Ag-Grow 2008

Livestock and agriculture to take centre stage at Ag-Grow QMIX

ORGANISERS of the forthcoming Ag-Grow QMIX fields set for July 10, 11, and 12 are delighted with the response to the number of exhibitors and trade displays attending this year.

The gates will open at 8am on Thursday, July 10, and the program will be jam-packed.

According to Cate Dunbar, manager of Ag-Grow QMIX, exhibitor numbers have exceeded 500 booked sites, which is very pleasing.

“We are delighted that along with some of our regular exhibitors who have been with us since inception, we will offer the public many new clients showcasing their products, and this will give our visitors unlimited variety,” Ms Dunbar said.

“The Emerald region has enjoyed an excellent season in terms of rain, and there has been a pleasing response from the livestock and agricultural sector with all the major companies being represented on sites at this event.”

Ag-Grow QMIX will be officially opened on Friday, July 11, at 10.30am by the Leader of the Queensland Opposition, Lawrence Springboard, MLA.

Mr Springboard will then spend the rest of the day at the event, and is looking forward to meeting as many people as possible.

The field day site has undergone a massive financial injection to improve and upgrade facilities and infrastructure over the past few years to accommodate growing demand for sites.

Livestock exhibitors and sale vendors continue to play an increasing part of the success of the overall event.

The Queensland Superior Beef Bull Sale, held as part of the event has attracted a record number of 238 bulls catalogued, and this sale will be held over two days of selling.

The sale will get underway on Thursday July 11, at 12.30pm

Over the first day of the bull sale breeds represented include Angus, Red Angus, Gelbvieh, Red Simmental, Shorthorn, Santa Gertrudis, Droughtmaster

On day two of the bull sale, set for Friday, July 13, the Romagnola, Charolais and Charbray bulls will go under the hammer.

On Friday, prior to the start of the bull sale will be the popular Ag-Grow Super Store Cattle show and sale, where in excess of 700 head will be yarded, judged, and sold.

The judging of the Ag-Grow Super Store Cattle show and sale will take place at 8am, and the sale at 9am.

On Thursday, July 10, the Clermont Performance Horse Club will conduct the Ringer and Futurity Challenge, while the Open Challenge will be held on Friday, July 11.

Competitors will compete for the $6000 prize pool.

 

A working horse sale is set for Saturday, July 12 at 10am.

Selling agents have catalogued a total of 97 horses, including 51 ridden fillies and mares, 43 ridden geldings, two ridden stallions and one led filly.

 

Meanwhile strong but friendly rivalry between Queensland and NSW competitors will exist at the Working Cattle Dog Trials held over the three days.

 

According to dog trial organizer Steve Bile, Rocklands, Rolleston, up to 80 working dogs representing both Border Collie, and Kelpie breeds are expected to nominate.

There will be a strong focus on careers at the Defencejobs Careers pavilion, and it will be abuzz with information on the employment opportunities.

Exhibitors will be on-hand from the mining, rural, construction, training, skilled and tertiary qualified sector, to outline career opportunities available.

Ms Dunbar is also quick to point out that the ladies visiting the event have not been neglected.

“The ladies who visit this year are really going to be very spoilt as we have lots and lots of products especially for them.”

“They will be able to shop for all the usual items, plus jewellery, gifts, lingerie, and some of the best pampering items,” Ms Dunbar said.