2018 · Producer information days in Scone, Tocal and Wingham, where they were provided with drought management advice and updated on current animal health issues and

2018 | TOCAL Field Days | 1

| TOCAL Field Days | 20182



After a number of years of agriculture “riding high”, drought has tightened its grip on the Hunter.

But even in these challenging times, Tocal College Principal Darren Bayley remains optimistic, with the college going from strength to strength and the scene being set for another successful field days.

The Tocal Field Days celebrates 35 years in 2018 making it one of the most enduring events in regional NSW, and Mr Bayley hopes that this year’s attendance will equal, if not surpass, the 22,000 people who flocked through the gates last year.

“People keep coming back to the Tocal Field Days because the event has earned the reputation for being a one-stop shop in terms of landholders being able to source machinery, equipment and information, not to mention have a great day out,” Mr Bayley said.

“It doesn’t matter whether you’re looking for the best deal on a new tractor or a chainsaw, or the latest information on land management, livestock or careers, it is available at the field days.

“At what other event could you do this, plus keep the kids entertained at the pig races, go shopping in the Lifestyle marquee, indulge in great food, listen to talented performers,

mingle with car enthusiasts down at the Ute Muster, then go and catch a carp in the dam?

“It’s an old adage, but there’s something for everyone, no matter whether you attend on one or all three days,” he said.

It has never been more important to farm efficiently and make good business decisions, he said.

Mr Bayley said 2018 was shaping up to be another exciting and busy year for Tocal College, with 60 students enrolled in the first year of its Certificate III in Agriculture course, and solid numbers in its Certificate IV and popular horse courses.

“It’s ‘full house’ in the residential colleges,” he said.

Tocal College enjoyed an enviable reputation for success, with a recent survey revealing that 90 per cent of students found work or enrolled in further study within three months of graduating.

“Our students are given a lot of exposure to many different farms during the course of their studies, this puts them under the eyes of industry and therefore potential employers,” he said.

Mr Bayley said the Field Days - traditionally held over three days on the first weekend in May - reinforced

the connection between the city and the country.

"In times of plenty - when dams are full and pastures green - it was sometimes easy to overlook where food and fibre comes from," he said.

But farmers are a resilient bunch and they have survived droughts and floods in the past and will do so again.

“The team at Tocal once again looks forward to welcoming you to the Field Days,” Mr Bayley said.

“See you there.”

The lure of Tocal...a message from Darren Bayley

• From Maitland Station

• Leaves on the hourfrom 9 am

• Returns on the half hour

• Park & Ride and get adiscounted entry!



NSW is renowned for having some of the best fishing locations anywhere in the country and so it’s little wonder that recreational fishing is enjoyed by 850,000 anglers every year.

The region that surrounds Tocal Agricultural Centre is no exception, with the pristine Port Stephens’ coastline, the vast waters of Lake Macquarie, plus the myriad rivers and dams that attract avid anglers of all ages and abilities right on its doorstep.

Recreational fishing industry is extremely valuable to coastal and inland communities, generating about $3.4 billion of economic activity into the NSW economy each year.

This exciting and growing industry is regulated by NSW Department of Primary Industries and the department is delighted to partner with the Tocal Field Days in showcasing fish at this year’s event.

NSW DPI Fisheries is responsible for supporting economic growth and sustainable access to the state’s aquatic resources through both recreational and commercial fisheries management, as well as research, aquaculture development, habitat protection and rehabilitation, regulation and compliance.

Fisheries promote awareness of conserving, developing and sharing the fishery resources for the benefit of present and future generations.

Recreational fishing regulations, including size and bag limits, are in place to protect and conserve fish stocks and aquatic habitats to ensure that fishing activities remain sustainable.

Fishers over the age of 18 require a recreational fishing licence, with all funds raised placed into Recreational Fishing Trusts to be spent directly on improving fishing in NSW.

This is achieved through fisheries education and advisory materials such as the FishSmart app, managing facilities and access including cleaning tables and fishing platforms, enhancement through stocking and artificial reefs, as well as regulation and compliance.

The Fisheries education program, Fishcare, promotes sustainable recreational fishing through fostering stewardship and developing skills with fishing workshops for junior anglers and school visits, community engagement fishing for organisations, as well as distribution of information at advisory events such as the Tocal Field Days.

If anyone has any questions about fishing in NSW visit the Fisheries team in the DPI tent at the Field Days or drop in to one of the fishing workshops.

Angling for a sustainable future


There’s something fishy going on ... and everyone who visits the 2018 Tocal Field Days is invited to join in.

To help celebrate fish being the feature of this year’s Field Days, NSW Department of Primary Industries will run a variety of activities to promote sustainable recreational fishing and encourage everyone to get out on the water and have a go.

There will be activities for everyone, from beginners who want to learn the basics of fishing through to keen anglers.

First stop is the NSW DPI tent for information and advice about responsible recreational fishing in NSW waters. Find out about licences, size and bag limits, as well as sustainable fishing practices.

Check out Fisheries’ advisory trailer, affectionately known as Bluey, which comes complete with a touch tank to

enable kids to get up close and learn about some of the aquatic critters they may come across in the local marine environment.

Whether you’re a novice or experienced fisher, or perhaps you’re just interested in giving it a crack on the day, be sure not to miss the free practical fishing workshops run by dedicated Fishcare volunteers.

These fishing sessions are suitable for all ages and will run across the three days of the Field Days at Tocal Homestead lagoon. It’s only a short shuttle ride from where the main events are held.

Here you will learn how to cast a line or even test your casting accuracy in hitting a target. Learn how to tie new knots, bait different hooks, identify local fish species, master catch and release techniques and find out how to correctly measure your catch.

Then put your skills to the test by trying your luck at catching some carp in the lagoon.

It promises to be a bag full of fun for all the family. Hope to catch you there!

Get hooked on fishing


Workforce Skills provides a wide range of training courses for primary producers, small farm owners and new entrants to agriculture.

The accredited training stems from a relationship between Tocal College and NSW DPI staff, and is based on the most up-to-date information, with expansive resources and sites available for training purposes.

The focus is to service training for the rural sector in what is a fast-paced, technological and legislative age.

A range of one, two or three-day courses are available in a diverse range of areas such as production agriculture, farm safety and land management courses.

Skills Recognition offers a process which recognises your experience, skills and knowledge already gained towards obtaining a nationally recognised qualification, is also available.

A discussion with a Skills Recognition officer will assist in determining the right path for you.

A Tocal traineeship is a great way to get government-funded training while being paid to work in a farming enterprise.

Achieving a qualification through Tocal College will allow you to gain academic credit towards a university degree.

Tocal College, in partnership with the University of New England in Armidale, is offering a new pathway of study to a Bachelor of Agricultural Production and Management (Agrifood Systems).

Students can choose to begin the Diploma and Advanced Diploma at Tocal and then articulate to UNE, or enrol at both institutions and complete the Tocal College and UNE courses in an integrated study program.

Tocal College, in partnership with SafeWork NSW, offers subsidised quad bike training to eligible farmers and their workers at various locations across NSW.

A one-day course to assist farmers and farm workers implement safety measures around the use of quad bikes on farms.

For further information regarding training contact Kim Griffiths on 1800 025 520.

DPI Skills Training

Bees are an essential ingredient in the food chain, pollinating many food crops such as almonds, apples, avocados, blueberries, cherries, cucumbers, sunflowers and watermelons.

Many Australian native plants are also pollinated by bees.

Tocal College offers a number of study options for students as well as landholders and other people interested in beekeeping, and an information stand at this year’s Tocal Field Days aims to spread the word about bees and the courses that are available.

Certificate III in Beekeeping is a nationally accredited, trade level qualification available to students through blended learning at Tocal College.

Sample some of Tocal’s own honey at the stand; there will be small jars of special Tocal Summer Honey for sale like the ones included in a gourmet hamper of local produce that is given to guests staying at The Barracks accommodation near Tocal Homestead.

Tocal Book Shop also has a number of specialist publications on bees and beekeeping.

Buzz in the air at field days


The all new Shimano Fishing Tank Show will be hosted by nationally known fishing presenter and enthusiast Dave ‘Mossy’ Moss.

With his vast knowledge and enthusiasm for fishing, Mossy will keep the audience enthralled with his highly entertaining show that is sure to excite both adults and kids visiting this year’s Tocal Field Days.

The Shimano Fishing Tank Show features a 10-metre long fishing tank enabling a great demonstration of catching and releasing popular fish, while showcasing some of Shimano’s new range of gear.

A highlight of the show is when Mossy selects a child from the audience to go on stage to catch a fish - right there, on the spot - and release it back into the tank.

They will have a chance to win a kid’s fishing combo, plus there will be heaps of free handouts after each show.

Mums and dads also get a chance to win some great prizes. Enter on a touch screen for the chance to win the daily prize of a $1000 Shimano fishing pack and Mako eyewear pack.

Mossy heads up exciting ShimanoFishing Tank Show



Hunter Local Land Services is here to help

It’s been a tough start to the year for many producers and communities across the region, with decent rain failing to fall since winter 2017.

Hunter Local Land Services staff have been at the frontline assisting landholders. They understand the huge emotional toll managing a property during drought can have on families and farming communities.

In February, more than 200 people attended Regional Producer information days in Scone, Tocal and Wingham, where they were provided with drought management advice and updated on current animal health issues and industry news. These updates are held twice a year, to help producers engage with LLS staff; industry experts; trade companies and support agencies.

Hunter LLS staff can assist with farm planning to increase the productivity and profitability of your property.

The service has dedicated Sustainable Agriculture Officers in Paterson, Scone and Wingham.

It also has a Regional Pastures Officer, Regional Agronomy Officer and Regional Livestock Officer to assist landholders improve skills and capacity for managing their property and herd.

This financial year, $1.47 million in grants has been allocated to local landholders to improve their natural landscape and deliver projects that benefit the region.

It also provides $30,000 annually for small community grants to help local organisations complete on ground projects or host educational events.

Assisting landholders meet their biosecurity responsibilities is a crucial part of LLS work.

Last year, LLS trained more than 300 people in 1080 and pindone accreditation, to help them control wild dogs, foxes and rabbits.

The biggest control program ever to be undertaken is underway in 2018, and it’s not too late to contact your local biosecurity officer to get involved.

The service’s Peri-Urban Officer is working with smaller, semi-rural landholders to help them understand their biosecurity responsibilities and manage pest animals and weeds on their property.

While not everyone living on the fringe of local towns may be rural producers, LLS wants to help them manage pest animals and weeds to safeguard the region’s valuable agricultural sector and natural environments.

