Permaculture intro at Field Days

More than 200 sites will showcase a diverse range of agricultural and rural industries at this year’s East Gippsland Field Days at the Bairnsdale Aerodrome on Friday and Saturday, April 26 and 27. Event manager Sue-Ellen Lathan said bookings came in more slowly this year with many businesses highlighting the effect the drought was having on them.

She said highlights this year’s field days would include a free introduction to permaculture and 101 of raising and keeping chickens workshops hosted by Mick Donnelley of Bruthen.

“This will be a great opportunity to hear from someone who has great knowledge in how introducing permaculture at your property can be of great benefit,” Ms Latham said.

“Mick is looking forward to sharing what he knows and we really hope that everyone will learn something from his workshops on the pros and cons of keeping your own chickens and how to best manage this. Mick will also be selling fresh eggs and produce.”

The Equestrian Expo will run again this year after a very popular introductory year in 2018. An addition to the program will be an equestrian car boot sale to run on the Saturday only. People are invited to book stalls to sell their second-hand horse items.

“Our feature act this year is GC Natural Horsemanship, coming all the way from Meredith. Georgia Kolovos specialises in starting and retraining of horses including wild brumbies and has showcased her skills at Equitana in Sydney and Melbourne,” Ms Latham said

“They also teach trick and liberty training, obstacle training and trail riding.”

“We will have all of our usual popular entertainment and competitions such as the working sheep dog trials, sheep shearing and wood chop and this year we will also have dog agility / entertainment shows running over the two days.”

Organisers have ensured there is plenty of entertainment for the young ones too with the Black Snake Productions wildlife/reptile show, a brand new animal nursery, face painting, a jumping castle and lots of great food and drinks including, for the first time, a pop-up bar to enjoy a refreshment and relax.

“Live music is always a highlight at the field and Friday the main stage will feature the school bands and Saturday we have a hive of local musicians booked including the Symphonia Orchestra, The Roses, Warrick Mundy, Dan Abbott and Jacqueline Davies,” Ms Latham said.

Gates are open from 9am-4.30pm on Friday, April 26, and from 9am-4pm on Saturday, April 27.

Entry for adults costs $18, children under five are free, while children between five and15 cost $5. EFTPOS will be available at the main gate and portable ATMs will be located near the main office.

An information booth is located just outside the main office.

No dogs are allowed on site.

Gippsland Farmer

The Gippsland Farmer is a monthly agricultural newspaper reporting on rural news and distributed FREE and direct to an area covering from Cann River through to South Gippsland. For more than 40 years Gippsland Farmer has reported on a range of issues and industries including dairy, beef, vegetables, sheep, goats, poultry, organic farming, and viticulture.