Holy hay bales! AgQuip 2025 has it all - the best in Agtech, Ag Education and Tractor Games

 AgQuip 2025, sponsored by AgTrader, is shaping up to be a feast for farmers, families and the future bright minds who will lead Australia’s agriculture industry with a host of new machinery demos, the first ever Tractor Games, and expert career panels for students. 

AgQuip has always been about connection, bringing producers, industry, and now students together to explore what’s next for agriculture, which is why this year’s partnership with the University of New England (UNE) will see daily speaker panels for secondary school students, highlighting the breadth of careers in agriculture; from on-farm roles to agtech, education, research, and agribusiness. 

UNE’s Vice-Chancellor and CEO Professor Chris Moran said with AgQuip’s home at Gunnedah in the heart of New England, the new collaboration between Australian Community Media (ACM) Events and UNE is the perfect fit for the region’s leading media organisation and its number one tertiary institution. 

"UNE's teaching, research and graduates continue to shape the future of agriculture, working closely with industry to ensure the sector has the skills and knowledge it needs to grow. These sessions go beyond a careers conversation, they’ll show young people that agriculture is dynamic, future-focused, and full of opportunity here in regional Australia,” Professor Moran said.

With tickets available online, offering a special $5 discount off the gate price, crowds are expected to flock to another showcase this year, the inaugural Tractor Games sponsored by Kia and their new Tasman ute. Tractor Games will see the big three, John Deere, Case IH and New Holland, rev up the audience with a showcase of their tractor capability, technology and raw energy.

Each tractor brand will take part in a daily show, featuring guest drivers competing in various horsepower tractor games - navigating haybale lifting challenges ranging from lawn bowls to ten-pin bowling and goal-kicking. It’s tractors like you’ve never seen them before! 

Getting behind the wheel is a lineup of operators including Jaiden Drought, President of the New Zealand Tractor and Machinery Association and also publisher of FarmTrader NZ; ACM’s very own Editor of The Land newspaper, Samantha Townsend; while also up for the challenges, Harrison Hunkin, a prominent agricultural journalist and media personality.

Kia Australia General Manager Marketing Dean Norbiato said this unique event is a live road test where farmers can see first-hand how these tractors can improve their productivity in the paddock and see an almost immediate return on investment.

“Kia is proud to partner with the Tractor Games at AgQuip 2025, the most anticipated event of the year in Australian agriculture. This partnership is the perfect stage to showcase the all-new Kia Tasman ute and how it’s built for the bush and the demands of rural life. We’re excited to celebrate with the community and demonstrate how the Tasman is ready to work as hard as they do,” Mr Norbiato said.

ACM General Manager of Events Craig Chapman said to ensure farmers from every corner of the country don’t miss out, the Tractor Games will be broadcast via the ACM Agri YouTube channel and AgTrader website following this year’s AgQuip which runs from August 19-21.

“AgQuip always attracts visitors from near and far, but at ACM we are always looking at ways we can inject something new and something for everyone.Whether you're the school student learning about agricultural career opportunities, the farmer wanting the new piece of machinery or your keen to have a look at the lifestyle products that will be on display, AgQuip really is the place to learn about new tech, grab a bargain and just have a great time,” Mr Chapman said.

Discounted tickets are available online now at https://acmruralevents.com.au/agquip/tickets

Game On! New Tractor Games LIVE to headline attractions at AgQuip, sponsored by AgTrader

Tickets are now on sale for 52nd annual AgQuip field day with several new attractions, including the Tractor Games LIVE show, expanded GRDC Alley and new Local to the Plains precinct when gates open at Gunnedah on August 19. 

AgQuip, sponsored by AgTrader, will feature over 800 individual exhibitors, showcasing more than 2,500 brands, including many of the world's biggest names in agriculture, over three action-packed days from August 19 to 21.

Tickets are available online from today, and for visitors who purchase theirs online, they’ll enjoy a $5 discount off the door price to guarantee a ringside seat for one of Australia’s brand new and most unique machinery live shows. 

Launching at this year’s event, the Tractor Games will feature leading global brands Case IH, New Holland and John Deere. It guarantees spectators a wild “behind-the-wheel" view as Australia’s best tractors are put through their paces.