Together we can strengthen the value and productivity of agriculture in the Hunter, that is already worth $400 million annually to the nation’s economy.

Visit the Hunter Local Land Service marquee in the Land, Plants and Environment area at the Tocal Field Days, where you will be able speak to their expert staff, learn more about their programs and projects and check out their taxidermy pest animals.


Caped crusaders run amok at field daysWhere else would you expect to see Knights of the Round Table cavorting around a castle complete with moat?

And the Knights? They’re actually pigs dressed in capes featuring the colours and numbers of their favourite NRL team, the Newcastle Knights of course!

What could possibly go wrong? Just about everything but what’s guaranteed is great entertainment for all the family at the annual piglet races at the Tocal Field Days.

This is the 17th year that the Animal Nursery has been a part of the Field Days and coordinator Viv Rogers says visitors can expect to see some of their old favourites as well as meet some newcomers.

Llamas will be out in force this year; Hamish is well-known to regular visitors and he will be joined by Arlo the bionic llama.

Arlo required orthopaedic surgery to his legs and spent his first six weeks in plaster.

“He’s a very special little boy and he knows it,” Ms Rogers said.

New to the field days this year will be a sulky drawn by another llama, Tyrion.

Silkie bantams, dyed in every colour of the rainbow, will be there along with chickens and ducklings hatching before your eyes in an incubator.

And, of course, there will be goats and alpacas for kids of all ages to see.

Back again this year will be the popular Farm Yard Photo Booth, but which celebrity critter will be lining up to be in your selfies?

Will it be Jemima the duck or one of the other feathery or furry friends? It’s being kept a surprise so head on down to the Animal Nursery with your

camera or phone to find out. The photo booth is free.

The ever-increasing popularity of the animal nursery will result in a bigger and airier marquee this year - which will allow better access to the animals.

Tocal College students will once again be helping out and will be happy to answer any questions, including about life at the college.


All Four x 4 SparesAll Four X 4 Spares - Newcastle’s specialist 4WD spares parts, service centre and camping gear supplier - is giving visitors to the 2018 Tocal Field Days the chance to win a fantastic Gate Prize.

Just by walking through the gates at this year’s field days and filling out the entry coupon on page 13, one lucky visitor will win a Darche Dirty Dee 1100 swag valued at $500.

The Darche Dirty Dee 1100 is the ultimate freestanding swag for your 4WD, camping, hunting or fishing adventure in the great outdoors.

All Four X 4 Spares General Manager Peter Harris said the Kotara business had been exhibiting at the Field Days for six years (see them this year on site 116 and 117) and was proud to be the sponsor of this year’s Gate Prize.

“We’re bringing a Toyota Landcruiser with a difference to the Tocal Field Days and it’s likely to create a great deal of interest, particularly with people who tow caravans,” Mr Harris said.

Mr Harris said All Four X 4 Spares

supplied a comprehensive range of genuine new spare parts as well as reconditioned spare parts, and its large workshop centre was manned by a team of specialists who were passionate about 4WDs.

The business also stocks a wide range of 4WD accessories and these, together with suspension, brake and other components, will be on display at the Field Days.

“It may sound like a cliche but All Four X 4 Spares is recognised in the industry as Australia’s favourite 4WD destination,” he said.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS• Fill in the Entry form below and drop at the ‘Cowavan’ opposite the Nash Park stage • Entries open 9 am May 4 and close at 3 pm May 6 • The draw will take place on Sunday at 3.15 pm on the Nash Park stage • Prize is not redeemable for cash or transferrable • Persons entering this competition agree to be contacted by the organisers • Members of Tocal Field Days Association are not eligible to enter • If the prize is not claimed within 7 days of the organisers contacting the winner, the prize will be redrawn by the Chair of Tocal Field Days

DETACH HERE - Put in entry box at ‘Cowavan’ in Nash Park

Name: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Phone: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Address: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Email: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .GATE P

RIZ

E

Darche Dirty Dee1100 Camping Swag

Freestander 2150mm x 1100mm with 50mm foam mattress

Great for outdoors adventures

Rev up your engines for Ute Muster Utes with monster bull bars, aerials and lights, adorned with stickers from rodeos, pubs and other musters from across the country.

They’ll all be there - feral, B&S, classic, rural, street work/trade, 4X4 and of course chick’s utes - for the 9th annual Tocal Field Days Ute Muster on Sunday, May 6.

And there’s an exciting new category this year - the people’s choice award - in which all entrants will be given the opportunity to vote for someone who is passionate about their ute and consistently tries hard but isn’t quite in the winning league.

“This special category recognises the passion and their commitment to entering ute musters,” Ute Muster judge Mel McDonald said.

Trophies will be presented to the winner of each category.

Sound offs for V8s, V6s and a special category for four-cylinder diesel utes will be sure to draw a lot of attention. Just follow the roar of the engines!

With the number of entries limited to 60 utes, pre-entry is recommended and it will also save you money.

Enter on the day and you’ll pay the full admission price of $18 per person

plus $5 to compete in the Ute Muster.

With pre-registration you pay just $8 per person (maximum two people) for admission and $5 per ute.

The gates will be open between 6am-9am to allow entry; utes cannot leave the grounds until 4pm.

Download the entry form from the 2018 Tocal Field Days website.


‘The Wedge’Saturday May 5

10.00 am Charli Henshaw10.45 am Trinity Woodhouse11.30 am Laura Higgins12.15 am Charli Henshaw1.00 pm Trinity Woodhouse1.45 pm Laura Higgins2.30 pm Reese Hamilton3.15 pm Saharsh Joshi3.45 om Reese Hamilton4.15 pm Saharsh Joshi

Sunday May 610.00 am Charlotte and Jess10.45 am Chelsea Rollings11.30 am Charlotte and Jess12.15 Pm Lili Crane1.00 pm Chelsea Rollings1.45 pm Piper Butcher2.30 pm Chelsea Rollings3.15 pm Piper Butcher


South of Centre Road Exhibitor List

COMPANY NAME PHONESITE

NUMBER1800 HOSE VAN 1800 467 382 238Addicted to Coffee 0433 423 523 T16Arrow Farmquip (Yarrum Rural Supplies) 1800 814 107 239, 240ASV Sales & Service 02 4014 8000 267, 268Better Pool & Irrigation Supplies 0477 022 883 271Bonanza Trailer 02 4014 8000 266Bonjani Wood Fired Pizza T15

Chesterfield Australia 02 4932 5588 272, 273, 274, 275, 276, 277

Chicken Caravan 1300 655 735 W10

Clark Equipment 02 4983 6400 222, 223, 236, 237, 244, 245

Cook Blacksmiting 02 4990 6139 290ADouble R Equipment Repairs 0477 467 781 230, 231Earthmoving Equipment Australia 02 9671 1000 218 Earthsafe Australia 02 4932 4400 299, 300East Coast Trailers and Horsefloats 02 4368 4826 219, 220Elstar Motocycle and Quads 02 9772 1555 224EnviroPro Alternatives 1800 707 076 292Gato Sales and Repairs 02 4955 5533 232Heavenly Grind Coffee Bar 0434 416 000 T13Heritage Tanks 02 4657 1698 302Homestar Promotions 03 9015 7507 221Hunter Valley Wide Span Sheds 0410 642 659 301Kanga Loaders Global 02 9854 1444 287Landaco Equipment 1800 358 600 278Lucas Mill 03 5728 7283 229M & M Bamboo 0400 892 870 W1Maitland Dog Obedience Club 0412 806 964 WedgeMaximus Trade Centre Rutherford 02 4057 0281 297, 297AMichael Jones Real Estate 0410 747 003 293Mighty Bulk Silos 03 9702 4855 305Milbrotec 02 6574 0000 296Modern Motors Dungog 02 4992 1486 249, 250, 251National Poly Industries 02 4015 7804 279, 280

National Stockyard Systems 02 4932 1363 233, 234, 235, 246, 247

Newcastle ATV Centre 02 4951 1184 283Newcastle Chainsaws & Mowers 02 4961 1332 241, 242, 243Newcastle Mower Superstore 02 4987 3837 263, 264, 265Newcastle Mowers & Outdoor Equipment Centre 02 4951 1184 285

Nungar Trading Co. Bushmans Outfitters 02 6928 1134 286Omya Australia 0407 273 500 298PacPanel 02 4932 6158 281Paterson Rural Fire Brigade 02 4938 5064 CC6Pboz Country 02 4988 6722 W2, W3Perception Lighting 02 9191 7348 303Power Pro Industries 0416 212 339 295Red River Stockyards 1300 068 067 253, 254Sammut Agricultural Machinery 02 4579 6511 260SC Moto - Bikes, Quads and Side x Side's 02 4982 7577 226, 227ShedFast 1300 138 000 225Sherco Motorcycles Newcastle 02 4951 1184 282Sota Tractors 02 4735 5931 261, 262Sun-Power Auto Gates 02 6280 4655 248Super Tool Australia Trust 02 9793 8468 289Thorburns Fabrication 0424 332 960 294TJM Hunter Valley 02 4951 1184 284Ubuild Containers 0491 030 932 304Uniboom Spraying Equipment 02 9627 5580 269, 270Woodville School of Arts 0414 585 084 W5



Sample a top drop from historicBoydell’s vineyard Boydell’s will showcase its wines at the Tocal Field Days for the first time this year, with visitors invited to taste the fruits of their labour in what has been an exceptional vintage.

The boutique vineyard at East Gresford is owned by Daniel and Jane Maroulis who moved to the historic property on the banks of the Allyn River two years ago.

Daniel grew up in Bourke, studied agriculture in Armidale and farmed at Narromine, and while he has more than 20 years’ experience in agriculture, this has been his first venture into wine.

“I have always had a passion for growing things, and I love good wine, so venturing into growing grapes and producing wine seemed like a natural progression,” Daniel said.

This year marks their second full vintage and, like their first, it has been outstanding; in 2017, Boydell’s Verdelho and Rose were among the winners at the Hunter Valley, NSW Small Wine Makers and NSW Wine awards.

Verdelho, sparkling verdelho, rose, shiraz, pinot noir and merlot will be available for tasting and purchase in the Good Food and Wine area at the field days, with some of the varieties being the perfect accompaniment

to fish which is being featured at the event.

The vineyard - now home to Daniel and Jane and four daughters under the age of seven - was first settled by Charles Boydell in 1826, making it one of the oldest vineyards in NSW.

Daniel now employs the renowned Liz Silkman, of First Creek Winery at Pokolbin, as his principal winemaker.

