General News
7 August, 2026
Speed celebrates agriculture at Mallee Machinery Field Days
Machinery, working dogs, local art, and community fundraising came together at the Mallee Machinery Field Days, offering something for all ages.
Machinery, working dogs, local art, and community fundraising came together at the Mallee Machinery Field Days, offering something for all ages.
Speed was the place to be on August 5 and 6, as the 2026 iteration featured 350 sites, ranging from the newest agricultural innovations to local exhibits and family entertainment.
More than 20 community groups fundraised for schools, clubs, and committees through bake sales, hot cuppas, and sausage sizzles, bringing patrons of all ages together to support important causes in surrounding communities.
This year introduced dog trials, inviting working-dog enthusiasts front and centre, with the local legends category opening the door to everyday farmers testing their dogs' abilities.
The Blue Tree Project served as a powerful visual message in the main event centre, encouraging conversation about mental health and promoting hope and connection in rural communities.
With free skin and hearing checks and first-aid information, the day emphasised the importance of mental and physical resilience.
Wednesday’s guest speaker, Jim Riordan, managing director of the Riordan Group, opened the event by thanking the 280 volunteers and reflecting on the grain services connection to the Mallee.
Riordan highlighted the importance of investing in technology to educate younger generations in farming and encouraged the region.
“I don’t think in 30 years you could see the Mallee look any better than it does now,” he said.
“A credit to the zero til farming, use of fertilisers and machinery that’s just next level.
The annual event is not just a day for large enterprises to showcase advanced machinery but also a celebration of all aspects of agriculture and rural life, offering small businesses a rare chance to network and showcase their craft.
Shianna Kenny, 20, also known as ‘The Farmer’s Artist,’ was among many of the local exhibitors who showcased their craft at the Mallee Machinery Field Days.
“I just love the atmosphere and talking to people; that’s my favourite bit,” said Ms Kenny, ‘The Farmer’s Artist.’
“Just seeing people come up and look at my paintings and be like ‘oh that reminds me of the crop we had way back when’ or ‘that's like my truck'.”
“Letting farmers and people in agriculture feel proud and see the beauty in what their life is and what they work around.”
Ms Kenny has been painting since she was young, and has only taken it up seriously in the past few years.
“The connection, that's what it really is about to me,” she said.
“Just putting it out there as an artwork, and seeing agriculture as a work of art and seeing the beauty in it."