Tuesday, 16 December 2025 10:37

Slippery slope

Written by The Hound

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OPINION: It used to be that the National Fieldays attracted brickbats for being officious clipboard carriers, while the regional, farmer-run field days enjoyed the bouquets for being easier to deal with.

Your old mate hears things may be changing in the deep south however, with the previously cruisy Southern Field Days attracting a few grumbles.

Maybe as these outfits grow, so do their egos. Or perhaps the coffers are just running low.

How else to explain their new policy of charging exhibitors for extra tickets to attend sites they’ve already paid for; and charging rural media, who publicise the event for free, to attend?

It sounds like a small thing, but it’s a warning bell – a reminder that the now huge and officious Misery Creek was once known as a cruisy, farmer-run event too.

Be a shame for the regionals to follow them down the same road!

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