6 May 2008
Primary Industries showcased at Tocal Field Days
Glorious autumn weather over three days set the tone for 27,000 visitors at the Field Days to enjoy themselves and learn more about our Primary Industries.
The NSW Department of Primary Industries marquee and the Tocal College bookshop offered a range of DPI Technical Specialists and resources, which complemented those offered by other organisations relating to resources management such as the Hunter Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority.
Renowned for the strong emphasis on education and demonstrations via experts in their field, Tocal's 2008 program offered something to interest all, with the Livestock displays particularly strong.
"I felt the tone and general feeling of the Field Days was extremely positive and that people really wanted to engage with the activities, enjoy themselves and learn more about our Primary Industries", said Cameron Archer, Chair of the Tocal Field Days Association.
"The depth and quality of the commercial sector was also strong, with reports from a couple advising their stock had completely sold out, which is an indicator of the success of the event" he said.
This year, the number of school groups in pre-booked workshops co-hosted by the Australian Museum and the Association involved 1,400 students in Science in the Bush and other activities such as finding DNA in strawberries by the University of Sydney.
The "Celebrating agriculture then and now" highlighted features and memorabilia from 25 events, starting from the first in 1984. Demonstrations included hand and machine milking, horse and direct seed drill tractor ploughing, vintage tractor parades and using a GPS unit fitted to a tractor.
A booklet '3 Days in May' was launched at the luncheon offered to former and present committee members, long-term exhibitors and other supporters, documenting items of interest over 25 Tocal Field Days.
Two of the Field Day founders, former College Principal Dr. John Drinan and inaugural Chair Barry Baillie, performed the cake-cutting role at the luncheon, with both expressing pleasure in the fact that the event maintains its role as an avenue for education and interaction with rural communities.
Article from the Maitland Mercury - 5 May 2008
Piglets bring home the bacon for Tocal
This year's Tocal Field Days was hammed up to mark the event's 25th anniversary.
About 400 exhibitors and thousands of visitors were part of the event at the weekend, which became a nostalgic display of vintage farming methods demonstrated alongside the new.
Crowds saw cows being hand-milked beside gleaming milking machines, and a farmer ploughed a section of earth by harnessing a Clydesdale horse before a student jumped onto a brand new tractor, complete with a GPS system, to do the same job.
Telstra got into the theme with a display of telephone through the decades.
But it was the racing piglets that captured the hearts and imaginations of the crowd.
The spectacle was a new addition to the program this year, with the animals running under names such as Kevin Bacon, Pork Chop and Rasha and fitted out in hand-sewn racing silks.
Tocal Field Days manager Marie Williams said the piglets were in training for weeks leading up to the schedule of racing during the three days.
The Animal Welfare League and RSPCA gave the racing their stamp of approval.
"They've been trained to run on a whistle; the whistle means there's an apple waiting for them at the end of the run," Ms Williams said.
Other attractions included a land management display, and an education section that allowed people to study minerals under a microscope and look at the DNA of strawberries.
In a stark contrast to last year's focus on farming in drought conditions, this year was all about flood recovery.
The Hunter and Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority teamed up with the SES to create a flood management display, that also included footage of a flooded Hunter River and information about the biggest issue facing primary producers following such an event - weeds.
Ms Williams said although crowd numbers for Friday and Saturday were slightly less than last year, more than 10,500 people from across the region and beyond turned out on the first two days of the event that began as an educational field day for the growing number of part-time or hobby farmers in the region.
Final visitation numbers were yet to be tallied yesterday. "We're really happy, the numbers are still strong," she said.
7 April 2008
Worm Juice Makes Business Sense
Promoting a healthy soil message could have business women squirming in their seats on Wednesday 9 April.
Compost worm juice and castings to nurture home gardens, will be give-aways at the April Hunter Business Women's Network meeting.
Designed to raise awareness of Tocal Field Days' focus on environmentally sustainable agriculture, the promotion will reach women engaged in businesses across many sectors.
The field days boost the Hunter's economy each year by attracting over four hundred exhibitors and engaging service providers and community groups. Restaurant and accommodation operators also gain from increased visitors to the region.
Event Manager Marie Williams said the environmental message about caring for the natural resources including soils, is the same whether people live on acreages, a suburban block or in an apartment with only a courtyard.
"Healthy soils containing composted organic matter benefit plants grown for pleasure and for profit", said Ms Williams. "Vermicast or fully composted material by worms, feeds the soil as well as the plant due to the rich nutrients, and these women can see and touch it this week".
Expert advice on Acid Sulfate soils, poultry litter as half price fertilizer and wetland plants will form part of the extensive Department of Primary Industries' program at Tocal Field Days.
