THE South Gippsland Dairy and Farming Expo returned to the Korumburra Showgrounds on September 3 and 4, bringing together farmers, businesses and the wider community for two days of celebration and collaboration.

Now in its 26th year, the Expo continues to deliver on its founding promise of being a day for farmers. From its beginnings in 2000, the event has grown into one of the premier gatherings for the region’s farming community. With close to 95 exhibitors and 19 gold sponsors taking part this year, there was plenty on offer.

Expo chairman Cliff Wallace said the event’s success lies in its ability to stay true to its purpose while simultaneously embracing change. 

“We have changed, but we’ve stayed focused on the dairy and the farming industry. We haven’t gone outside that perimeter, but one big change is that we’re getting a lot more machinery and technology into the dairy industry. We’ve got robotic milkers, drones coming in to fertilise, the technology has been a huge change,” he said.

Technology was certainly a talking point, with several drone companies showcasing their services. Although the much-anticipated demonstration of the new DJI Agras T100 drone had to be cancelled due to strong winds, farmers were still able to see firsthand how drones are beginning to add to modern agriculture. From weed control to fertiliser application, the technology is already showing promise as a safer and more efficient tool on the farm.

For many, the highlight of the Expo was not just the machinery and demonstrations but the chance to connect. Cliff said the exhibitors themselves are a big part of what makes the event special. 

“The exhibitors are so keen to come back each year. They wouldn’t normally do many sales on the day, but it’s the contacts that they can make for future sales. People can come and have a look at what they have got, and they may want it in three- or six-months’ time,” he said. 

Farmers and families had no shortage of entertainment either. The popular Gumboot Gift footrace once again drew a lively crowd on Thursday afternoon. Competitors lined up in their knee-high gumboots for the 120-metre race, chasing a share of the $4000 prize pool. 

Sarah Lewis of Leongatha took out the women’s race, with Abbie Hoiberg-Cox of Warragul second and Lauren Finger of Yannathan Heights third. 

In the men’s race, Simon Finger from Yannathan Heights claimed first place, followed by David Olsen of Drouin and Hayden Bull from Korumburra South.

Another favourite was the Udder Truth Show Bag competition, which gave farmers the chance to test their knowledge and walk away richer. Participants had to answer 17 out of 20 questions correctly, get their card stamped, and drop it into the entry box. First prize of $3000 went to Clare Porter from Yarram, second prize of $1500 went to Jack Reesink of Middle Tarwin, and third prize of $500 went to Mary Fe Escobillo from Fish Creek. A fourth prize, a $100 voucher to the Poowong Hotel, went to Caroline Jones of Longwarry North.

For those wanting to see farming innovation up close, the Mt Lyall Dairies farm tour offered a rare behind-the-scenes look at one of the region’s most talked about operations. Visitors explored the Lancey family’s new 100-stand rotary dairy and loafing barn in Nyora. The tour was complemented by afternoon tea thanks to Westpac and gold sponsors GEA, Westfalia Warragul and Worker Bee Drones.

Health was also on the agenda at the Shane Warne Legacy Health Checks tent, where farmers were encouraged to take a few minutes out of their day to check their blood pressure, BMI, heart age and more. The initiative, supported by Latrobe Health Services, highlighted the importance of wellbeing in rural communities where busy schedules and heavy workloads often push farmers’ personal health to the side.

Over its 26 years, the Expo has raised just under $700,000 for community causes, with $62,000 distributed last year alone to schools, food banks and local services. 

As Cliff summed it up, the aim is to keep things simple. 

“It is like the old saying, if it’s not broke, then don’t fix it. The strategy we have kept to is to stay focused on the dairy and farming industry, and not to expand just for the sake of expanding. In the Korumburra Showgrounds area, we are full; we can’t take any more exhibitors in. We’ve even got some on a waiting list. This year we have about 95 exhibitors, and 19 gold sponsors for this event.”