The 2014 Small Farms Field Day at Malanda Showgrounds on 8th November is shaping up to be bigger and better than the first one that was held only last year.   There is still just a few days left to register your stall or exhibition.

“The Small Farms field day is about everything country, tractors, motorcycles, irrigation, farm equipment and animals” said field day coordinator Bob Stewart.  “We like to keep it simple, so that everyone can enjoy catching up, and finding out about how to grow things better on their block.”

As more consumers develop a craving for local fresh food, a batch of new small farms is finding innovative ways to meet the demand. This rural renaissance is producing more varieties of vegetables, raising goats, sheep and buffalo to produce new types of cheese, or finding creative methods of getting it to market, and this is what the new Small Farms Field Day is all about.

Targeting all North Queensland small farmers, from Cairns to Townsville, the field day is building on the resounding success of the inaugural field day last year. “We were almost overwhelmed by the number of people that poured through the gates last year, and the business being done was amazing” said Chairman Glen Drury.

Feedback surveys revealed that people wanted more stalls, more information, more animals, more stalls and more often. “So the organisers North Johnstone and Lake Eacham Landcare, and the Malanda Show Society have listened to this and a sensational array of exhibitors are already booked, new sponsors and partners are coming on board, and new sections are being added” said Glen

Cross Stitch Corner, Johnstone River Catchment Management and Terrain NRM have all decided to back this fresh new event with sponsorships. The Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal is funding a new and innovative Small Farmers Information Centre to help people decide how to make the best use of their small landholding to create a sustainable rural lifestyle.

Jude Nechwatal from Cheesemaking and More, will be demonstrating how to make cheeses in the home kitchen. The Home Cheesemakers Competition will allow the many budding cheesemakers in the area to showcase their ability to master this old craft. Three categories will be judged, and then spectators can taste the delicate differences between home-made camembert, fetta and cream cheeses.

Features will include the Celebrity Goat Milking Competition. The new event of Chainsaw Carving is proving popular, and TREAT, Tree Kangaroo and Mammal Group and Tablelands Wildlife Rescue will be giving talks and information on planting for, and living with wildlife on small and large blocks and even backyards.

The Malanda Showgrounds is transformed into a little village for the field day with names such as Country Lane, Farmer’s Lane, Equestrian Lane, Landcare Lane, Green Energy Corridor, Rural Technology Pavilion and the large and small Animal Sheds .

“With home grown produce, information, fun and entertainment as well as offering the best in country foods, the small farms field day is guaranteed to have something of interest for everyone” said Bob Stewart

Anyone interested in being an exhibitor, competitor or wanting to participate in any way in this fresh new event is encouraged to visit the website www.malandasmallfarms.com  phone Carl on 40965349 or email at info@malandasmallfarms.