It's time to go back to our farming roots for three days of all things agriculture.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Tocal Field Days is returning from April 30 to May 2, and after a hiatus last year due to COVID-19, it is expected to be better than ever.
Demonstrations, farm machinery, piglet races and sheep shearing are just a few of the attractions - and when you're just about run off your feet stop by the billy boiling competition to see just how much effort it took to make a cuppa in the days before electricity.
Speaking of a cuppa, Maitland CWA ladies will have their popular Devonshire Tea - and homemade scones atop with jam and cream - in the chapel.
It's their first fundraiser since COVID-19 struck and they are desperate for funds to be able to do their vital community work. Not a bad way to help others and relish in the delights of a good scone.
"We are thrilled to be back, it's always a lovely atmosphere there and we enjoy seeing people coming by and enjoying themselves," Maitland CWA branch president Barbara Heckman said.
"We're hoping to be able to make a fair bit of money out of it too. We didn't have our tea rooms at the Maitland Show this year because it was cancelled so we lost a couple of thousand dollars."
Event manager Wendy Franklin is also ecstatic the event is going ahead, especially because community groups benefit from grants that come from the proceeds.
It makes a big impact- in 2019 a record of $40,000 was given out.
"After the drought and then COVID-19, it is time to celebrate and have some fun - in a COVID safe way of course," Ms Franklin said.
"Tocal also connects farmers and community, educating people about the importance of agriculture and where food comes from.
"We are continuing our focus on bees and bee-keeping, which proved so popular last event."
The future of farming will also be a hot topic with drone flying and robotics demonstrations organised.
There will also be fencing demonstrations, horse course display, working dogs in action, and a range of farm aids like quad bikes, motorbikes and side-by-sides.
Art and craft displays, fashion parades, cooking demonstrations and workshops, and gardening talks will also be on offer.
School students in the Talent @ Tocal program will take to the stage to provide entertainment, and will be paid for their efforts.
Tocal Homestead will also be open for a step back in time and will host the gum boot throwing competition.
The event will be COVID safe with check-in, social distancing, and free face masks at the gate.
Daily tickets are $18 for adults and $2 for kids aged five to 16.
More details at: tocalfielddays.com