Field Days’ time is welcomed by grain growers and farmers for topping up cereal and oilseed crops and pastures.
“We are missing the cold fronts, and we don’t have that tropical connection with high pressure in the way, but it looks that may change,” she said.
Ms Bunn was also a guest speaker on the seasonal outlook, weather and frost related to spray and irrigation timing, and pasture growth at the new Agtech Alley at the field days.
“We now have seven out of eight weather models suggesting we will go into La Nina – this tells you, not yet, but in the months ahead we are heading into that La Nina which actively pushes that tropical moisture towards us.
“In the October to December outlook, better or above average rain will be widespread in the eastern and central parts of the country.
“We will have moisture to play with but only if we have low pressure systems to move through to turn it into rain.
“Autumn through to spring will have a heap of moisture coming our way as we come out of the (blocking) high-pressure problem.”
HMFD chairman Nigel Scheetz said the Henty Machinery Field Days was certainly back stronger than ever post COVID cancellations.
“2022 saw our highest crowd numbers on record and 2023 was our largest exhibition on record,” Mr Scheetz said.
“2024 has been another sell out year for exhibition sites, proving our exhibitors have confidence and commitment to the event despite challenging economic and agricultural conditions.
“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.
“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.”
Mr Scheetz said HMFD was proud to collaborate with the NSW Department of Primary Industries Farms of the Future program to develop Agtech Alley.
The new drawcard is sponsored by Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, and features over 20 agtech suppliers, a full panel of guest speakers and live demonstrations.
“Visitors can see a stellar line up of innovative new technology this year, including entries in the prestigious Henty Machine of the Year Award.
“Our entries range from the world’s widest draper platform down to a pneumatic catching pen designed to improve animal welfare and shearer safety.
“We acknowledge the continued commitment by Australian and international manufacturers into research and development to make the life of the Australian farmer easier.”
Mr Scheetz paid tribute to the large team of volunteers who take time away from their regular jobs to work at Henty – from car parking to collecting waste or cooking in the food sheds.
“We cannot thank our volunteers enough and are proud to be financially supporting our regional community in return,” he said.
“Henty would not be possible without our members. It would be hard to find an organisation where 80 + year old members can still hold a conversation with our younger generation with the same interests and agricultural passion.
“We are particularly proud of our younger members – going forward the future of Henty is assured.”
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