Chemical sniffer dogs will also be featured at Tocal, demonstrating their power to detect as little as 1ppm of organo-chlorides in the soil, and thus diverting poisons from the foodchain.
'Upagumtree Worms' will demonstrate composting at Tocal Field Days 2-4 May, and will supply the worm products and information on worm juice and castings at the business function.
3 March 2008
Survivors Of Childhood Trauma Receive Tocal Support
Mayumarri Healing Centre for survivors of childhood trauma, will be the charity supported at the 2008 Tocal Field Days. The Quorrobolong-based Centre offers seclusion, tranquility and safety for five day residential programs for men, women and children.
Registered, charitable organisations with a Hunter focus were invited to submit an expression of interest using guidelines from the Tocal Field Days Association policy on charity support.
At this year’s first committee meeting, one name was drawn, leaving the rest to try next year.
Rod Phillips, Mayumarri Healing Centre spokesperson said
“We have helped over 3,000 people heal from their trauma and look forward to carrying our message at Tocal’s large audience”.
“We estimate that of the average 30,000 visitors to Tocal Field Days, at least 6,000 will have suffered the devastating effects of childhood trauma, leading to depression, addictions, anti-social behaviour and mental ill health”.
The charity can take advantage of a sponsored site, free staff passes and the opportunity to cross-promote with Tocal Field Days before and during the event.
According to Marie Williams, Manager of Tocal Field Days, major benefits for the charity is exclusive support, exposure to around 400 exhibitors and 30,000 visitors, and the chance to raise money and recruit volunteers.
Previous charities gaining exposure were the Australian Red Cross, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Life Without Barriers and the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children.
The 25th Tocal Field Days will be held at Paterson, Tocal Agricultural Centre, 2- 4 May.
Heritage and new exhibits will help celebrate Tocal’s promotion of environmentally sustainable agriculture and the theme of ‘Agriculture then and now’.
7 May 2007
Water hits the spot at Tocal Field Days
More than 28,000 people attended the weekend's 24th Tocal Field Days event, with the special feature of water proving popular with exhibitors and visitors alike.
According to Tocal Field Days Association chair, Cameron Archer, visitors showed a strong interest in displays and demonstrations, while sales of machinery and other goods were strong.
He said the cooking demonstrations and food displays involving chefs from the Newcastle Fisherman's Cooperative and Wine Country restaurants using local produce were particularly popular.
"High sales volume were reported in many sectors of the commercial sites across farm machinery and equipment, despite drought conditions still affecting parts of the upper Hunter and other regions," he said.
Locals and visitors provided excellent feedback via the biannual survey, which included positive comments on visitor comfort, cleanliness of the site, helpful nature of the Tocal students and staff and the general 'feel' of the event.
"The Association works hard on taking comments on board to improve operations and the overall experience for both visitors and exhibitors."
This year's theme of water created opportunities for landholders to seek expert advice from government agencies and have farm soil and water samples tested for free.
"Topics including 'Adapting to climate change' and 'testing for feed quality' attracted strong interest, while displays of livestock such as Drought Master and Piedmontese cattle and Damara sheep that cope well in drought were also popular," he said.
"The horse and donkey displays were a crowd pleaser with demonstrations on horse care, harnessing up, mini pony trotting races and Tocal horse course skills.
"A back-to-basics craft program highlighted feltmaking, lacemaking, spinning, weaving and crocheting, along with Wearable Art fashion shows.
"Goat meat kebabs and sausages were trialled with great success by Vacy Public School P&C Association, with meat provided by a local Boer Goat producer.
"The Tocal Field Days Association wishes to thank community groups, volunteers, sponsors and businesses providing in-kind support for contributing to a successful event."
For more information: Marie Williams Manager
Tocal Field Days 4939 8820 0423 502 307
2 May 2007
Packed program for Tocal Field Days
Water will be the feature of this year's annual Tocal Field Days, where visitors will have the chance to learn about drought-resistant Droughtmaster cattle, Damara sheep and water-wise plants, waste water treatment systems, new water tanks and pipes, and sustainable farming practices.
Field days coordinator Marie Williams said with drought such an important challenge facing producers and communities in the Hunter, drought coping strategies and information would play a significant part in the event.
"Find out what to do about your pastures after drought and why feed testing pays even during drought times," she said.
"Bring along soil and farm water samples for testing at the Department of Primary Industries (DPI)'s marquee and hear about managing climate change on your farm."
Nine breeds of horses plus donkeys will be on show at the Skills Centre, along with a huge range of information including skills, breed attributes, make-up, horse care tips, harnessing up and miniature pony trotting races.
