Agfest chair Owen Woolley is hoping that with "a bit of luck" they might break the attendance record for the three-day event.
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In its 37th year, Agfest is recognised as one of Australia's top three field day events. Last year the attendance record hit 65,794.
"It would be nice to get the record, which is about 69,000 or something like that. It all depends on the weather and the economy, which at the moment is favourable," Mr Woolley said.
While most Tasmanians only start to think of Agfest when it hits May, 60 Rural Youth volunteers have been planning and preparing all year.
Mr Woolley said this year the volunteers have been working exceptionally hard focusing on a new traffic management plan, drainage, and site rotations.
"One thing people will notice is there has been a change to the Peter Brock Memorial 4WD Track. We have remodelled that since Agfest last year in conjunction with the four-wheel drive club of Tasmania."
He encourages everyone to come for all three days, "there's that much here to see and do that you need the full three days to get around".
"For me, you can come to Agfest, and you can see so many things in one place. It's just before the end of the financial year. Being a self-employed builder, I like to get a bit of a shopping list of what I want to buy and go chase some prices."
If you are heading along for some field day fun make sure you check out our complete guide, including maps and stall holders so you can plan your day. To read click here.
AGFEST HIGHLIGHTS
Working Sheep Dog Trials
Eastern end of Main Street, Behind Eleventh Avenue.
See 80 of the best Tasmanian sheep dogs in action. Trials are held every day, with the final six dogs in the running for the title of Agfest Open Sheep Dog Champion.
Livestock Handlers Competition
Behind the TJM Tasmania Central Arena between Fourth and Fifth Avenue.
In 2019 the Junior Livestock Handlers are back, with the event growing to include dairy cows and sheep as well as beef cattle. The Junior Farmer Challenge will put students' agriculture skills to the test.
Food Truck Park
Between Fourth and Fifth avenue on North Street.
Brand new to the event, the park will offer 10 vans offering a range of delicious foods alongside a seating and picnic area to sit back and enjoy the food, sights and sounds of Agfest!
Equine Expo
North-eastern corner of site
Equine Exhibitors surround the purpose built arena, which will feature a full program of exciting demonstrations including Megan Jones, Olympic Eventing Silver Medalist, international World Cup showjumper Robert Stewart, Grand Prix dressage rider Peter Fischer, and the team from the Tasmanian Extreme Cowboy Association.
Forget the incredible food and great sales, if there's one thing you can count on during Agfest, it's a bit of rain.
Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Tim Bolden said this year would be no exception to the typical Agfest weather.
"Unfortunately it's not looking particularly pleasant. We do have a low-pressure system to the west of Tasmania that will sort of be remaining over the bite through Thursday and then slowly tracking just west of Tasmania on Friday before passing near the state on Saturday," he said.
"The totals out of those showers don't look particularly large although Thursday is by far the wettest day."
He reported that rainfall on Thursday is expecting to be around 10-30mm.
"At this stage, and I stress that this will most likely change, but the latter part of Friday looks like it sees an improvement, the showers become less frequent and then once again the latter part of Saturday does look quite a lot more pleasant," Mr Bolden said.
He said there would be rain breaks throughout the day.
KEEPING THE CHILDREN ENTERTAINED
Agfest is a great day out for all, but for children and students, it can be a whirlwind of adventure and learning.
Feature director Ashley Evans said the Kids Agricultural Awareness Program (KAAP) hopes to encourage youth engagement.
"We have made it a priority to engage with youth especially those under 18-years-old. As part of that, especially the awareness part, we have got the KAAP that's on-site 910 where we have a tent for kids to go in and do agricultural related activities," she said.
"This year we have butter making, they can do some sugar testing in fruits. We have also got playdough making, so we can talk about how the farmers grow the wheat, to grow the flour to make the playdough. There will also be things like animals and demonstrations."
She said it was crucial to open up children's eyes to what's in agriculture and what it's all about.
"We have also involved the rest of the Agfest site, so it's not just the site 910. We have the passport program, which students go around and do activities around the site.
"Agriculture is fun and engaging. There's this perspective that it might be a little bit boring and it might not be something that people want to be involved with, but as a whole, agriculture is really engaging and a really innovative industry, that has got forward thinking people and exciting technology."
KAAP can be found on Ninth Avenue at site 910.
Where is it?
Agfest is held at Quercus Park at Carrick. Located about 20 kilometres from Launceston, the park is on about 80 hectares of farmland.
Tip: Search 'Agfest Field Days' in Google maps, instead of 'Quercus Park', and you'll be on your way to agriculture heaven.
When is it?
Agfest will be held from May 2 to 4. Gates are open from 8am to 5pm daily.
How much are tickets?
At the gates
- Adults $25
- Seniors / Age Pension $20
- Children (5-17 inclusive) $5
- Children under 5 Free
Support person accompanying a Person with a disability presenting a Companion card is free entry.
Please note: Dogs are not permitted (disability dogs excluded)