“The vines were planted 18-20 years ago and so are just hitting their straps in terms of producing some prize-winning wines,” Daniel said.

Daniel and Jane also breed Angus cattle and have further diversified into tourism, with their African safari tent available for the ultimate glamping experience.Drone simulator

gives marquee a buzzHunter Local Land Services is proud to partner with Young Farming Champion Casey Onus at the Tocal Field Days to showcase innovation and technology in the agriculture sector.

The focus will be on drone technology and visitors to the Local Land Services’ marquee in the Land, Plants and Environment area will have the opportunity to operate a drone using a drone simulator.

Casey is passionate about the practical implementation of drones and automated systems on farms and brings a global perspective to the unique technology needs to Australian farmers.

During 2018, Casey will partner with Hunter LLS to deliver the Archibull education program to schools in the region.


Let us entertain youTalent at Tocal returns to the Field Days this year, with a lineup of more than 20 young performers especially chosen to entertain crowds over the three days of the event.

Tocal Field Days manager Wendy Franklin said Talent at Tocal was all about giving young performers a break in the music industry.

Artists have to first make the cut at auditions after which they sign a professional contract and are paid

commercial rates for performing a set numbers of songs.

“The feedback we have received from visitors has been fantastic, with people really embracing the young artists and the concept of giving young performers a go.

“And you never know, one of the performers could be famous one day, and they’d be able to say ‘I got my first break in the music industry at the Tocal Field Days’, she said.

Thirteen-year-old Piper Butcher, is excited by the prospect of adding the Tocal Field Days to her list of performances, which also includes Bluesfest at Byron Bay, Lizotte’s at Lambton, Rhythm Hut at Gosford and the Toronto foreshore.

Piper, from West Wallsend, who sings and plays guitar and says she loves entertaining, will perform a range of country-inspired music by Chris Isaacs, Casey Chambers and Holly

Williams at the Field Days.

Age has proved no barrier to the lineup of talented performers with eight-year-old singer Matilda Adams from Maitland and 10-year-old singer Chelsea White from Pelaw Main booked to give performances at the Homestead.

Singer and ukulele/guitar player Azure Hudson from Rutherford will return to the Tocal Field Days to perform on the Main Stage this year after being a hit with the crowd at last year’s event.

Mount View High School duo, singer Ella Myers and guitarist Elliot Peden, will also perform on the Main Stage, while Dungog High singer Charli Henshaw will perform at the Wedge.

“There are too few opportunities for young performers to get this sort of experience in front of a live audience and be paid for it."

“It’s our way of giving back to the community,” she said.


Hunter Wildlife Rescue on call 24/7Extreme temperatures and bushfires across the Lower Hunter at the start of the year took a major toll on wildlife.

At the Hunter Wetlands Centre at Shortland, adult birds abandoned their habitat as the swamps began to dry up, leaving behind hundreds of starving chicks.

Birds literally dropped out of the sky in the sweltering heat and bat colonies were sprayed with water to keep them hydrated.

Out-of-control bushfires ravaged hundreds of hectares of land around Williamtown, koalas, birds and flying foxes were sadly among the casualties.

Injured and orphaned wildlife, including 200 baby flying foxes, were taken into care and rehabilitated, many of which have since been released back into the wild.

It is situations such as this that Hunter Wildlife Rescue comes to the fore, with its team of 250 volunteers from Maitland, Cessnock, Newcastle and Lake Macquarie ready to lend a helping hand.

Responding to disasters is only one part of the tireless work carried out by the group, which relies almost solely on donations to rescue and rehabilitate native fauna on a daily basis.

Hunter Wildlife Rescue also undertakes vital public education and, as it has in the past, will have a stall at the Tocal Field Days.

With fish being the focus of this year’s Field Days, the Hunter Wildlife Rescue will be sharing its vast knowledge and experience on the disastrous impact that plastic is having on the marine environment and creatures such as sea turtles.

Grey headed flying foxes and snakes will be on display. Learn how to encourage wildlife into the backyard by constructing a nesting box and how to set up a frog pond.

Volunteers will be on hand to talk to visitors about the group’s work and the children will be kept entertained with colouring in and activities such as making an owl out of a pine cone.

Visit the Hunter Wildlife Rescue stand in the Local Land Services marquee.


Talking about a revolution...in agricultureThere is a revolution taking place in paddocks across Australia and it's called precision agronomy.

Precision agronomy is the term used to describe the collection, analysis and application of data to enable better decisions to be made about crops and pastures.

Data is collected in real time from various sources, for example, by drones using infrared cameras to detect greenness, from yield map technology connected to harvesters and pickers, or from soil data tests and electromagnetic (EM) surveys.

All the information is then standardised onto a computer program that produces a prescription map of the property.

"Precision agronomy is akin to when automation was introduced to the manufacturing sector," Tocal College leader workforce development, Charlie Bell said.

"It's a tool that is available to land managers, and it works.

"It really is the direction we need to be going to revolutionise agriculture," he said.

Precision Agronomy training is delivered to full time Tocal College students.

Delivery of this training to industry is also available via two, two-day workshops, together with an online component.

"This model for development and delivery of training is proving to be effective may become a prototype for industry led training in other sectors," he said.

Visit the land management tent at the Tocal Field Days where there will be a static display and video on the benefits that precision agronomy can bring to your farming enterprise.

Focus on innovation Tocal Field Days has partnered with Landmark Rutherford to bring visitors to the event the latest information on best practice methods for the beef industry.

“The message is that it doesn’t matter whether you’ve been in the industry for 30-40 years, are relatively new to the industry, or are considering taking a leap into the industry for the first time, there’s always something new to learn,” Tim Eyes, the head of livestock at this year’s Field Days, said.

“The demands on animal health and wellbeing, as well as safety in the workplace, have never been so great,” Mr Eyes, a former dux of Tocal College, said.

Mr Eyes said good yard design and safety - for both handlers and animals - were crucial, as was staying up to date with the ‘how, why and whens’ of drenching and vaccination.

The use of new technology, such as walkover weighing and the use of National Livestock Identification Scheme (NLIS) electronic tagging would be demonstrated at the Field Days.

Electronic tagging enables producers to record a herd’s progress, with the ability to download “real time” data onto a computer for on-the-spot evaluation and decision making.

Poll Hereford, Dexters, Galloway and Braford breeders will be exhibiting their cattle at the Field Days and welcome to opportunity to share their knowledge with visitors. Sheep and goat breeders will also be represented.

Make your way to the livestock area for demonstrations on all three days of the Field Days, where Tocal College students will display their skills and the latest innovations in the beef cattle industry.


Farming partnership reaping rewardsTony Williams, Group Director, Regional Operations & Sector Initiatives, SafeWork NSW

The farming sector is critical to the NSW economy.

But despite making up just 2.6 per cent of the total Australian workforce, farming accounts for 20 per cent of worker deaths, with the annual cost of injuries in NSW totalling $31 million.

The NSW Government believes that every worker in the agriculture sector has the right to a safe and healthy workplace and is committed to working in partnership with the NSW agriculture sector to improve work health and safety and return to work outcomes.

In October 2017 SafeWork NSW launched the Agriculture Work Health and Safety Sector Plan as part of its Roadmap 2022.

In partnership with industry, the Plan aims to deliver safer and healthier agricultural workplaces through simple, practical and affordable safety management.

The Plan focuses on a number of areas of the agriculture sector where work health and safety and return to work outcomes can be improved, including quad bikes, working with horses, mental health and wellbeing and at-risk workers.

Progress has already been made in some of these areas with work underway on the development of programs to improve safety in others.

In relation to quad bike safety, the NSW Government is implementing the Quad Bike Safety Improvement Program to encourage and support farmers to adopt a range of harm prevention strategies to protect workers, family members and themselves.

As part of the program, the NSW Government offers two rebates worth up to $1000 each towards the purchase of compliant helmets, operator protective devices and the purchase of a safer side-by-side vehicle.

Free accredited quad bike training tailored to the farming community is also offered through premier agricultural training organisation Tocal College, with each participant receiving a free safety-compliant helmet.

Farmers across the state have embraced the program, investing more than $17.5 million in quad bike safety improvements since the program commenced with more than 600 farmers receiving free training.

In relation to improving safety when working with horses, SafeWork NSW is conducting a series of regional public workshops for equine businesses on Australia’s first Code of Practice for working with horses.

The COP has been developed after extensive consultation with industry to help drive down incidents and keep workers safe.

The workshops will discuss what the COP is, how to identify industry specific safety issues and the different safety solutions within the horse industry.

There will also be training sessions to outline the responsibilities of businesses and individuals when new or inexperienced riders or handlers interact with horses in the workplace, and how to manage the associated risks.


Main StageSaturday May 5

10.00 am Best Exhibit Awards10.00 am 'Tyke'10.45 am Chelsea Rollings11.30 am Dungog High School1.00 pm 'Tyke'1.45 pm Chelsea Rollings2.30 pm Trinity Woodhouse3.15 pm Todd Haywood3.45 pm Trinity Woodhouse4.15 pm Todd Haywood

Sunday May 610.00 am Azure Hudson10.45 am Piper Butcher11.30 am Azure Hudson12.15 pm Piper Butcher1.00 pm Dee Dee Slade1.45 pm Lili Crane2.30 pm Dee Dee Slade3.15 pm Lili Crane


