All AAFDA members shall, with best endeavours, pursue the following objectives:

PARTICIPATION – To endeavour to promote the relative benchmark position of the AAFDA members and the AAFDA logo to stakeholders and the agriculture sector. To share knowledge and experience with colleague members. Follow and contribute to AAFDA development of best practice for safety and health specifically for Field Days events.

PROFESSIONALISM – To deal with colleagues and peers in a manner that is respected and supportive so that the capability and position of each AAFDA member Field Days is enhanced in the rural marketplace. To deal with clients, exhibitors and visitors in a professional manner and with good principles of customer service. To endeavour to develop their respective events annually (or biannually) so that overall performance rises.

ORGANISATION – To have a structure that ensures planning and delivery of a relevant and high standard Field Day event.

MARKETING – To have an event that markets principally to the rural sector with at least 70% of the total exhibit area being agricultural exhibitors (those that have products and services focused at the agricultural and horticultural sectors). Members shall endeavour to create agricultural areas. To use event marketing medians which are principally focused on the agricultural sector.

SAFETY AND HEALTH – Follow relevant legislation and best practice principles for Occupational Health and Safety. Practice effective systems of Hazard Management; identifying, mitigating and/or eliminating hazards.

DEMOGRAPHICS – To endeavour as far as practicable, for the particular Field Days, gathering of some demographics of patrons to the event. In particular the geographical area visitors come from, and the ratio of rural dwellers and those in the industry in relation to urban/town visitors and children. To promote that information to stakeholders and exhibitor interest groups.

SITE – To provide a site with appropriate services that exhibitors are able to use to provide a quality exhibit and provide appropriate facilities for visitors.

VIEW THE STRATEGIC ACTION PLAN 2024-2026 HERE.

INTERESTED IN BECOMING A MEMBER?  Apply by completing this Membership Application form and we’ll get back to you.

Meet The Board

AAFDA Chair – BRUCE WRIGHT (Primex Field Days NSW)

Bruce Wright has made a career bringing together and supporting agricultural field days and events for almost four decades. As the owner of one of Australia’s only family-owned coastal-based field days, Bruce’s advocacy has been dedicated to building collaboration and connections between local, national and international brands and suppliers who service and support farmers, and primary producers throughout rural and regional communities.

With broad, extensive experience in Governance, Strategic Planning and Australian Primary industry’s, his 36 years’ experience brings unique knowledge, understanding and skill sets to the challenges and opportunities of regional trade agribusiness events across Australia and New Zealand.

 

AAFDA Secretary – PAM RYAN (Farm World VIC)

I have held the position of AAFDA Secretary since October 2021, and its been a great journey and honour to be part of the AAFDA team.

I am Events Manager at Lardner Park in Gippsland, Victoria and we organise the Farm World agricultural field day. Along with our other events and activations on the 300 acre property, our small team also host around 120 events for external organisations throughout the year. My role at Lardner Park is multi-faceted, which enables me to manage and support a multitude of events on the property, administration and regulatory obligations on behalf of Lardner Park and our clients.

 

AAFDA Board Member – CRAIG CHAPMAN (Ag Quip NSW & Farm Fest QLD)

With more than 35 years’ experience in the agriculture sector, Craig has worked in sales, sales management and executive positions across the rural media and events businesses in both Australia and New Zealand.

Currently, in the role of Commercial Director and head of ACM Agri, Australia’s largest agricultural media, marketplace and event business, Craig and his team are responsible for hosting Ag Quip (Gunnedah, NSW) AND Farm Fest (Toowoomba, QLD).

Craig is passionate about promoting Australian agriculture and the events, such as field days that deliver significant economic and social benefits to regional communities.

 

AAFDA Board Member – BELINDA ANDERSON (Henty Machinery Field Days NSW)

Belinda Anderson was appointed as the Henty Machinery Field Days first female chief executive officer in 2013. Belinda has worked in the role of company secretary for the co-operative since 2011 and stepped to the CEO’s position in 2013.

With a 35-year career in administration, agriculture and governance, Belinda brings a wealth of knowledge to the board of AAFDA. When she is not running the Henty Machinery Field Days, Belinda is a partner in the family business producing sheep and grain in the southern Riverina. Now with four generations in the farming operation, the farms consist of 1295 hectares at Pulletop and 364 hectares at Coleambally.

 

AAFDA Board Member – NICOLE CROSBY (South East Field Days SA)

Nicole Crosby has been the Secretary of the South East Field Days since 2023 and was Assistant Secretary for two years prior to that. Having grown up in the Limestone Coast area of South Australia as well as being a partner in a dairy farming business, Nicole has brought a passion and a wealth of knowledge and is leading the way in promoting the event into the future. Recent changes have included updating the logo and a new website, as well as other changes which is ensuring we remain one of South Australia’s largest agricultural based events.

 

AAFDA Board Member – CHARISE FOULSTONE (Tocal Field Days NSW)

Charise Foulstone, the Event Manager for Tocal Field Days, brings over 12 years of experience in planning and executing successful events. With the meticulous attention to detail, creativity, and strong organisational skills to ensure seamless event experiences. Charise is passionate about creating memorable events and driving engagement in the agricultural sector.

Growing up on farm in the central-west of NSW, Charise has a strong bond with agriculture and believes in the importance of the AAFDA and how it can improve and assist Field Days into the future.

Charise is currently the Secretary of the Tocal Field Days Association.

 

AAFDA Board Member – TARYN STOREY (New Zealand Fieldays)

With more than 20 years’ experience spanning the disciplines of Marketing, Communications, Engagement and Events, Taryn now holds the position of Head of Customer and Strategic Engagement at the New Zealand National Fieldays Society who owns and operates Mystery Creek Events Centre, and Fieldays. Heading a team of 12 who are directly responsible for the curation and design, marketing and promotions and sales development of Fieldays. Having been with the Society for over 7 years, Taryn is passionate about the delivering and evolving Australasia largest agri-exhibition event to further promote Aotearoa’s primary industries and connections globally.