Elders FarmFest gets underway this Tuesday, launching three days of big bargains, big machines, free giveaways and celebrations marking 51 years of Queensland’s favourite field day, with organisers providing easier site access and encouraging all attendees to download the official FarmFest App to help visitors make the most of their time.
With 750 exhibitors this year, Elders FarmFest continues to showcase the latest in agricultural innovation, machinery, technology and rural services, while bringing together farmers, agribusinesses and regional communities from across Queensland and beyond. After half a century, FarmFest continues to also promote local businesses in the Darling Downs providing direct economic returns for the region thanks to the ongoing support of key sponsor Elders.
Mark Allison, Elders Managing Director and CEO welcomed exhibitors and visitors to Elders FarmFest 2026, Queensland’s largest and most successful annual field day, which continues to play a vital role in showcasing leading products, services and innovations that will shape the future of Australia’s farming families, regional communities and primary industries.
“As a proud Queenslander, FarmFest is a true highlight on the agricultural calendar. It’s a wonderful opportunity to catch up with clients and colleagues and explore the innovations and advances across our sector. It’s set to be another great year with Elders as the major partner of the event,” Mr Allison said.
Getting around the site will also be easier this year thanks to organisers Australian Community Media (ACM) offering a new dedicated shuttle bus route operating throughout the event.
ACM General Manager of Events, Craig Chapman said the addition of the shuttle service would allow more people to move more freely around the 26 hectare display site so exhibitors would also benefit from increased foot traffic.
“We know the event gets bigger year-on-year and we want our wonderful exhibitors to get as much exposure to potential customers as possible. Visitors also want to grab a bargain and see as much as they can, so the shuttle is a win-win for everyone,” Mr Chapman said.
The shuttle service will run along the perimeter roads of the internal grid with stops located at the main gates and key areas around the site, including the new drone demonstration area and livestock entrances. Shuttle buses will also operate throughout the carpark with dedicated pick-up and drop-off points.
Visitors will be able to locate the shuttle bus route via the official printed guide and within the FarmFest App site map. The app, ‘Find your way. Plan your day’, has become an essential tool for navigating the site, discovering exhibitors and planning demonstrations and activities across the three-day event.
Available on both iOS and Android, the app allows visitors to: Explore exhibitors; Save demonstration sessions; Navigate the site; and See where they are in real time. Visitors can search for exhibitors by category, exhibitor name or alphabetical order, while the interactive site map helps attendees easily move around the expansive FarmFest grounds.
The app also allows users to build a personalised itinerary by saving demonstrations and exhibitors they want to visit, helping streamline their FarmFest experience. Visitors can also use the app to save brochures, flyers and exhibitor information into a personal folder, making it easier to follow up on products and services after the event.
For the first time in 2026, FarmFest’s Education Partner, the University of New England (UNE) is bringing a strong focus on NextGen Agriculture to the Darling Downs showcasing the wide range of career pathways available across the agricultural sector, highlighting opportunities for students, graduates and professionals looking to build a future in one of Australia’s most important industries.
Agriculture today extends far beyond the farm gate, with careers spanning research, technology, policy, consulting, agribusiness and environmental management. UNE is committed to preparing the next generation with the knowledge and practical skills needed to succeed in these diverse and evolving fields.
Visitors to the UNE site will learn how future agricultural leaders are tackling some of the industry’s biggest challenges, including drought resilience, carbon farming, emissions reduction, food security and environmental stewardship.
Throughout FarmFest, visitors will have the opportunity to meet UNE experts and academics, explore study options and discover career opportunities they may not have previously considered. The team will be on hand to provide advice, answer questions and help students and job seekers find their place in the future of Australian agriculture.
Visitors are also encouraged to take some time at FarmFest to nominate themselves or someone they know in the inaugural Australian Agriculture Awards at www.agawards.com.au, with the overall Australian Agricultural Medallist set to win a new Toyota Tundra Platinum valued at $181,000.
Launched this year by ACM Agri and the National Farmers' Federation, the awards celebrate excellence, innovation and leadership across the nation’s agricultural sector. The awards are proudly supported by platinum partners Nutrien Ag Solutions, Westpac, and Toyota Australia.
ACM Agri Editorial Director Penelope Arthur said nominations had already been strong across all categories but she expects news of the $181,000 Tundra prize to supercharge entries.
“The awards were designed to recognise the people leading innovation and positive change in Australian agriculture, with the Toyota Tundra providing a fitting reward for the nation’s top agricultural achiever,” Ms Arthur said.
The awards feature five categories: Women in Agriculture, Nutrien NextGen Leader, Sustainability in Agriculture, Westpac Innovation in Agriculture, and Toyota Wellbeing and Safety in Agriculture.
Three finalists in each category will progress to state award events in September and October before state winners compete at the national finals in Canberra. Organisers have encouraged nominees to focus closely on the judging criteria to ensure their achievements and impact are clearly demonstrated.
Discounted tickets are available online through the FarmFest website, saving visitors 30% off the gate price while also securing entry into the draw to win a $10,000 Kubota Z200 Series 42-inch lawn mower, proudly supplied by Black Truck and Ag.
Visitors can also access the official guidebook online by scanning the event QR code and start planning their FarmFest visit before arriving on site.