COMPANY NAME SITE No.A & M Tools - 0420 418 121 158Addicted to Coffee - 0433 423 523 T7Adjusta Mattress - 1300 223 587 160Ag-Pride Australia 166, 167, 174, 17502 4964 8818Al-Anon - 0417 467 897 H2All Four x 4 Spares - 02 4041 4000 116, 117Alpacasa - 0438 800 833 197Anu Tools - 0430 147 395 202, 203Atlantic Oil - 02 9829 7555 133Ausave Energy - 1300 11 33 13 139Aztech Solar - 1300 992 922 151Barbeques Galore Maitland - 02 4933 1323 204Bare Nature Furniture - 0417 453 136 113Basix Plastix - 02 4964 2212 91ABendigo Clothing - 03 5428 9304 156Better Living Australia S25, S26, S271800 253 893 BJ Enterprises & Marketing- 0427 131 007 115 Calrossy Anglican School - 02 6766 2965 S21CK Fairy Floss - 0479 173 786 144Cloud 9 Chairs / Professional Nibbler 11003 9489 1177 Coast & Valley Tractors 123, 124, 125, 126, 127 02 4360 4040 Corry Marketing - 03 9584 7587 149Cospak - 02 4963 8900 S31Crocodile Creek Rural Supplies- 02 6649 3148 121 Discount Cable Ties - 0497 888 222 107Discount Tractors & Trailers- 02 6553 1432 100Doug’s Hats - 02 6647 2129 186Duraplas Industries - 02 6552 6800 181, 182Earthsafe Environmental - 1300 327 847 206East Coast Water Blasters - 0477 417 058 101Emmy’s Turkish Gozleme - 0408 026 366 T8Enjo - 0414 319 686 S19Even Smarter Wares - 0410 170 001 S38, S39Extend Security - 03 5831 5031 185Eye Muffs by Reptiler - 0418 696 691 S20Ezy Beach - 0402 859 308 114Freshly Squeezed Water - 07 3352 6379 S24GoSolar Newcastle - 02 4954 9967 148Greenpro - 1800 768 748 153, 188, 189Gutter - Mesh - 0411 413 741 S17H20 Tanks & Liners - 0419 628 402 S48Happy Cloud, Bounce Back Balls 1550421 652 247 Hardwood Archeology - 0478 588 908 145HCB Solar - 02 4964 1153 200Hidden Valley Clothing - 0458 289 989 S34Hip Pocket Workwear & Safety 147 02 4934 8313 Hunter Melanoma Foundation 500 02 4985 0103 Hunter Pulse Therapy - 0401 426 546 S52Hunter Valley Mahindra - 1300 652 605 194CHydraulink Hose and Fittings - 1300 36 37 34 99 Jack Products - 0431 765 524 S36, 152Kakadu Outdoors - 0427 989 538 94Kentan Machinery 168, 169, 170, 171, 172, 17302 4964 8275 KGR Performance Offroad Lighting 20502 6334 2930 Kingspan / Rhino - 1800 632 410 118Kioti Tractors - 0408 548 547 194Kiwanis Club of East Maitland - 0417 455 130 S51Kooyong Furniture - 07 4668 0151 91KP & DC Machinery Overhauls 207, 20802 4932 6988 Lake and Valley Powersports - 02 4973 6000 109 Land Rover - 02 4721 5890 Terrace areaLandmark - 02 4932 7811 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 Letzgetwired - 0417 131 795 191, 192Maitland Community Care Services CP102 4932 5755 Maitland Community Men’s Shed S14, S1502 4934 1293 Maitland Gaol - 02 4936 6482 S30Master Turkish Foods - 0410 364 952 T9McCallum Made Chicken Tractors 1570425 751 794 McKeeco General Engineering - 02 6621 9544 193 Mega Cheap Hardware - 07 5437 6111 97, 98

North of Centre Road Exhibitor List

Metal Art - 0466 641 155 217Mini Dutch Pancakes - 0418 966 482 T12Mortels Sheepskin Factory - 02 4966 0990 112 Nationwide Super - 1800 025 241 S10Niagara Therapy - 07 3387 3387 S28nib health funds - 02 4933 2139 S9Nick Nack Gallery - 0414 188 269 92North West Farm Machinery (AGCO Australia) - 02 6746 3300 209NSW Mounted Police Patrolling site02 9319 2154 NSW Police - 02 4934 0200 Health & Safety NSW Rural Fire Service Fire Brigade02 4980 7300 Oakfield Ranch - ponies & camels CP6, CP9, CP100429 664 172 O’Briens Machinery 210, 211, 212, 213, 214, 21502 6545 2622 Obsessive - 0452 283 017 S23Onya & Goclip - 0413 131 305 S29Ozzi Kleen Sewage Systems - 0412 982 020 159Paterson Bolwarra Scouts Billy Boiling02 4930 1523 Paterson Public School P & C - 02 4938 5114 CC1 Paterson Rural Fire Brigade - 02 4938 5064 CC2Perry’s Lemon Myrtle Rainforest Products 18302 6564 2150 Pet Protector Hunter Valley S46, S470458 472 407 Peters Real Estate - 02 4933 7855 199Pioneer / Civcon Water - 02 4983 1107 95, 96, 111Proven pain relief - TENS - 07 5449 1719 S18Quik Spray - 1800 645 688 154, 187Rotary Club of Paterson - 0407 592 514 CC3Rotary Club of Rutherford Telarah CC402 4932 7034 Salami Shack - 0410 651 132 S22Semco Equipment Sales - 02 4954 7066 165, 176Shimano Fishing Tank Show - 0427 241 117 195Silvey’s Mowers and Chainsaws 161, 18002 4947 7150 SimpleWHS - 1800 053 425 184Snedden’s Fencing Products - 02 4996 4504 119Sock Warehouse - 0419 481 974 201Solahart Newcastle & Hunter Valley 12002 4951 3333 Southern Cross Ag Machinery 164, 17702 4932 3011 St Johns Ambulance Australia - First Aid First Aid0427 337 527 Stihl Shop Adamstown - 02 4952 9966 129Stihl Shop Ray Tce & Warners Bay 130, 131 02 4983 1150 Stockers & Partridge 162, 163, 178, 17902 4938 5154 Strictly Workwear - 0418 443 448 198Super Shammy - 0418 882 345 S35Super Tools - St Marys - 02 9623 6590 102Sydney Ice Cream - 1300 724 960 T10Sydney Ice Cream - 1300 724 960 T11Telstra - 1800 834 273 103, 104The Little Spanish Grater Plate - 0431 115 287 137The Original Australian Leather Seal 19003 9682 5100 TNN Australia - 02 4987 1353 128Toolking - 02 6332 5483 216Top Products - 0438 190 043 S49, S50Tornado Pumps & Sprayers 105, 10602 9824 8444 Total Eden - Bringing Water to Life 13802 4933 3111 Town & Country Roof Restoration 1500457 097 439 TractorHouse Australia - 1300 034 771 140Truckfit - 02 4932 8421 134, 135Valley Barrel Furniture - 0447 079 975 93Vermeer - 07 3275 4888 132Webster’s Coachworks - 02 4982 9744 108Weedwakka - 02 6236 8218 196Westfund Health - 1300 937 838 S4, S5Whip cracking display - 0488 618 811 194DWhitlands Engineering - 03 5729 7577 142, 143WHM Tractors - 1300 851 600 122

COMPANY NAME SITE No.


Catch up on the latest information Tocal Book Store has a range of specialist publications that can help you better manage your property.

The Department of Primary Industries’ EnviroGuide series includes titles such as the Principles of Ecology, Nature Conservation on Farms, and Vegetation Survey and Assessment.

A new edition of the highly regarded Restoring Natural Areas in Australia is now available and together with the Managing Waterways on Farms publication you will find plenty of guidance on how to keep your property’s natural systems healthy.

Don’t forget to also have a look at our latest publications.

Managing Climate Risk on Your Farm has practical advice to help deal with the changing climate.

There are two new AgGuide books in the bee series. Honey Harvesting and Extracting covers all the steps from hive to extraction for commercial honey production, and Pollination is an excellent resource for the lucrative business of commercial pollination.

Don’t want to carry a publication around? All of the publications are available as e-books, which are cheap

and convenient to take anywhere.

Take a look through the wide range of topics from the practical AgSkills titles that cover everything from alpacas, poultry, beef, sheep and pigs to tractors and fencing.

The AgGuide range provides more in-depth information on everything from soils, fertilisers to weed management, helping landholders make better decisions on their farms.

And believe it or not, the Tocal Book Store even has fishing mats, to ensure you make the right decisions about the fish you catch and take home.


Friends of TocalFriends of Tocal was established in 1993 to support activities associated with Tocal College and Tocal Homestead.

The group provides a valuable link between the College and the wider community, and it is always on the lookout for new members and volunteers.

Volunteers who choose to work at the Homestead are involved in the operation of the Tocal Visitor Centre for weekend openings as well as open days and events.

Members receive free entry to Homestead open days, invitations to College functions and a quarterly newsletter.

For further details about volunteering or membership phone 4939 8901.

Step back in time at historicTocal HomesteadSet under majestic fig trees amid gracious gardens and overlooking a lagoon, Tocal Homestead beckons visitors to step back in time.

The grand circa 1841 Homestead, together with the other colonial buildings on the farm, offer visitors a haven away from hustle and bustle of the main Field Days' venue.

Delicious homemade lunches and refreshments will be available on all three days of the Field Days, with proceeds assisting restoration projects on the heritage site.

Stroll around the historic surrounds, and be greeted by the smell of freshly

baked scones straight from the old wood stove.

Watch the blacksmith at work at his forge, check out the vintage machinery and classic trucks, or see sheep being shorn.

Getting to the Homestead is easy; just hop on the free shuttle bus which runs between Thunderbolts Corner and the homestead all day from 10am.

Put a return visit to Tocal Homestead in your diary to see the International Back to Back Wool Challenge on Sunday, June 10.

And don’t miss Peek Into The Past on Sunday, July 29, when the site comes alive with traditional artisans, heritage displays and lots of hands-on fun.

Entertainers at the

HomesteadSaturday May 5

10.45 am Chelsea White11.30 am Leila Kelly12.15 am Chelsea White1.00 pm Leila Kelly1.45 pm Luka G2.30 pm Tilly Adams3.15 pm Luka G3.45 pm Tilly Adams

Saturday May 610.00 am Charli Henshaw10.45 am Chelsea White11.30 am Charli Henshaw12.15 am Chelsea White1.00 am Azure Hudson1.45 am Charlotte and Jess2.30 am Azure Hudson



Amphibious vehicle enlistedin war on weedsA special attraction at the 2018 Tocal Field Days will be Maitland City Council’s recently acquired amphibious vehicle which is being used in the ongoing battle against weeds.

Essentially a boat on eight wheels, the Argo Avenger enables weeds officers to get into previously inaccessible waterways and already it has been put to good use tackling aquatic weeds infiltrating the Hunter River, Tenambit Wetlands, Telarah Lagoon, Wallis Creek and Morpeth Common.

“Aquatic weeds can have serious consequences, especially as their rate of growth and spread can be phenomenal,” MCC technical weeds advisor Terry Bignell said.

“If our waterways become infested with weeds they will not be available for recreational use, irrigation systems become blocked, native species get overridden, they harbour mosquitoes and water quality is compromised, not to mention the reduced aesthetic value,” he said.

Mr Bignell is part of the Hunter Regional Weeds Group - a partnership of 11 local government areas - which has been spreading the word on weeds for more than a decade.

The group aims to educate and engage the community on the importance of weed control and its presence at events such as the Tocal Field Days is a key part of its work.

Garden, farm, bushland, riparian and aquatic weeds all fall under the group’s scope.

