THE economic benefits of the three-day annual agricultural field days AgQuip are far-reaching, with Tamworth welcoming the boost along with exhibitors who’ve enjoyed more visitors than usual.
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Tamworth Regional Council investment and growth manager Craig Dunstan said there were no exact figures on the economic benefits to Tamworth from the mega-event, but it was “incredibly big”.
“You only have to go through the city (while AgQuip is on) and see all the no-vacancy signs,” he said.
“The accommodation sector is full in the Tamworth area.
“When the accommodation operators are full, the flow-on effect to local hotels, pubs and clubs is great.
“We have an extra influx of visitors coming through the visitor centre. AgQuip is just a great event for the whole region.”
Mr Dunstan said it was great to have an event like this on our doorstep.
Tamworth’s accommodation houses were full from Monday night to yesterday morning as the city housed the overflow from Gunnedah.
Fairfax Rural Events group manager Kate Nugent said the multi-million-dollar sales success of AgQuip showed confidence in the rural sector.
“It’s confirming we are optimistic, there is caution, but there is confidence and that is attributed to the fact we have low interest rates, free trade agreements, higher cattle prices and tax incentives for primary producers,” Ms Nugent said.
“Multi-million-dollar purchasing has happened on the field.
“It has been a strong sales event with leads that we hope will carry these agricultural companies throughout the year and that is without doubt the power of AgQuip.”
Telfer Rural Fencing owner Adrian Telfer, who exhibited for the first time, said he would need to employ five people to cope with the extra work generated by AgQuip sales.
“Who knows what phone calls will come in over the next six months that have been a result of what’s happened here?” he said.
Mr Telfer said he was pleased to see smiles on farmers’ faces.
“The rain and prices of different commodities have probably eased the burden on a lot of people and given them a lot of positivity for the future,” he said.
Peel Valley Group sales and marketing manager Stephen John said they enjoyed more inquiries than the previous two years.
“That confidence is reflected in the interest of people coming to AgQuip this year,” he said.
Exhibitors said they would be reaping the benefits of the fields days for months to come.
