Ballingup Small Farm Field Day

Small Farming - A Family Experience  is the theme of the 2013 Small Farm Field Day.

A preview of events can be seen in the printed brochure now in available, or by down-loading  BSFFD_brochure_2013 5.49 Mb. Also, a late-edition brochure will be available at the gate on the day, and that includes a map of the Oval as well as a Timeline of scheduled events (see downloads below).

With a range of growers and gardeners specialising in everything from organic fertiliser to unusual fruits and vegetables you will be able to learn the basics of growing and preparing your own backyard produce.

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 ‘tree-change' dream. For those interested in renewable resources and sustainable family living there are many exhibits on the oval featuring solar power, water storage, and thermally efficient building.

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, pigs, chickens, 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, and of the husbandry measures that may need to be taken in the future.

Small farm/cottage industries have an opportunity to exhibit and sell a wide range of goods including craft, produce, woodwork, pottery, fashion, and jewellery, all with the emphasis on being "home-produced". Look too for interesting gourmet food.

The Slow Food Movement will be represented there with information, demonstrations and fabulous food, and Chris Ferreira will be giving gardening talks. Also, Landcare will be offering free water testing (at the Blackwood Valley Catchment Council exhibit, near the 'Black Stump' where talks will be given - see schedule below), and the Department of Agriculture & Food WA exhibit will have a Vet on hand to answer all your animal and food health questions.

The Field Day is held on the Town Sports Oval, set amongst the brook and rolling hills of Balingup which is ony 2.5 hours south of Perth and 1 hour south-east of Bunbury.

Enjoy Your Field Day

Balingup Town Map (click to enlarge)

For a copy of the finalised Programme download  balingup_sffd_2013_programme

For a Map showing the location of key events download  balingup_sffd_2013_oval_layout

For a Timeline of the Schedule of Events download   balingup_sffd_2013_timeline

NB: Free parking  is provided in paddocks on each side of  the SW Highway, as well as off Walter Road, all within easy walking distance to the Grounds.