Visitors to the Field Days are invited to bring along samples - in a sealed plastic bag - or photos of weeds they may have for identification and advice on how best to control or eradicate.

Weed control demonstrations will be conducted in front of weeds display marquee at 10.30am and 2pm on all three days of the field days.

“And don’t forget to bring the kids down for a look at Argo, they’ll love it,” Mr Bignell said.


Young people show leadership A team of young people passionate about the Tocal Field Days is injecting boundless enthusiasm and innovative ideas into the three-day event.

Former Tocal College students James Dowd, Zac Haslem and Tocal trainee Rachel Folpp, have been working hard to ensure the Field Days' reputation of being professionally run and a memorable experience for all visitors continues in 2018.

"They have such great ideas and enthusiasm," Tocal Field Days manager Wendy Franklin said.

"I think keeping them involved long term is about giving them a voice in how the event is run," she said.

James Dowd, 21, has worked in the reception office at the college, and this year has helped sell advertising for the Tocal Field Days Guide Book.

"Selling advertising has been fun and given me new skills," James said.

James has worked at the Field Days since 2013 and, according to Ms Franklin, he is as adept in the office as he is at directing traffic.

"What impressed me about James was his ability to turn his hand to anything – that is something you really need at events as you never know where help will be needed next," she said.

Zac Haslem, 23, from Brisbane, has worked at the Tocal Field Days since 2011.

"I love the environment the Field Days create," Zac said, adding that he was also passionate about delivering high quality customer service.

Ms Franklin said it was Zac's understanding of the event that she most valued.

"He sees something that is not how it should be and he is straight on it to put it right," she said.

Rachel Folpp, 17, from Branxton, graduated from All Saints' College, St Mary's Campus, in Maitland last year and is now part way through a two-year Certificate IV in Business Administration.

The traineeship has landed her a position in the busy Tocal Field Days office where Ms Franklin said Rachel had "hit the ground running".

"Rachel might be painting site markers one day and entering exhibitor’s details in the database the next," Ms Franklin said.

"I'm loving it," Rachel said.

‘Especially being able to achieve a qualification while spending so much time outdoors."


2018 TOCAL FIELD DAYS MAJOR SPONSOR

Thanks to We appreciate the in-kindcontribution of

Tocal Field Days Association Community Contributions

Located in the Land, Plants &Environment Area Located on site 194C

For providing animal

nursery hay

For providing the prize for our

survey draw

CoordinatingGood Food

& Wine

CoordinatingHomestead

activities

CoordinatingChildren’s Park

Coordinating theBilly BoilingCompetition

Coordinatingthe

Craft AreaSite Set Up Commercial

CoordinatorsProject WorkCommercial

Coordinators

The Good GuysEast Maitland

for kitchen loan

For equipment loan

For providing the Gate Prize





NUMBER

1800 HOSE VAN 1800 467 382 2383 Girls Silky Soaps 0427 121 399 C31AA & M Tools 0420 418 121 158A Vintage Ambiance 0402 996 445 C2Addicted to Coffee 0433 423 523 T7, T16Adjusta Mattress 1300 223 587 160

Ag-Pride Australia 02 4964 8818 166, 167, 174, 175

Al-Anon 0417 467 897 H2All Four x 4 Spares 02 4041 4000 116, 117Alpacasa 0438 800 833 197Animal Nursery 02 4932 5851 Animal NurseryAnu Tools 0430 147 395 202, 203Arrow Farmquip (Yarrum Rural Supplies) 1800 814 107 239, 240ASV Sales & Service 02 4014 8000 267, 268Atlantic Oil 02 9829 7555 133Ausave Energy 1300 11 33 13 139Aussie Shade & Hot Houses 02 4932 1899 421Australian Alpaca Association - NSW Region 02 4934 1799 L27Australian Lace Guild 02 4937 2577 C3

Australian Museum of Clothing & Textiles 0403 652 550 Homestead Verandah

Austwide Beekeeping Supplies 0424 064 737 422AV Weather 0412 735 441 431Aztech Solar 1300 992 922 151Barbeques Galore Maitland 02 4933 1323 204Bare Nature Furniture 0417 453 136 113Basix Plastix 02 4964 2212 91ABendigo Clothing 03 5428 9304 156Better Living Australia 1800 25 38 93 S25, S26, S27Better Pool & Irrigation Supplies 0477 022 883 271BJ Enterprises & Marketing 0427 131 007 115Black & Coloured Sheep Breeders Assn 0409 823 045 L25Boho Bago 0422 075 106 C18ABonanza Trailers 02 4014 8000 266Bonjani Wood Fired Pizza T15Boydells Vineyard 02 4938 9661 G20, G21Bread Basket 02 4936 2226 G3Briar Grove 411Bruce Kerr Pottery 0427 506 297 C36Bulbul Trading 02 9457 8614 C20Bunna Bunoo Olive Grove 02 4938 8086 G1Business Connect 1300 134 359 406Butcher Boy Beef Jerky 0438 828 882 G13

KEY

Animals / Livestock / Animal Products

Machinery / Equipment / Vehicles / Trailers / Tools

Food / Wine / Catering

Clothing / Shoes / Fashion / Hats / Craft / Home & Living

Gates / Fencing / Water Tanks / Sheds & Structures

Solar Equipment / Renewable Energy

Gardening / Outdoor Leisure / Camping / Kayaks

Books / Information / IT / Education / Health / Safety


NUMBER

Callipari Wine / Ned Kelly Red 03 5023 4477 G9Calrossy Anglican School 02 6766 2965 S21Camyr Allyn Wines 0417 389 576 G10ACentral Coast Deer & Vermin Control 0417 931 588 427Central West Poultry 02 68 479 137 L19

Chesterfield Australia 02 4932 5588 272, 273, 274, 275, 276, 277

Chick Pea 02 4984 5110 C24Chicken Caravan 1300 655 735 W10Chooktred 0417 349 573 L28Choppa Chops Gourmet Pet Bakery 0415 749 617 C29CK Fairy Floss 0479 173 786 144

Clark Equipment 02 4983 6400 222, 223, 236, 237, 244, 245

Cloud 9 Chairs / Professional Nibbler 03 9489 1177 110Cospak 02 4963 8900 S31

Coast & Valley Tractors 02 4360 4040 123, 124, 125, 126, 127

Cook Blacksmithing 02 4990 6139 290ACorry Marketing 03 9584 7587 149Cozyosko 0425 222 555 C32Crocodile Creek Rural Supplies 02 6649 3148 121Crunchy Nuts 0477 146 302 G22CutAbove Tools 0403 128 500 417Darrell Lea 0422 134 513 C31BDefence Force Recruiting 13 19 01 400Department of Primary Industries 02 4939 8981 436Devil Ark 02 4340 1022 403KDexter Group of Manning Valley 02 4998 1594 L10Discount Cable Ties 0497 888 222 107Discount Tractors & Trailers 02 6553 1432 100Dots D'lites 0432 520 616 G16, T5Double R Equipment Repairs 0477 467 781 230, 231Doug's Hats 02 6647 2129 186drumMUSTER & ChemClear 02 62066868 419Duraplas Industries 02 6552 6800 181, 182Earthcare Park Landcare 02 4933 6111 403GEarthmoving Equipment Australia 02 9671 1000 218Earthsafe Australia 02 4932 4400 299, 300Earthsafe Environmental (Rivatec Group) 1300 327 847 206East Coast Trailers and Horsefloats 02 4368 4826 219, 220East Coast Water Blasters 0477 417 058 101Eastbourne Art 02 9655 1800 C30Eggs On Legs 0433 426 708 L21, L22Elstar Motorcycle and Quads 02 9772 1555 224Emmy's Turkish Gozleme 0408 026 366 T8Emu Logic 02 6825 4346 426Enjo 0414 319 686 S19EnviroPro Alternatives 1800 707 076 292Even Smarter Wares 0410 170 001 S38, S39Everchanging by Judy Simonson 02 6558 2709 C8Extend Security 03 5831 5031 185Eye Muffs by Reptiler 0418 696 691 S20Ezy Beach 0402 859 308 114Fish for Farm Dams 1300 655 282 412Freshly Squeezed Water 07 3352 6379 S24Friends of Tocal 02 4939 8901 College FoyerFruit and Veggie Saver Nets 0414 892 807 423Galloways Australia 02 6231 7345 L11Gathered Gift Co 0417 063 842 G2Gato Sales 02 4955 5533 232Geological Survey of NSW 02 4931 6666 402

Product List



NUMBER

LOVEbomb Jewellery 0419 497 721 C12Lucas Mill 03 5728 7283 229M & M Bamboo 0400 822 870 W1Macquariedale Organic Wines 02 6574 7012 G5Maitland City Council 02 4934 9700 432Maitland Community Men's Shed 02 4934 1293 S14, S15

Maitland Dog Obedience Club 0412 806 964 Dog Obedience Arena

Maitland Gaol 02 4936 6482 S30Margaret Cane Clothing 02 9498 7565 C25A, C25, C26Margarets Homecrafts 02 4957 5895 C13Master Turkish Foods 0410 364 952 T4, T9Maximus Trade Centre Rutherford 02 4057 0281 297, 297AMcCallum Made Chicken Tractors 0425 751 794 157McKeeco General Engineering 02 6621 9544 193Medowie Macadamias 02 4982 8888 G28Mega Cheap Hardware 07 5437 6111 97, 98Metal Art 0466 641 155 217Michael Jones Real Estate 0410 747 003 293Mighty Bulk Silos 03 9702 4855 305Milbrotec 02 6574 0000 296Mini Dutch Pancakes 0418 966 482 T12Miniature Goats Association 0408 416 875 L18Modern Motors Dungog 02 4992 1486 249, 250, 251Monte Dwyers Red in the Centre 0412 422 699 C37Mortels Sheepskin Factory 02 4966 0990 112National Poly Industries 02 4015 7804 279, 280

National Stockyard Systems 02 4932 1363 233, 234, 235, 246, 247

Nationwide Super 1800 025 241 S10Native & Feral Pest Management 02 4988 6800 430Natures Care Nursery 02 6552 8848 413, 414Newcastle ATV Centre 02 4951 1184 283Newcastle Chainsaws & Mowers 02 4961 1332 241, 242, 243Newcastle Mowers & Outdoor Equipment Centre 02 4951 1184 285

Newcastle Mowers Superstore 02 4987 3837 263, 264, 265Newcastle Spinners & Weavers Guild C4, C9Niagara Therapy 07 3387 3387 S28nib health funds 02 4933 2139 S9Nick Nack Gallery 0414 188 269 92North West Farm Machinery (AGCO Australia) 02 6746 3300 209

