At its core, the Australian National Field Days (ANFD) is more than an agricultural showcase, it’s a celebration of community. Proudly operated as a not-for-profit organisation, ANFD exists to give back. Every dollar spent, every ticket sold, and every exhibitor welcomed supports local programs, regional development, and the rural heartbeat of Cabonne and the Orange Region.
For over seven decades, ANFD has brought together innovators, educators, producers, and families on the grounds of Borenore, just west of Orange. This blog explores how ANFD within the Cabonne and Orange Region continues to grow stronger. ANFD fosters the local economy, inspiring young minds, and building regional pride that lasts far beyond the three-day event.
1. Local Economic Impact
When ANFD rolls into Borenore each October, it brings with it a remarkable boost to the Orange and Cabonne economies. Hotels, B&Bs, and farmstays quickly book out. Cafes, restaurants, pubs, and wineries see extended hours and full tables. Transport services, caterers, cleaning crews, and local trades are all engaged. ANFD delivers more than a field day; it delivers a financial lifeline.
This impact is not anecdotal. In the year ending December 2024, regional New South Wales welcomed 64.8 million domestic visitors, spending over $25.3 billion. Events like ANFD, in the Cabonne and Orange region, help drive this economic activity. With over 600 exhibitors and thousands of attendees, the ripple effects of ANFD can be felt across accommodation providers, retailers, producers, and service industries.
Businesses across Orange have shared stories of increased visibility and sales during and after ANFD. Some vendors report their best weekend of the year. Others build relationships that lead to long-term partnerships. Whether through walk-in traffic or business referrals, the gains go well beyond the field.
2. Volunteer & Youth Engagement
One of ANFD’s most powerful legacies lies in how it connects young people with real-world opportunity. From local TAFE students to high school agricultural classes, Cabonne and the Orange Region have become a vital training ground. Students volunteer, intern, or participate in event setup, learning practical logistics and industry communication.
Many volunteers have gone on to study agricultural science, marketing, or event management after their experience at ANFD. Testimonials from past students often highlight the mentoring they received from event coordinators and stallholders.
The event also showcases sustainability and technology exhibits led by schools from across Cabonne and Orange. These initiatives encourage innovation and creativity while also highlighting the importance of rural youth engagement in regional development. For many students, it’s their first taste of agricultural innovation, and it sparks a lifelong interest.
Volunteers are the backbone of ANFD. Their efforts, spirit, and community pride are reflected in every element of the event, from ticketing to exhibitor support. ANFD not only welcomes volunteers, but it also empowers them to grow.
3. Supporting Local Vendors
The Cabonne and Orange regions put the spotlight firmly on local producers. From handcrafted cheeses and regional wines to artisan honey, baked goods, and bespoke homewares, every product reflects the skill and passion of the people behind it.
ANFD’s vendor strategy prioritises local food, wine, and handmade products, ensuring that small businesses get the platform they deserve. Visitors not only get to taste and try the best of the region, but they also get to meet the makers, farmers, and creators who make it all happen.
For vendors, the return on investment is clear. With thousands of attendees over three days, many regional businesses report direct sales, new stockist deals, and lasting customer relationships. The event even includes a vendor map and local guide, making it easier for visitors to discover and support Orange and Cabonne’s finest.
With tourism bodies like Destination NSW supporting regional exposure, ANFD has become a magnet for food lovers and conscious consumers seeking authenticity, quality, and local charm.
4. Year-Round Community Programs
Though the main event takes place in October, the impact of ANFDon the Cabonne and Orange Region is felt all year long. Through workshops, farm tours, and education programs, ANFD helps keep the agricultural conversation going.
Post-event knowledge-sharing workshops help local producers stay informed about best practices, new technologies, and sustainable farming techniques. ANFD also partners with regional schools to provide educational outreach, encouraging students to see agriculture not just as a subject, but as a career pathway.
Throughout the year, ANFD supports rural networks, assists with off-season events, and even hosts community fundraisers. These programs ensure that the field days are not just a once-a-year attraction, but a constant source of learning, collaboration, and community engagement.
By working closely with farmers, educators, and local stakeholders, ANFD is nurturing a stronger, smarter, and more sustainable rural future.
5. Local Partnerships & Sponsorships
The success of ANFD in the Cabonne and the Orange Region would not be possible without its strong local support network. From council grants to business sponsorships, ANFD has forged long-term relationships that elevate its community impact.
The event has been proudly backed by Cabonne Shire Council, Orange City Council, and state-wide organisations focused on regional development. These partnerships have led to infrastructure improvements, promotional support, and collaborative community initiatives.
For sponsors, ANFD offers more than just branding. It offers a meaningful connection to local values, regional pride, and the heart of agricultural progress. Interviews with partners reveal a shared commitment to building resilience in regional NSW and ensuring the continued growth of the event.
Through these alliances, ANFD helps shape long-term sustainability plans, support emerging businesses, and advocate for regional prosperity. Whether it’s an ag-tech supplier or a local bank, each sponsor helps power a stronger future for the entire community.
Supporting the Local Economy & Agritourism
As interest in agritourism grows, ANFD Cabonne and Orange Region continue to raise the profile of Central West NSW. The event doesn’t just draw attendees, it invites them to stay, explore, and invest in the region’s charm.
Visitors often plan entire weekends around the event, taking time to tour local vineyards, explore farmgate trails, and experience regional dining. With Orange’s reputation for cool-climate wines, artisan produce, and award-winning eateries, ANFD becomes the perfect entry point into a world of flavour, heritage, and hospitality.
This crossover between agriculture and tourism is powerful. It drives economic activity, builds destination awareness, and introduces thousands of new people to the wonders of the Central West.
In 2025, the region will also host the second annual Agritourism Summit, reinforcing its status as a leader in combining tourism and farming. ANFD complements this movement by creating opportunities for producers and communities to showcase their offerings and engage with a national audience.
Family day trips, school excursions, and travel groups all see ANFD as a launchpad into regional exploration. And as more people experience the warmth and excellence of the Cabonne and Orange Region, the impact continues to grow.
Be Part of the ANFD Story
The ANFD Cabonne and Orange Region experience is a reminder that behind every innovation, every exhibit, and every ticket is a community with a heart. When you visit ANFD, you’re not just attending a field day; you’re helping fund education, support small businesses, empower volunteers, and strengthen regional identity.
From agritech and livestock demos to local wine tastings and student showcases, ANFD offers something for everyone. But more importantly, it gives back, turning every visitor into a contributor to regional sustainability.
So whether you’re a local resident, a curious tourist, or a business looking to make a difference, ANFD 2025 is your chance to connect, support, and grow. Tickets are now available here, and your visit will help fuel the local economy and uplift the entire Central West.
Come to the field days. Stay for the stories. And leave knowing you made an impact.