The mood of quiet optimism surrounding this year's event was evident on the first stand I visited where Mt Darry producers Glen and Brendan Voll were keen to talk about the best winter start for years, as well as their interest in the latest hardware on show.

The key ingredients of sound-looking seasonal conditions, plus a raft of new technology are the key ingredients for both exhibitors and visitors alike.

"We had nearly 100mm a fortnight ago – that's the best rain for two months in the area," Glenn Voll said.

"It means we'll get a winter plant for sure and it's going to be the first winter crop with good prospects for a number of years."

Mr Voll said for a number of years he had been planting on marginal rain.

"But we're now assured of a 'go'," he added.

Meanwhile, CRT development manager Lisa Stallard, also was in good spirits, looking forward to "a really good three days", despite the damp start to this year's event.

"There's been some good rain around with our members out on the Downs reporting it's been really busy at their stores," she said.

Ms Stallard said the good mood of people attending the Kingsthorpe-based field days should translate into sales, following "two quite good crops" with the prospect of another good winter in store.

"People have been able to pay off debt they accumulated during the drought and with the season starting to turn the corner, they've got a little bit of cash to reinvest again," Ms Stallard said.

"The mood is quite positive - people are interested and are asking questions, looking at the products."