Alpacas as guard animals, the best working dog, local produce plus so much more are on display at this year's Australian National Field Days in Borenore, near Orange in Central West New South Wales.
"It all began in 1951 as a means to showcase farming machinery available elsewhere in the world to local farmers," explains event organiser, David Lamrock, General Manager of the Orange Field Days Co-Op Ltd.
"Today, the event also incorporates displays of cars, travel and other general interest products."
This year's feature exhibit is Youth in Agriculture.
"We have lots of hands-on things for young people to do," says David. "There is bull riding, fleece throwing and fence posting to name a few."
Agriculture students from local schools have also contributed to the three day event with Oberon High School displaying their ingenious solution for protecting lambing ewes from dog and fox attacks - the alpaca.
With a skills shortage and the average age of farmers getting older each year, now more than ever, young people need to stay on the farms.
Father of five, Peter Mortimer of Mortimer's Wines in Orange, sees opportunity for his children in the family vineyard.
His five sons grew up "doing the hard work" from planting to pruning the vines and hopes that perhaps one day they will continue in his footsteps.
"At the moment they're finding their feet. They won't admit to taking the business [over], but they have the skills to do it."
Chris Blunt whose family have been specialist lamb producers in the area since 1902, reiterates the importance of family involvement on the farm,
"Three generations working together to achieve a common goal is a bonding experience, it brings you closer."
"It's a multi-skilled occupation. I'm an ergonomist, a vet, a natural resource expert," jokes Chris. "It's a great life."
TAFEs and other educational providers will be onsite Australian National Field Days to offer advice regarding education and training in the rural sector and the National Farmers Federation (NFF) will be recognising excellence in teaching.
As part of the Institute for Trade Skills Excellence's Trade Teacher of the Year Awards, the NFF will be presenting awards to the National Agriculture Teacher of the Year, the National Horticulture Teacher of the Year, National Conservation & Land Management Teacher of the Year and the Rural Trade Teacher of the Year.
Walking around the 1km machinery and livestock displays can be hard work but luckily local caterer Edwena Mitchell, is operating the Famished Gourmet Cafe to refresh visitors.
"I'm selling good quality take away from venison pies to cheesecake with local strawberries and home made ice cream."
Edwena has been a member of the F.O.O.D committee since its inception, an organisation which promotes local food growers.
"I try to only use local produce - local meat, fruit and eggs," she said.
The Central West of NSW is indeed a food bowl and the Australian National Field Days, running from October 16 to 18, is an excellent opportunity to meet local producers and training providers.
