Programme
Introduction

Creating the good life is the theme of this year's Small Farm Field Day, and by visiting and talking to some of the many people who have already opted for the diversity of the "good life", maybe you too will be inspired to make the tree change.

Informed choices about whether to plant olives, mushrooms, trees, or even to just have a few chooks, will be made easier after talking to some of the on-hand people who have followed their dream and done it before you.

The 2008 Balingup Small Farm Field Day will feature farm visits to lifestyle properties that will inspire you, and learning about caring for and using the land in a sustainable way will encourage you to also try something new.

With over 300 trade and market stalls, along with a wide range of farm machinery and equipment, agricultural and nursery supplies, there is something for all the family to browse, learn and enjoy.

Animals on display will include goats, sheep, miniature cattle, miniature and draft horses, and alpacas. While the kids get up close and personal you can learn more about the benefits of breeding and keeping such animals.

Small farm/cottage industries present an opportunity to exhibit and sell a wide range of goods including craft, produce, woodwork, pottery, fashion and many other products all with the emphasis on being "home- grown" Other popular attractions include the wine and gourmet food section, demonstrations, fashion parades and free live entertainment.

The Field Day is held on the Town Sports Oval, set amongst the brooks and rolling hills of Balingup, only 2.5 hours south of Perth and 1 hr south-east of Bunbury on the South Western Highway (click here for a map of the Town jpg balingup_town_map 300.14 Kb).

 

Enjoy Your Field Day

 
Farm Visits

image014.jpg Our "Creating the Good Life" bus tours of approximately 1½ hours duration. Each tour has a specialist guide on board to provide you with information. Buses depart from the South East corner of the grounds (near Walter St. Bridge). Tickets $6 per person. Tour times are available at the departure point from 9.00 am onwards. Book early - don't miss out as tours fill quickly. Please wear suitable footwear.

1.  Autumn Trees: This is a visit to three different locations featuring trees in their autumn tones.

  • Golden Valley Tree Park. WA's largest arboretum with a collection of over 500 different species of trees. Many with glorious Autumn colour.
  • Amber Springs. A 4 acre garden with many varieties of deciduous trees.
  • Frank Lister's Property. Drive through a very large hillside collection of deciduous trees.

2. Certified Organic Fruit and Vegetables: Bossy Boots Farm.  An 80acre property with 10 acres under certified organic fruit and vegetable production. A commercial kitchen processes seasonal produce. Owner Tom Benson is Western Australia's representative for the Biological Farmers of Australia.

3.  Fruit Winery: Birdwood Park Fruit Winery. The winery is set in a picturesque old orchard. Demonstr-ation and recipes for home fruit wine making. Tasting of the fruit wines and ports.

4. Olives: Tarnagulla. This large olive farm is an award-winning producer of extra virgin olive oil. Natural methods are used as far as possible. You will glimpse other olive groves en route.

5.  Eco Friendly Farm: Ellendale. A large self- sufficient farm with two houses. Each has their own solar power and water supplies. The property has woodlots, self-shearing sheep and a persimmon orchard. The main home is owner-built of rammed earth, and is set in an attractive garden.

For more information on tours - go to departure area. There you will find photographs and descriptions of the properties posted on display boards.

 
Demonstrations

Farrier - local farrier Arthur Collins will be showing off his skills.

Sheep Shearing - watch local shearer John Bignell demonstrate this essential farming practice.

Yard Dog Trials - watch working sheep dogs at work, and see how to train your dogs to bring in poultry.

Spindle Spinning - traditional craft using Alpaca wool.

 
The Black Stump

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Special Gardening feature:

At the Black Stump (located in Fleece Street)

THE SOIL SISTERS

Media celebrities Sabrina Hahn and Andrea Whitely, together with local gardening experts, will be speaking on gardening topics, and available to answer your questions throughout the day from 11.00am (see white board by the black stump for topics and timing).

Bring along your gardening concerns or plant specimens for diagnosis.

Free water-quality testing available at adjacent Land Care tent.

 
Entertainment

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A great variety of entertainment is on this year’s programme, at times to be announced on the day. These include:

 

MUSIC:  

  • Lauren Brede & Aaron Moloney - country music performers who are very gifted.
  • Manjimup Jazz Ensemble - local musicians sharing the enjoyment of playing music.
  • Deb Perry - performing for our pleasure a variety of tunes to the rhythm of her spoons.
  • John Sawyer - a local favourite - singer / guitarist.
  • Chad Richardson - fine young guitarist / vocalist.
  • Ian Hulme - variety performer - some jazz, some country, something special.
  • Balingup Primary School Junior Choir - performing classic hits of the 20th century.image004.gif

ROCK CLIMBING:

Take up the challenge and learn to rock climb on the climbing wall under the careful guidance of the Scouts Association.

 
Fashion Parades
image008.gif The three fashion parades on the day feature models from Nicole's Modelling School in Donnybrook and are a very popular part of the day. Featuring a range of smart casual clothing, through to dressy-go-any-where outfits from Trigz Boutique, Donnybrook, and finishing with a finale of exquisite alpaca knit-wear and 100% cotton product from Jalbrook Alpaca Knitwear, Balingup.
 
Kids Photo Competition
clip_image002_0000.gifThis popular competition will be held again this year. Take some photos of the Field Day using a digital camera and send your best picture to us by email to This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it before April 30, and you could win a great prize!
 
Awards

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A number of awards with monetary prizes are made each year as an incentive for exhibitors to maintain a quality showing of their wares and innovative ideas. The following awards will be presented at 4:00pm on the entertainment stage.

 


·       Best Stall for Presentation and Impact
·       Most Original WA-made Craft on Display
·       Best item of Gourmet Food using local ingredients
·       Most Effective Information Display

 
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