Welcome to the 39th year of Agfest and I sincerely thank you for supporting and enjoying our amazing showcase of all things Tasmanian.

Agfest is one of the state's largest economic drivers, contributing more than $25 million to the Tasmanian economy each year. The event is recognised as one of the top three agricultural field days in Australia and, incredibly, is proudly organised by a volunteer committee from Rural Youth Tasmania and our hard working staff.

Rural Youth members are aged between 15 and 30, dedicating and volunteering numerous hours to ensure Agfest stays fresh and viable so all Tasmanians and visitors can enjoy the field days for many years to come.

Agfest 2021 will once again have more than 500 exciting and diverse exhibits on display, ensuring there will be something for everyone.

It is expected specials will be offered on a wide range of products - from tractors and towels, to sheds and swimming pools, to woollen socks and water tanks, to chemicals and caravans, to lawn mowers and lice control, to boats and banking products, to pumps, plants and potato peelers.

Due to COVID-19, Agfest 2021 will be a little different to previous years. We have introduced Quercus Tastes, a new and exciting format of the former Unique Taste Pavilion, to enable greater crowd dispersal with easier access and additional space. Our food vendors will be located around the site so I'm sure you will enjoy supporting our community groups and local businesses by devouring something scrumptious!

We have also introduced a new look Craft Market on the Tenth and Eleventh Avenues, allowing more room for patron flow and social distancing.

Some of the many features displayed around the site include the Tasmanian Lighthorse demonstrations, Junior Livestock Cup, shearing demonstrations and the Terrapin Puppets in the TJM Tasmania Central Arena.

Agfest and Rural Youth have been a big part of my life since joining the organisation in 2011. It has given me a huge range of lifelong skills, training and friends.

I was also lucky enough to go on an overseas exchange to Canada in 2018 for three months. It was my dream to be Chairman of Agfest ever since I first volunteered at the event in 2012. Now, in my second year as Chair, I hope to continue the growth and success of the field days.

I sincerely thank and congratulate my committee, all volunteers and our staff.

Each and every one has gone above and beyond during the past 12 months to get Agfest back in the paddock in 2021.

Agfest chairman Ethan Williams

To read the Examiner's Agfest publication click here!