Nougat Limar 0420 573 193 G19NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust 0437 449 275 427ANSW Farmers 02 9478 1000 396ANSW Mounted Police 02 9319 2154 PatrollingNSW Rural Fire Service 02 4980 7300 Fire BrigadeNSW Wiltipolls 02 6557 0044 L24Nungar Trading Co. Bushmans Outfitters 02 6928 1134 286NZ Salmon 0414 920 331 G11AOakfield Ranch Camels 0429 664 172 CP6, CP9, CP10Obsessive 0452 283 017 S23

O'Briens Machinery 02 6545 2622 210, 211, 212, 213, 214, 215

Office of Environment & Heritage & National Parks & Wildlife Service 0459 885 968 405

Omya Australia 0407 273 500 298Onya and Goclip 0413 131 305 S29Oz Tukka 02 4942 6356 G17Ozzi Kleen Sewage Systems 0412 982 020 159PacPanel 02 4932 6158 281Paterson Bolwarra Scouts 02 4930 1523 Billy Boiling Paterson Public School P & C 02 4938 5114 CC1Paterson Rural Fire Brigade 02 4938 5064 CC2, CC6


NUMBER

GoSolar Newcastle 02 4954 9967 148Greenpro 1800 768 748 153, 188, 189Growing Creations by Rushi 0430 306 929 C27Gutter - Mesh 0411 413 741 S17H20 Tanks & Liners 0419 628 402 S48Happy Cloud, Bounce Back Balls 0421 652 247 155Hardwood Archeology 0478 588 906 145HCB Solar 02 4964 1153 200Heavenly Grind Coffee Bar 0434 416 000 T3, T13Heritage Tanks 02 4657 1698 302Hidden Valley Clothing 0458 289 989 S34Hip Pocket Workwear & Safety 02 4934 8313 147Homestar Promotions Pty Ltd 03 9015 7507 221Horse Welfare Inc 0418 682 571 Horse Welfare Hoselink 1300 900 617 407Hunter Bird Observers Club Inc 02 4938 5039 403BHunter Farm Forestry 02 6547 3552 403EHunter Great Eastern Ranges 0407 232 539 403JHunter Heritage Gourmet Food 02 4956 6400 G14Hunter Limestone 02 6545 2222 425Hunter Local Land Services 02 4930 1030 435Hunter Melanoma Foundation 02 4985 0103 500Hunter Olive Growers and Sellers 02 4998 8349 G3AHunter Pet Motel 02 4938 3710 Visitor EntryHunter Pulse Therapy 0401 426 546 S52Hunter Region Landcare Network 0429 444 305 403HHunter Regional Weeds 02 4934 9700 404Hunter Valley Amateur Beekeepers Association 0409 721 614 Amateur

Beekeepers Hunter Valley Cookies 02 4991 5458 G11Hunter Valley Hereford Association Inc 02 4987 3405 L8Hunter Valley Mahindra 1300 652 605 194CHunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop & Gelato 02 4998 6713 G6Hunter Valley Vintage Farm Machinery Club Inc 02 4966 2813 Tocal

HomesteadHunter Valley Wide Span Sheds 0410 642 659 301Hydraulink Hose and Fittings 1300 36 37 34 99I Do Cupcakes 02 4943 7326 G15Jack Products 0431 765 524 S36, 152Jewellery by Margo 02 4966 3584 C19Justice of the Peace - Northern NSW Federation 0432 343 224 College Foyer

Kakadu Outdoors 0427 989 538 94Kanga Loaders Global 02 9854 1444 287

Kentan Machinery 02 4964 8275 168, 169, 170, 171, 172, 173

KGR Performance Offroad Lighting 02 6334 2930 205Kingspan / Rhino 1800 632 410 118Kioti Tractors 0408 548 547 194KissOfire 02 4991 2793 G18KK Studio 0418 435 145 C18BKooyong Furniture 07 4668 0151 91KP & DC Machinery Overhauls 02 4932 6988 207, 208Lady Franklin Hats 0418 279 535 C11Ladybug Preserves 0418 423 358 G30Lake and Valley Powersports 02 4973 6000 109Land Rover 02 4721 5890 Terrace Landaco Equipment 1800 358 600 278

Landmark 02 4932 7811 28, 29, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27

Letzgetwired 0417131795 191, 192LLS Aboriginal Programs 02 4930 1030 403CLocal Aboriginal Land Councils 02 4930 1030 403DLocketInn 0411 463 336 C33, C34

Product List



NUMBER

TJM Hunter Valley 02 4951 1184 284TNN Australia 02 4987 1353 128Tocal Students Association Inc 02 4939 8859 Tocal CanteenToolking 02 6332 5483 216Top Products 0438 190 043 S49, S50Tornado Pumps & Sprayers 02 9824 8444 105, 106Total Eden - Bringing Water to Life 02 4933 3111 138Town & Country Roof Restoration 0457 097 439 150TractorHouse Australia 1300 034 771 140Truckfit 02 4932 8421 134, 135Tumbi Valley Poultry & Dursley Poll Dorset Stud 02 4388 4364 L23

Ubuild Containers 0491 030 932 304Uniboom Spraying Equipment 02 9627 5580 269, 270Upper Hunter Mining Dialogue 02 6571 3320 400AValley Barrel Furniture 0477 079 975 93Vermeer 07 3275 4888 132Viet Yum T6Webster's Coachworks 02 4982 9744 108Weedwakka 02 6236 8218 196Westfund Health 1300 937 838 S4, S5what2ware 0414 937 047 C6Whip Cracking Display 0488 618 811 194DWhitlands Engineering 03 5729 7577 142, 143WHM Tractors 1300 851 600 122Wildthing Environmental Consultants 02 4951 3311 434Willina Worms 0429 099 794 424WineArt Gallery 0428 681 014 G7Yarn Spinner & Patchwork 0400 433 514 C23Young Creative Farms 02 6887 2114 L31


NUMBER

PBoz Country 02 4988 6722 W2, W3Perception Lighting 02 9191 7348 303Perry's Lemon Myrtle Rainforest Products 02 6564 2150 183Pet Protector Hunter Valley 0458 472 407 S46, S47Peters Real Estate 02 4933 7855 199Pioneer/Civcon Water 02 4983 1107 95, 96, 111Power Pro Industries 0416 212 339 295Prestige Design Joinery 02 4932 4202 398Proven pain relief -TENS 07 5449 1719 S18Pukara Estate 02 4991 7098 G4Quik Spray 1800 645 688 154, 187Red River Stockyards 1300 068 067 253, 254Riverside Park Brafords 0427 108 880 L12RMS - Maritime Division 0417 162 967 433Rotary Club of Paterson 0407 592 514 CC3Rotary Club of Rutherford Telarah 02 4932 7034 CC4Rusty Garden Art 0452 191 844 408SafeWork NSW 13 10 50 428, 429, 397Salami Shack 0410 651 132 S22Sammut Agricultral Machinery 02 4579 6511 260Savvy B Designs 0490 497 169 C10, C16SC Moto- Bikes, Quads and Side X Side's 02 4982 7577 226, 227Semco Equipment Sales 02 4954 7066 165, 176ShedFast 1300 138 000 225Sherco Motorcycles Newcastle 02 4951 1184 282Shimano Fishing Tank Show 0427 241 117 195Shirley's Woodberry Drapery 02 4966 2248 C21, C22Signature Sauces Australia 0466 466 425 G8Signs and Screens 0434 167 896 415, 416Silvey's Mowers and Chainsaws 02 4947 7150 161, 180SimpleWHS 1800 053 425 184Sky Land Management 0402 244 073 409

Slattery Helicopter Charter 0408 649 696 Helicopter Rides

Slow Food Hunter Valley 0407 250 848 G12ASnedden's Fencing Products 02 4996 4504 119Sock Warehouse 0419 481 974 201Solahart Newcastle & Hunter Valley 02 4951 3333 120Sophie's Scoops 0416 989 472 T2Sota Tractors 02 4735 5931 261, 262Southern Cross Ag Machinery 02 4932 3011 164, 177St Johns Ambulance Australia - First Aid 0427 337 527 First AidStihl Shop Adamstown 02 4952 9966 129Stihl Shop Ray Tce & Warners Bay 02 4983 1150 130, 131

Stockers & Partridge 02 4938 5154 162, 163, 178, 179

Strictly Workwear 0418 443 448 198Sugar and Spice - Gourmet Foods 02 4970 5404 G12Sun-Power Auto Gates 02 6280 4655 248Super Tool Australia Trust 02 9793 8468 289Super Tools - St Marys 02 9623 6590 102

Sydney Ice Cream 1300 724 960 T1, T10, T11, T14

Tar10 02 4938 9145 G10Telstra 1800 834 273 103,104The Elephant Emporium 0402 334 144 C28The Herb Store 02 6020 2045 G32The Land Newspaper 02 4570 4444 399The Little Spanish Grater Plate 0431 115 287 137The Original Australian Leather Seal 03 9682 5100 190Thermomix Australia 0402 324 779 G23Thorburns Fabrication 0424 332 960 294

Product List

CHILDREN'SPARK

All kids under 10can have a spin

on the'Purple Cow Wheel'

Great Prizesand its FREE!


Association ensures highest standards Once a year managers, staff and volunteers from field days all over Australia and New Zealand come together to discuss the aspects of their events that binds them together.

The Association of Agricultural Field Days of Australasia (AAFDA) - of which Tocal Field Days is a member - is an umbrella group which works to ensure that the events meet the highest standards.

‘It’s an unusual situation as people in the same line of business would normally be seen as competition, but we don’t see each other like that," Tocal Field Days manager Wendy Franklin said.

"Our Field Days are all on at different times and obviously in vastly different locations so we see each other as comrades rather than competitors," she said.

Tocal Field Days staff members have visited field days at Dowerin

in Western Australia and Agfest in Tasmania, as well as those closer to home including the Australian National Field Days in Orange and Henty Field Days.

In June they head to Hamilton in New Zealand to see their operation up close.

‘There is so much we learn from each other," Ms Franklin said.

"Any problem or issue we come across is likely to be something that another Field Days has already experienced and dealt with so when a group email goes out the advice and ideas start flooding in.

‘It is great to have support year round from other managers of Field Days.

"Each of us does a report at the end of our event that highlights things that went well or things that could be improved," she said.

The association looks at aspects including safety and health, and marketing, and in recent years has worked towards streamlining the terms and conditions for the events.

