It is great to be back enjoying and embracing the 44th Lucindale Field Days.


I’m looking forward to checking out the diverse range of exhibitors and I’m here to listen to people about what they see are the big issues for Mackillop.


The Lucindale Field Days is one of the highlights of my year.


A big congratulations to the hard-working field day committee and Lucindale Lions Club as well as the many other sports and service groups from around the region that volunteer their time to pull this premier regional event together.


Every year with farming, there are ups and downs and the past 12 months have been no different.


Over the past 12 months we have witnessed a massive downturn in livestock pricing and our local grape growers continue to feel the effects of oversupply and loss of wine exports to China.


Fortunately, since spring we have seen a slight recovery in lamb and beef.


However, a dry spring to the north, south and west of Lucindale has seen a lot of pressure on farm profitability throughout the region.


We are all watching the skies and the heavens and hoping we see good rains and a good start to 2024.


Events like the Lucindale Field Days are a great opportunity to step away from the farm connecting with family and friends and enjoying the over 500 exhibitors.


I’m looking forward to having a walk through the AgTech pavilion and seeing some of the new technology that’s specific to the agriculture industry.


The Keith, Padthaway and Lucindale SA Ambulance stations are looking for more ambulance volunteers – so for those interested – please call into the Lions pavilion.


And it is a great opportunity for those that may have been putting it off to visit the Lucindale Lions Club and get your hearing tested.


I wish all the riders coming to Lucindale in memory of local policeman Jason Doig all the best as they make their way to Lucindale.


It is a wonderful way to acknowledge a great local taken too soon.


Please call past my marquee at the Field Days and say hello.


I’ll have a suggestion box there and would love any feedback about what’s needed in our great region.