Six guest chefs from the wine country restaurants will be displaying their cooking skills, with interesting foods on offer including goat meat kebabs. Cottage crafts will also be a feature, along with Wearable Art fashions in the chapel courtyard.
Marie said the field days, which are held at DPI's Tocal Agricultural College at Tocal, also offer visitors the chance to pick up a bargain - with about 400 companies offering farm equipment and machinery.
For children there is a 'Name the dairy calf' competition with great prizes up for grabs, or they can make a mini-wormfarm, take a pony or camel ride, enjoy the carnival rides, and be entertained by talented school-aged performers in circus, drama and music. The Animal Nursery in its new location at the Livestock Wedge is also expected to be popular.
"Other competitions include the Tocal steers DNA test guessing on results for marbling, tenderness and net feed efficiency, and there will also be livestock breeds parades including goats, alpacas, sheep and cattle," Marie said.
"Jazz, stage and marching bands, acoustic guitarists, colonial and country music exponents will form just part of the entertainment program, and historic Tocal Homestead will be open.
"Health information will also be on hand courtesy of, and there will be free mobility buses available to help visitors easily tour all this year's attractions.
Visit local business sponsors, who together with DPI and the local community help coordinate the event, and will have free giveaways and advice: Hunter Water, Hunter Central Rivers CMA, Country Energy, Telstra Country Wide, Highway Ford and Dairy Farmers. "
For more information contact Marie Williams 0423 502 307 or see www.tocal.com
1 May 2007
Burst of verse for field days
He chanted for rain, he wrote an ode to our diggers, now the Hunter's most vocal bush orator has penned a "burst of verse" for the region's premier agricultural event.
Bob Skelton has barely laid his pen to rest this year, churning out a ditty for the drought that he performed at the Newcastle Farmer's Market and poetic praise for our Anzacs, shared during last Wednesday's remembrance services.
But the man who is better known as the Minmi Magster has dedicated his latest creation to the Tocal Field Days.
Urging people to "come along, join the happy throng", Mr Skelton has extolled the attractions of the three-day rural event to be held at Tocal Agricultural College on May 4, 5 and 6.
Mr Skelton will be on hand at the field days to recite his poem, along with a host of other bush ballads and country yarns he has penned.
He has been a regular at the event for more than 10 years and is looking forward to the more intimate atmosphere of the "The Wedge" section, which will include a performance area for Mr Skelton and country music artists.
"They liked me so much last year that I'm going to be there for the whole three days this time," he said.
"I'll be in The Wedge rather than the main stage, which will be better because with spoken words performances I like to be able to look my audience in the eye.
"The poetry's great if you've got a captive audience, they love it.
"I probably write a new poem every week and this one was just a little burst of verse that came straight off the top of my head.
"It's nice to have plenty in your repertoire because you can always come up with something topical to fit the occasion."
From the Maitland Mercury
2 April 2007
Packed program for Tocal Field Days
Visitors are urged to check tocal.com for program updates right up to 4th May. WATER is the 2007 special feature: learn about drought-resistant Droughtmaster cattle, Damara sheep (fat tailed) and water-wise plants, waste water treatment systems, new styles of water tanks and pipes, sustainable farming practices and aquaculture in drought times.
Find out what to do about your pastures after drought and why feed testing pays even during drought times. BYO soil and water samples for testing at the Dept. Primary Industries marquee and hear about managing climate change on your farm.
Nine breeds of horses, plus donkeys are on show at the Skills Centre. Everything about horses is there: skills, breed attributes, make-up, horse care tips, harnessing up and miniature pony trotting races.
Visit Slow Food Hunter's 'Edible School Yard', be entertained by six guest chefs from the wine country restaurants and try goat meat kebabs and real ice cream.
Cottage Crafts (felting, lacemaking, spinning, weaving and more) are back in force - along with Wearable Art fashions in the chapel courtyard.
Children can enter the 'Name the dairy calf' competition over three days and win Dairy Farmers products for their school. Look for bottle feeding three times a day for the calf.
Children can also make a mini-wormfarm, take a pony or camel ride, enjoy the carnival rides, and be entertained by talented school-aged performers in circus, drama and music. Look for the Animal Nursery in its new location at the Livestock Wedge, and see chickens and butterflies hatching.
Check out five Tocal steers and see if you can guess DNA test results for marbling, tenderness and net feed efficiency. See the livestock breeds parade in the Arena - goats, alpacas, sheep and cattle.
Jazz, stage and marching bands, acoustic guitarists, colonial and country music exponents will form just part of the entertainment program.
Touch a crocodile then jump on a free people-mover to get around the site. Take in Dungog Arts Society and Eureka wildlife photography works, while enjoying a CWA scone in the chapel.