"It is much easier on our exhibitors if the basic guidelines are consistent across all the Field Days they attend," Ms Franklin said.

The type of farming that is the focus at the Tocal Field Days is small landholders and farmers, whereas in other areas it is large scale cropping.

Demographics of Field Days may vary between events but the message remains the same – to put a focus on agriculture.


Craft Exhibitor ListCOMPANY NAME PHONE

SITE NUMBER

3 Girls Silky Soaps 0427 121 399 C31AA Vintage Ambiance 0402 996 445 C2Australian Lace Guild 02 4937 2577 C3Boho Bago 0422 075 106 C18ABruce Kerr Pottery 0427 506 297 C36Bulbul Trading 02 9457 8614 C20Chick Pea 02 4984 5110 C24Choppa Chops Gourmet Pet Bakery 0415 749 617 C29Cozyosko 0425 222 555 C32Darrell Lea 0422 134 513 C31BEastbourne Art 02 9655 1800 C30Everchanging by Judy Simonson 02 6558 2709 C8Friends of Tocal 02 4939 8901 College FoyerGrowing Creations by Rushi 0430 306 929 C27Hunter Valley Amateur Beekeepers Association 0409 721 614 Amateur

Beekeepers Jewellery by Margo 02 4966 3584 C19


NUMBERJustice of the Peace - Northern NSW Federation 0432 343 224 College Foyer

KK Studio 0418 435 145 C18BLady Franklin Hats 0418 279 535 C11LocketInn 0411 463 336 C34, C35LOVEbomb Jewellery 0419 497 721 C12Margaret Cane Clothing 02 9498 7565 C25, C26, C25AMargarets Homecrafts 02 4957 5895 C13Monte Dwyers Red in the Centre 0412 422 699 C37Newcastle Spinners & Weavers Guild C4, C9Savvy B Designs 0490 497 169 C10, C16Shirley's Woodberry Drapery 02 4966 2248 C21, C22Sophie's Scoops 0416 989 472 T2The Elephant Emporium 0402 334 144 C28Vacy Public School 02 4938 8153 Chapelwhat2ware 0414 937 047 C6Yarn Spinner & Patchwork 0400 433 514 C23


Kids in the kitchenTake 10 junior chefs and one passionate advocate of the Slow Food movement, add a whole bunch of the region’s finest fresh produce, then let them loose in the kitchen for approximately one hour.

Now that’s a recipe for success!

New to the Tocal Field Days this year will be cooking workshops for kids.

The workshops will be held on Sunday, May 6, at 10am, 11am and 1pm in the Good Food and Wine Hall and are designed for primary and lower high school-aged children.

The budding chefs will be given the opportunity to make delicious handmade gnocchi with herb pesto.

“It will be a very positive, tactile experience for them as they prepare the potatoes for the gnocchi and

blend the herbs for the sauce,” Slow Food Hunter member and retired TAFE hospitality teacher Helen Hughes said.

“They will see how simple it is to make a tasty dish using fresh, wholesome ingredients.

“Kids are more likely to eat healthy food if they are encouraged to grow it and cook it themselves, and it opens their minds to the advantages of fresh produce over processed food,” she said.

The cooking workshops for kids will be run by Anne Kelly, a fellow member of Slow Food Hunter Valley who is also the assistant principal of Telarah Public School and coordinator of the school’s highly successful Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden project.

The workshops are limited to 10 children per session; register at the Slow Food Hunter Valley stall in the Good Food and Wine Hall. Participants will receive a free chef’s hat.



NUMBERMacquariedale Organic Wines 02 6574 7012 G5Master Turkish Foods 0410 364 952 T4Medowie Macadamias 02 4982 8888 G28Nougat Limar 0420 573 193 G19NZ Salmon 0414 920 331 G11AOz Tukka 02 4942 6356 G17Pukara Estate 02 4991 7098 G4Signature Sauces Australia 0466 466 425 G8Slow Food Hunter Valley 0407 250 848 G12ASugar and Spice - Gourmet Foods 02 4970 5404 G12Tar10 02 4938 9145 G10The Herb Store 02 6020 2045 G32Thermomix Australia 0402 324 779 G23Tocal Students Association Inc 02 4939 8859 Tocal CanteenViet Yum 0423 566 753 T6WineArt Gallery 0428 681 014 G7


NUMBERBoydells Vineyard 02 4938 9661 G20, G21Bread Basket 02 4936 2226 G3Bunna Bunoo Olive Grove 02 4938 8086 G1Butcher Boy Beef Jerky 0438 828 882 G13Callipari Wine / Ned Kelly Red 03 5023 4477 G9Camyr Allyn Wines 0417 389 576 G10ACrunchy Nuts 0477 146 302 G22Dots D'lites 0432 520 616 G16, T5Gathered Gift Co 0417 063 842 G2Heavenly Grind Coffee Bar 0434 416 000 T3Hunter Heritage Gourmet Food 02 4956 6400 G14Hunter Olive Growers and Sellers 02 4998 8349 G3AHunter Valley Cookies 02 4991 5458 G11Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop & Gelato 02 4998 6713 G6I Do Cupcakes 02 4943 7326 G15KissOfire 02 4991 2793 G18Ladybug Preserves 0418 423 358 G29

Good Food & Wine Exhibitor List


Fish features at foodies’ venueIt will be a fishy affair in the Good Food and Wine Hall at the 2018 Tocal Field Days.

Fish will be on the menu at the Slow Food Hunter Valley stall on all three days of the Field Days.

Local fish species, harvested using environmentally friendly and sustainable practices, have been sourced for delicious fish pies.

One of the highlights of the Field Days will be Fish Tales.

Fish Tales - to be held every hour on the hour from 10am to 3pm on Saturday, May 5 - will put fishermen in the spotlight as they share their knowledge of where to go, how to fish and why it is important to fish in a sustainable manner.

“As the name suggests, Fish Tales will be more like having a ‘yarn’ with a fishermen,” Slow Food Hunter Valley co-leader Amorelle Dempster said.

“It will be storytelling with a message,” she said.

Fish will also feature at the Bake or Burn cooking competition for high school students on Friday, May 4, and the Cooking for Kids workshops on Sunday, May 6.

Bake or Burn - in which high schools students demonstrate their culinary

skills in front of a live audience - will be issued with the challenge of using fish as the ‘hero’ ingredient in their dishes.

The schools will cook-off in heats, starting at 10am on Friday, with the final to be held at 1.30pm and the winner announced at 2pm.

Talks on fish composting for the garden will take place daily in the open air area near the Good Food and Wine Hall.

The Good Food and Wine Hall is always popular with foodies attending the field days, and this year promises to be no exception with exhibitors booking out the venue.

The Slow Food movement - the antithesis of fast food - was founded in Italy in 1986 and has since spread worldwide.

The movement encourages food production in a sustainable manner, strives to preserve traditional and regional cuisine, and fosters interaction between local producers and consumers.

The Hunter Valley chapter has gained momentum in recent years, with an increasing number of people making a conscious decision to live by its principles: good, clean and fair food.

Enter the 'BILLY BOILING'

Competitionin Nash Park

{GREAT PRIZES}



NUMBERAussie Shade & Hot Houses 02 4932 1899 421Austwide Beekeeping Supplies 0424 064 737 422AV Weather 0412 735 441 431Bat Support Group 0412 945 659 403IBriar Grove 411Business Connect 1300 134 359 406Central Coast Deer & Vermin Control 0417 931 588 427CutAbove Tools 0403 128 500 417Defence Force Recruiting 13 19 01 400Department of Primary Industries 02 4939 8981 436Devil Ark 02 4340 1022 403KdrumMUSTER & ChemClear 02 6206 6868 419Earthcare Park Landcare 02 4933 6111 403GEmu Logic 02 6825 4346 426Fish for Farm Dams 1300 665 282 412Fruit and Veggie Saver Nets 0414 892 807 423Geological Survey of NSW 02 4931 6666 402Hoselink 1300 900 617 407Hunter Bird Observers Club Inc 02 4938 5039 403BHunter Farm Forestry Network 02 6547 3552 403EHunter Great Eastern Ranges 0407 232 539 403JHunter Limestone 02 6545 2222 425Hunter Local Land Services 02 4930 1030 435Hunter Pet Motel 02 4938 3710 Visitor entry

Land, Plants & Environment Exhibitor ListCOMPANY NAME PHONE SITE NUMBERHunter Region Landcare Network 0429 444 305 403HHunter Regional Weeds 02 4934 9700 404Lions Club 0438 414 024 Survey TentLLS Aboriginal Programs 02 4930 1030 403CLocal Aboriginal Land Councils 02 4930 1030 403DMaitland City Council 02 4934 9700 432National Parks & Wildlife Service 0459 885 968 405Native & Feral Pest Management 02 4988 6800 430Native Animal Trust 0473 148 771 403ANatures Care Nursery 02 6552 8848 413, 414NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust 0437 449 275 427ANSW Farmers 02 9478 1000 396AOffice of Environment & Heritage 0459 885 968 405Prestige Design Joinery 02 4932 4202 398RMS - Maritime Division 0417 162 967 433Rusty Garden Art 0452 191 844 408SafeWork NSW 13 10 50 428, 429, 397Signs and Screens 0434 167 896 415, 416Sky Land Management 0402 244 073 409Slattery Helicopter Charter 0408 649 696 Helicopter RidesSydney Ice Cream 1300 724 960 T1The Land Newspaper 02 4570 4444 399Upper Hunter Mining Dialogue 02 6571 3320 400AWFI Insurance 02 9478 1000 396Wildthing Environmental Consultants 02 4951 3311 434Willina Worms 0429 099 794 424


Pets that pay the rentPets that pay the rent?

Think it sounds too good to be true? Think again ... think chooks.

Backyard chooks are undergoing a massive resurgence and it’s little wonder.

Chooks are excellent waste recyclers, lawn mowers and soil improvers, they make fantastic children’s pets and, well cared for, will produce an egg a day.

“Chooks are a wonderful way to introduce the family, especially kids, to the food production chain,” Tocal Field Days Livestock Coordinator Tim Eyes said.

Mr Eyes, a former dux of Tocal College, said an increasing number of farmers, both large and small enterprises, were also diversifying into poultry production with flocks of 100-150 birds.

They also make great pets for children and help introduce them to the responsibility of looking after an animal.

But as is the case with any productive farm animal, it is important to properly look after chooks for the whole of their natural life.

“We expect chooks to produce eggs but it’s important to understand that they are only as good as what they are fed,” Mr Eyes said.

