Fieldays sales hit a record high

6 September 2004

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Fieldays sales hit a record high

Sales taken by Fieldays exhibitors reached record levels in 2004, with $131.5 million reported during the four days of the event, up 60 per cent from 2003.

Fieldays general manager Barry Quayle said farming is “on a high” – and the sales figures reflect that, compared with the $79.3 million taken during Fieldays 2003. It also exceeded the previous “during Fieldays” sales record of $123.3 million in 2001.

The 2003-04 farming year is an investment one for farmers, Mr Quayle said, with many choosing to purchase additional land to grow their farming businesses.

“In addition, there was a lot of amalgamation of farms over the past few years,” he said.

“Now, these guys have reduced their debt and their liquidity is very good.”

“With good liquidity you can look at investment and development opportunities. Which is where we’ve seen that translate into sales at Fieldays.”

The total amount of sales resulting from Fieldays reported by exhibitors both during the event, and as a result of in the months following has remained consistent – around $220 million, Mr Quayle said.

In 2004 the total sales were $219.7 million, compared with the 2003 figure of $225 million.

And while farmers experienced a healthy dairy payout prior to Fieldays, Mr Quayle said that a great dairy payout is a factor in confidence, “but it’s not the only driving force that has an impact on farmer spending.”

The figures quoted are from the 2004 Fieldays Exhibitor Survey, with 46 per cent of all exhibitors responding.

Ends.

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