Be proactive on health. Ask the experts coordinated by Hunter New England Health on how to challenge arthritis, manage osteoarthritis, be safe around dams, creeks, pools and the beach, and take tips on Tai Chi and Yoga.
Tricky knees or back? It doesn't matter where you park at Tocal, free mobility buses will be whizzing around the carparks for direct entry into the site. Please tell your friends and family members who can take advantage of this service on trial in 2007.
The commercial sector is packed with show bargains and the latest gadgets, equipment and machinery for rural and urban living. Some will be highlighted with the WATER special feature poster, so head to them for tips on harvesting and using water wisely.
Visit the sponsors for free giveaways and advice about their services and products: Hunter Water, Hunter Central Rivers CMA, Country Energy, Telstra Country Wide, Highway Ford and Dairy Farmers.
Go to the Information Booths for daily program updates. Enjoy!
For more information: Marie Williams Manager
Tocal Field Days 4939 8820 0423 502 307
8 March 2007
Red Cross seeks volunteers at Tocal Field Days
The Australian Red Cross Hunter Region hopes to recruit more volunteers to run their community services from an expected 30,000 visitors at Tocal Field Days in May.
Plucked from the hat for charity support at Tocal Field Days 2007, the Red Cross is keen to take advantage of the potential benefits associated with this major event.
Registered, charitable organisations with a Hunter focus were invited to submit an expression of interest to attend, under the auspices of the Tocal Field Days Association Charity Policy.
Kikki Tagaroulias, Community Relations and Marketing Manager for Hunter Region Australian Red Cross said "we are desperate for volunteers across the board".
"Twenty three Hunter schools in the Good Start Breakfast Club, translates to volunteers providing 33,000 breakfasts in the last year", she said. "Trained volonteers are needed for the Blood Service, the Hands On program for patient care and the Telecross (telephone check-up) program as well".
The charity can take advantage of a sponsored site, free passes for staff and the opportunity to cross-promote with Tocal Field Days before and during the event.
According to Marie Williams, Manager of Tocal Field Days, major benefits for the charity are exclusive support, exposure to around 400 exhibitors and 30,000 visitors, and the chance to raise money and recruit volunteers.
Last year, Hunter Medical Research Institute reported successes with funds raised, great public exposure and commitments for placement on their research register.
Bookings are strong for the twenty fourth year of the event, with new educational and entertainment exhibits on the program.
Tocal Field Days will be held at Tocal Agricultural Centre, Paterson, 4 - 6 May.
For more information contact:
- Marie Williams, Tocal Field Days Tel. 4939 8820 or 0423 502 307 or www.tocal.com
- Kikki Tagaroulias, Australian Red Cross Hunter Region Tel.4926 3877 or 0417 653 527
7 March 2007
NBN's Garry Youngberry at Tocal Field Days
Visitors to the Tocal Field days will see the familiar face of NBN's weatherman, Garry Youngberry this year. Garry will be available at the Tocal Shop at 11am, 1pm and 3pm on the Friday of the field days to sign his weather book. The book will be on sale from the Tocal Shop throughout the field days 4-6 May 2007.
Australia's highest rating television station, NBN, and the country's leading agricultural college, Tocal, have joined forces in an exciting partnership to produce NBN's Weather Book - the only book of its kind that answers all your weather questions. NBN's credible reputation for providing reliable weather information spans more than 40 years, beginning with Des Hart's nightly weather reports during the 1960s and 1970s, followed by Nat Jeffery during the 1980s and 1990s.
NBN's Weather Book offers an easy and complete guide with an A-Z glossary of weather terminology, allowing readers to learn how to better understand the changing weather patterns and become experts at making their own forecasts.
The publication took 18 months to produce and draws on years of research undertaken by Tocal College on sourcing and identifying the best available information to help reveal the many mysteries behind our weather. NBN's weatherman, Garry Youngberry has relied on his wealth of knowledge and experience in the industry to assist in preparing the book.
"This book brings a wealth of weather knowledge to everyone's household," says Garry Youngberry.
"I forecast you will treasure it!"
NBN's Weather Book fills a void in the market for user-friendly weather information and represents a valuable educational resource for readers of all ages - from school students and teachers, to all members of the family whether they live on the land or in a city.
The book is an easy-to-read companion that will help to better inform our countless weather enthusiasts located across NBN's Northern NSW viewing area, which stretches from the Hawkesbury River to the Gold Coast and as far west as Lightning Ridge.
WATER is the special feature at Tocal Field Days 2007, so farmers and the public can expect to learn about water issues and weather-related research, drought-resistant plants and livestock and much more.
Inquiries: Cameron Archer, Chair Tocal Field Days 02 4939 8812 www.tocal.com
