ORGANISERS of the Riverland’s biggest agricultural showcase are “full of energy” for the event to return in September, following a two-year hiatus. 

Preparations have begun for the 2022 Riverland Field Days, after Covid-19 restrictions forced the event’s cancellation for the past two years. 

Riverland Field Days chairman Anthony Fulwood said committee members were confident eased restrictions on travel and social events would allow the event – which attracts between 8000 to 10,000 patrons – to be held this year. 

“We’re six months away still from holding the event, and hopefully in six months’ time we should just about be back to normal,” Mr Fulwood said. 

“The borders being closed was a big issue last year, because we couldn’t get a lot of the exhibitors and the public to come into the state. 

“(But) I think Australia is in a situation now where we won’t have any more closures.” 

Riverland Field Days executive manager Tim Grieger said plans for last year’s event had been adapted for 2022. 

“The committee is really enthusiastic about putting on a great event,” Mr Grieger said. 

“We had the whole event pretty much planned and ready to go last year, then we unfortunately had to cancel at the last minute. 

“We’ve taken all that work and planning we did last year, and the arrangements put in place, and we’ve brought that forward to this year. 

“We’ll be communicating with all the exhibitors that rolled forward… it’s been a great start for this year, and we’ve never had so many exhibitor applications in so early.” 

Mr Grieger said the work of volunteers had been crucial to maintaining, and improving, the Riverland Field Days site, just outside Barmera. 

“The volunteer team is what makes it all happen, and they’ve really missed the opportunity to do what they want for the last two years,” he said.  

“Their focus is on giving to the community, and presenting the event. 

“We’re quite confident and we’re looking forward. We’re full of energy and focusing on September now.” 

Mr Fulwood said the Field Days provided an opportunity for local and interstate agricultural businesses to directly communicate with potential customers. 

“The event brings a lot of outside exhibitors to the region, who are going to stay here for at least two nights,” he said. 

“It’s a great boost for the economy.

“It’s the best place to see demonstrations of agricultural machinery… there’s nothing like being able to sit in a tractor and feel if it’s comfortable.”