”There is so much to look forward to” … Getaway host Catriona Rowntree opens the 2025 Henty Machinery Field Days on Tuesday (23 September). Photo: EE Media.
Travel presenter and wool ambassador Catriona Rowntree bounced up to the podium to open the 2025 Henty Machinery Field Days on Tuesday with an enthusiastic and optimism-infused tribute to Australian agriculture.
“We live in the most remarkable and gifted country on the planet,” the Getaway host beamed as she officially welcomed visitors to the 62nd annual showcase of all the latest in agricultural and machinery products (23 – 25 September).
Resplendent in a striking red jacket and scarf – “I stand here absolutely covered in wool” – Rowntree declared Australia the best wool producer in the world and also lauded the innovation she’d seen on display that morning in Agtech Alley.
“There is nothing in the world quite like our Merino wool, our cotton as well,” she said.
“And, of course, all of the food and produce in this area … there is so much to be proud of!”
It was the long-standing Nine Network television presenter’s first trip to Henty but it’s not her first foray into the industry.
“I fell in love with a hot farmer from Victoria … we’re sheep and grain producers,” she said, later revealing her husband was particularly envious of her Henty gig.
“He won’t go on a Getaway trip with me,” she laughed, “but he’s after a big green dream here in the shape of an auger.”
Rowntree said she’d phoned a friend at AWI (Australian Wool Innovation) on her way out to the field days to ask them what she should share with visitors and exhibitors.
“[He said] you tell them they are on the path to happiness,” she said. “With the uptake in prices of sheep and wool … there is so much to look forward to.”
Newly appointed HMFD chairman Matthew Noll said while seasonal conditions and commodities had been challenging for many, “resilience is part of the DNA of every Australian farmer, and the outlook going forward is positive”.
Mr Noll, 34, said 2025 had been another sellout year for exhibition sites (with 870 exhibitors), proving the confidence in and commitment to the event.
“This tells us that we play a significant role in the connection of agricultural businesses to their consumers, the farmers, who are in the field with these products and technologies,” he said.
Mr Noll said as the development of new solutions, innovations and technology in agriculture was happening at a great pace, it was exciting to be able to showcase what exhibitors had on offer at Henty.
With a host of dignitaries, including Federal Opposition Leader and Farrer MP Sussan Ley and Albury MP Justin Clancy, among the official guests, Mr Noll made particular mention of the members and volunteers who came together year after year to make Henty happen.
“Henty just wouldn’t be possible without the hundreds of people who give up their own time to assist with jobs as varied as unloading gear and marking out sites, to parking cars, manning food sheds and cleaning toilets,” he said.
“As a board, we would like to recognise Nigel Scheetz, who has stepped down as chairman after six years in the role. We thank you, Nigel, for your leadership during the difficult period when we cancelled due to COVID and the dedication to the field days during your term as chairman.”
The first day of southern Australia’s single largest agricultural event saw the announcement of the prestigious Machine of the Year Award, presented to the most outstanding new piece of agricultural machinery exhibited at the field days.
This year the award went to world-first direct air injection unit FurrowMate, an innovation that enables large-scale biological additive application.
The partnership with the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and the Farmers of the Future program on Agtech Alley this year features more than 20 suppliers and live demonstrations.
“Visitors can see a magnificent line-up of innovative new technology this year, including the prestigious Henty Machine of the Year Award,” Mr Noll said.
“Our entries ranged from the latest generational agricultural drone up to a massive 225-tonne motherbin and everything else in between.”
From machinery to macadamia nuts, fashions to furrowing, these three days are shaping up to be another ripper success for the tireless HMFD team.