During the event, each tractor brand will take part in a daily show, featuring guest drivers competing in various horsepower tractor games. The lineup of operators includes Jaiden Drought, President of the New Zealand Tractor and Machinery Association and owner/publisher of FarmTrader NZ. Editor of The Land, Samantha Townsend, will also be up for the challenges as will Harrison Hunken, a prominent agricultural journalist and media personality. The three competitive guest tractor operators will navigate hay bale lifting challenges ranging from lawn bowls to ten-pin bowling and goal-kicking. It’s tractors like you’ve never seen them before! 

“We’re proud to be part of the Tractor Games this year, putting our Farmall and Maxxum tractors front and centre,” said Catherine Neasbey, Case IH ANZ Brand Manager. “Our Case IH machines are built for versatility, reliability, and high performance — designed to handle the toughest farm tasks with ease. The Tractor Games bring a great competitive edge to AgQuip in showcasing the durability of our machinery in real-time. It’s a perfect example of our commitment to providing farmers with powerful tools that help boost productivity and efficiency every day.”

“We’re excited to make our debut at the Tractor Games this year, with our T4, TT4, and T6 tractors lined up and ready for action. It’s a great opportunity for us to highlight the dependable performance these machines offer," said James Kirkpatrick, New Holland ANZ Brand Manager. "We’re looking forward to a stand-out event and seeing what our New Holland tractors can do when put to the ultimate test."

“John Deere is thrilled to be part of the Tractor Games at AgQuip 2025, where the new 6M tractor range will be front and centre, showcasing the strength, agility and reliability it’s known for. AgQuip is an unmatched opportunity to connect with the farming community, share innovations, and celebrate the machinery that powers Australian agriculture. We’re especially looking forward to seeing the 6M in action — proving it’s more than up for the challenge in this exciting new live format.” Erin Wagstaff John Deere Small Ag and Turf Marketing Manager.

Throughout the Tractor Games live in-cabin cameras will be rigged up to the machines as the drivers put their tractors to the test whilst showcasing their power, precision and durability. With three high-octane live shows held daily, expect a fierce and fun exhilarating showcase.

Growing on its successful debut at this year’s FarmFest and organised by Society of Precision Agriculture on behalf of the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), GRDC Alley is expanding to feature 12 tech savvy exhibitors who will host talks and demonstrations. 

Another first for 2025,  AgQuip’s “Local to the Plains”, is a new section dedicated to celebrating and supporting local makers, artisans, and businesses from the surrounding regional communities. 

Craig Chapman, General Manager of ACM Rural Events, says AgQuip continues to innovate and grow with so much to see, learn and experience first-hand, appealing to the massive crowds which rock up year on year.

“The Local to the Plains precinct is a project that organisers have been working closely with Gunnedah Shire Council on to feature homegrown, home based, local businesses, creators and community groups from the Gunnedah region,” Mr Chapman said.

“It’s a chance to give visitors a true taste of the region — from locally made products to connections with sports and community clubs. We’ve received fantastic early feedback and hope to establish Local to the Plains as a key feature of AgQuip for years to come."

“From live product demonstrations, machinery at every turn, world-class AgTech, as well as our thriving shopping precinct, Lifestyle Lane, AgQuip is a field day for everyone. It’s three days for friends, farmers and farming families to catch up on the biggest, the best and latest the agriculture industry has to offer.”  

“There’s plenty of reasons why more than 50,000 visitors come to spend time at AgQuip every year and we are excited to be able to continue to add new experiences to this year’s packed schedule.”

To navigate your way through everything on offer, a new "Map Your Show" planner will allow visitors to earmark exhibitors, demonstrations, offers and have all the information they need in one place so they can plan ahead of the event, refer to it during the event and use it even after the event to share the information with colleagues, family and friends. 

Whether you’re looking for new on-farm equipment, the latest in AgriTech innovation or new kit to help keep your property secure - look no further than AgQuip. With over 3000 products and services on offer along with Field Days special offers - you'll be best placed to secure the right product at the right price.

Businesses still interested in exhibiting at AgQuip by AgTrader can complete the exhibitor enquiry form at www.agquip.com.au phone event organisers ACM Rural Events on 02 6768 5800 or email the commercial team at info@agquip.com.au.