Rural
3 August, 2026
From humble beginnings: the history of the Mallee Machinery Field Days
WHAT started as a humble fundraising initiative by the Speed Lions Club has flourished into one of the state’s largest agricultural field days, attracting thousands of attendees and hundreds of exhibitors annually.
Established in 1979, the Mallee Machinery Field Days were created after newly chartered members of the Speed Lions Club sought an efficient fundraising venture that would allow the club to support both local and wider communities.
Initially, the event was held in a local paddock where 39 dealers showcased Broadacre Agriculture machinery and equipment over two days.
Throughout its first six years, the field days operated from temporary locations, requiring organisers to build and dismantle all facilities for each event.
The growing popularity of the event eventually led to the creation of a permanent venue on leased land along the Sunraysia Highway between Speed and Turriff, 42 kilometres south of Ouyen and 55 kilometres north of Hopetoun.
Today, the Mallee Machinery Field Days are acknowledged as one of the premier events on Victoria's agricultural calendar and among the biggest agricultural showcases in the Mallee.
Annually, around 350 exhibitors and approximately 8500 visitors attend the two-day event.
The field days provide farmers with the chance to inspect the latest agricultural machinery, compare equipment, speak directly with industry experts, and access technical information to assist modern broadacre farming.
One of the event's distinctive features is its circular layout, with designated areas showcasing crafts, community interests, live demonstrations, and local exhibitors, creating a memorable experience that extends far beyond agriculture.
While the field days have become a significant event for the farming industry, they also remain a necessary fundraiser for the Speed Lions Club and various local sporting and community organisations.
From humble beginnings in a paddock back in 1979, the Mallee Machinery Field Days have transitioned into one of Victoria's premier agricultural events.
The Mallee Machinery Field Days stand as a testament to the strength of rural communities, representing agricultural innovation while paying tribute to the volunteers who have helped build the event into what it is today.