“The importance of buying good stock, from reputable suppliers committed to upholding poultry industry standards, including that all birds are vaccination and have full traceability, cannot be overstated,” he said.

Several poultry farmers will be exhibiting at the field days with birds for sale as well as plenty of free advice on how to best manage and care for your flock, regardless of whether you

are a backyard enthusiast or a farmer.

For Field Days’ visitors ready to make a commitment to owning chooks can check out the coops on sale. For the handyman plans for the popular poultry penthouse will be available from the Department of Primary Industries site.

Poultry Exhibtors at Tocal Field Days include; • Tumbi Valley Poultry & Dursley Poll Dorset Stud • Chicken Caravan • Central West Poultry • Chooktred • McCallum Made Chicken Tractors • Eggs On Legs


LIVESTOCK DEMONSTRATIONSIN FARM & FENCE DEMONSTRATION AREA

10.30 am Conventional fencing Onesteel Waratah11:00am Electric fencing Gallagher11.20 am Pasture spraying Rapid Spray11.30 am Poultry Nutrition Cackleberry grains

IN YARDS

11.50 am Yard Design and Safety Leicht’s CIA12.10 am Animal ID & Weighing Gallagher12.30 pm Vaccination & Drenching Virbac

IN LANEWAY ADJACENT TO SITE L91.00 pm Herd Talks

FARM & FENCE DEMONSTRATION AREA1.45 pm Conventional fencing Onesteel Waratah2.15 pm Electric fencing Gallagher2.35 pm Pasture spraying Rapid Spray

Livestock Exhibitor ListCOMPANY NAME PHONE

SITE NUMBER

Animal Nursery 0404 478 881 Animal NurseryAustralian Alpaca Association - NSW Region 02 4934 1799 L27Riverside Park Brafords 0427 108 880 L12Black &Coloured Sheep Breeders Assn 0409 823 045 L25Central West Poultry 02 6847 9137 L19Chooktred 0417 349 573 L28Dexter Group of Manning Valley 02 4998 1594 L10Eggs On Legs 0433 426 708 L21, L22Galloways Australia 02 6231 7345 L11Horse Welfare Inc 0418 682 571 Horse WelfareHunter Valley Hereford Association Inc 02 4987 3405 L8Miniature Goats Association 0408 416 875 L18NSW Wiltipolls 02 6557 0044 L24Tumbi Valley Poultry & Dursley Poll Dorset Stud 02 4388 4364 L23Young Creative Farms 02 6887 2114 L31Sydney Ice Cream 1300 724 960 T14

Livestock Exhibitors


Enjoy the Land Rover ExperienceThis April 2018 marked the 70th Anniversary of Land Rover, and to celebrate this occasion, Land Rover Australia will be showcasing the capability of their vehicles in selected venues right around Australia.

For the first time ever, the Land Rover Experience team will be presenting the Twin Terrapod at the Tocal Field Days.

The Twin Terrapod is a dynamic display designed to highlight the amazing capabilities of the latest range of Land Rover vehicles.

The latest and greatest Land Rover vehicles will be there and will be part of the Land Rover display throughout this year’s Tocal Field Days.

We will be showcasing the Discovery Sport, the new Discovery, and the latest models of Range Rover Evoque, Range Rover Sport and Range Rover Velar.

Accompanying a qualified Land Rover Experience Instructor, guests will experience the luxury and incredible capability of Land Rover vehicles as they rise to a height of 6.5m, after traversing a 45 degree slope.

Don’t miss thePiglet Races in the Animal Nursery

10.30 am, 11.30 am,12.30 pm, 1.30 pm, 2.30 pm.


Bring along your own paddock plants to Tocal Field Days if you would like help identifying them.

Ben Crowe, from Glen Faba Working Dogs, is a highly respected dog breeder and trainer who delivered the training, and with the students will demonstrate how to start a pup on both sheep and cattle.

There will be two demonstrations each day over the Field Days. Staff and students will be available to talk and answer questions after the demonstrations.

Skills equip students for the workplaceTocal on Show gives students like 19-year-old Sean McIntosh the opportunity to display the skills they have acquired during their time at Tocal College.

Sean is studying for his Certificate IV in Agriculture this year, having already completed the more practically-oriented Certificate III in 2017.

At this year’s Field Days, Sean and some of his fellow students will put their chainsaw and bike skills on show to visitors, in a display that is both informative and entertaining.

From his early days growing up on “20 acres with a couple of cows” at

Camden, Sean knew how to operate a chainsaw, helping cut wood for the fire, and ride a motor bike.

The skills he has acquired as a student far surpass what he learnt on the family farm, and will stand him in good stead to follow his ambition of managing, and ultimately owning, a beef/mixed farming operation in northern NSW or Queensland.

“We learn a such a large range of skills, from how to correctly position yourself on a bike depending on the terrain, through to how to muster a large herd of cattle,” Sean said.

Sean first heard about studying agriculture at Tocal College from

school friends and at open days, and said the experience has been “fantastic”.

“I’d thoroughly recommend Tocal College to anyone who is interested in pursuing a career in agriculture,” he said.

Tocal College students are given the opportunity to work at the Tocal Field Days, affording them valuable experience in event management, and last year Sean helped out in the car park.

This year will be the first time he has participated in a demonstration at the Field Days and he says he “can’t wait”.

Students put Tocal on ShowTocal College students have excellent resources, with the facility located on 2100ha of land at Paterson.

At this year's Field Days, the training that the students receive while studying at Tocal will be highlighted in demonstrations known as ‘Tocal on Show’.

Horse course students will show how they train young stock horses that are being prepared for the annual Tocal Stock Horse sale in November.

Tocal horses continue to be highly sought after because of the excellent training they receive under the instruction of Warwick Lawrence and Chantelle Vella.

The motor bike, quad bike and side-by-side demonstrations are always popular with visitors to the Field Days.

See the students demonstrate the skills and techniques they learn that give them the confidence to choose and operate the best and safest machine for jobs on the farm.

Students will also demonstrate low-stress cattle handling methods, as well as vaccinating, weighing and computer recording procedures.

Watch as the students demonstrate their skills with a chainsaw as they erect a section of fence, displaying basic cuts through to how to rip a split post from a billet of timber.

After the stress of the record hot dry summer there are going to be quite a few weeds in pastures this autumn.

Tocal agronomy lecturer Carol Rose and the students will set up a display highlighting some common weeds in the paddock.

"Many plants are indicators of certain conditions, so can also be used to guide management decisions," she said.


Trainer’s rewarding roleFor Tocal College trainer Darren Hawkins there are few things more rewarding than seeing a “rookie” student eventually become competent in the skills needed to secure a job in the rural sector.

Mr Hawkins teaches the College’s Certificate III in Agriculture course, instructing students in the range of practical skills they will need, from using chainsaws and building fences, through to driving tractors and using chemicals.

Visitors to the Field Days will not only gain a first-hand insight into the life of a college student, but also be informed and entertained by their impressive display.

The students will demonstrate their

riding skills on two-wheel motor bikes, quads and side-by-sides on the college’s specially-constructed obstacle course, which includes rough terrain and water.

The display will demonstrate the importance of picking the right vehicle for the right job, ensuring that the task is completed efficiently and safely.

The students will also put their chainsaw skills on display, demonstrating how to make basic cuts through to the vertical rips needed for fence posts; and, over the duration of the field days, they will construct a fence.

Students engage in every aspect of the College’s farm, from managing

livestock to maintaining machinery, and also have access to other rural enterprises across the Hunter and further afield.

“It’s a very rewarding job, helping young people gain the valuable skills that will enable them to successfully compete in the workforce, and watching their independence and self-esteem grow along the way,” Mr Hawkins said.

‘Tocal on Show’ – at the Skills Arena10.45 am Working Dogs Ben Crowe will demonstrate how he is training our students to work sheep with dogs

11.15 am Cattle Handling/Record Keeping Beef Manager Mal Burke and Tocal students processing weaner cattle vaccinating, weighing, drenching and recording information on our computer system.

11.30 am Selection and Culling Beef Lecturer Bruce West and Tocal students will take you through the finer points of selecting a good cow.

11.45 am Cattle Hoof Trimming Lameness prevention and treatment of cow’s hooves with Dairy Manager Matt Brett

12.00 am Chainsaws Skills Trainer Darren Hawkins and Tocal Students demonstrate safe use, basic training and ripping posts

12.15 pm Fencing Farm Lecturer Ian Nunan and Tocal students showing off their fencing skills

12.30 pm What Pasture Plant is That? Agronomy Lecturer Carol Rose and Tocal students will highlight a few common pasture plants & weeds and their effect on your farm. Bring your own plants for I.D. after the session.

12.45 pm Tocal Horse Course Horse Lecturers Warwick Lawrence and Chantelle Vella displaying the horse education skills students gain whilst undertaking the Tocal Horse Breeding and training programme

1.15 pm Working cattle Ben Crowe will demonstrate working dogs on cattle with students

2.00 pm Motor Bikes & Quads Farm Lecturers Steph Teterin and Steve Krick lead Tocal students in training and safety features using Motor Bikes, Quads and Side by Sides


Farewell to Bruce West Tocal College advisory officer education Bruce West will retire on October 22, 2018, marking the end of a 22-year-long career with the educational institution.

Mr West has guided hundreds of students through their Certificates III and IV courses, ensuring that national competency standards have been met, and has helped them secure valuable work experience.

Students undertake month-long work placements in May and September on properties all over Australia, including as far afield as the Northern Territory, Tasmania's King Island and also New Zealand.

Working predominantly with beef, Mr West also has been instrumental in the Schools' Steers Challenge in the Hunter.

Mr West - a former agriculture teacher at Rutherford technology, Doonside and Griffith high schools - said his career at Tocal College had been rewarding.

"A lot of kids come here pretty inexperienced, they may have handled a few animals on their grandfather's farm or while studying agriculture at high school, but apart from that have had little exposure to rural life," Mr West said.

A few years later, and with industry-recognised qualifications under their belts, the vast majority of Tocal graduates will have found rewarding jobs, from working on cattle or horse studs to stock and station agencies, or undertaking further tertiary studies, he said.

It also had been fulfilling to see some students, who come from diverse backgrounds, turn their lives around during their time at the College.

Mr West said it was the day-to-day interaction with the staff and students that he would miss the most.

"We achieve so much here at the College but always find time for a laugh," he said.



Documents

2018 · Producer information days in Scone, Tocal and Wingham, where they were provided with drought management advice and updated on current animal health issues and