If ever you want rain - host a field days event. Yet while the first day of the Riverina Field Days experienced a cool reception as temperatures kept many people indoors, Saturday's numbers proved solid.
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With the eight millimeters recorded at Griffith Airport not quite enough to refill empty dams, stall holders and organisers welcomed the rain.
Organiser Roly Zappacosta was thrilled to have had so many exhibitors come up to him afterwards and say they were ready and raring to go again next year.
"If they are happy they will come back next year and already they have spoken to me with ideas for their return in 2020," Mr Zappacosta said.
Gate takings show more than 5000 people came through over the two days - a higher yield than last year's turnouts, but nothing like the bumper crop of 15,000 two years ago.
Yet while the rain may have put a dampener on the overall numbers, those manning the stalls at the event certainly weren't worried about the rain.
"If we don't have rain, we don't have customers, the two are related," Coolamon director Bruce Hutcheon said.
Coolamon manufactures steel spreaders and chaser bins - with bins measuring from 18 tonnes up to 30.
Mr Hutcheon said events like these were an important way to connect with new and existing customers.
The Coolamon-based business this year started exporting to New Zealand and has developed, designed and built unique hybrids.
"There's a need for strong Australian built machines made for Australian conditions," Mr Hutcheon said.
It's not just about heavy machinery however, Wagga-based startup Agrinet was showing off technology which creates a WiFi network across properties.
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"A farmer can have a camera 10 kilometres away from his house, and that camera can have a range of one kilometre and 360 degrees.
He can spot a fly-struck sheep 500 metres away with the camera," Mr Winson said. Mr Zappacosta thanked financial and in-kind sponsors, as well as the RFD team for their work over six months.
"We always welcome feedback. Anyone who would like to be a part of our team as well don't hesitate to get in touch via our website."
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Declan Rurenga
Declan Rurenga was the editor of Griffith's Area News and Leeton's Irrigator until September 2023. Before landing at the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, he reported news in Junee, Wagga Wagga, Orange and Cootamundra.
Declan Rurenga was the editor of Griffith's Area News and Leeton's Irrigator until September 2023. Before landing at the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, he reported news in Junee, Wagga Wagga, Orange and Cootamundra.
