Moree is preparing to welcome the nation’s top harvesting professionals as it hosts the inaugural HarvestFest on August 5–6, 2025 — a new two-day event created by harvesters, for harvesters.
Billed as the first event of its kind in Australia, HarvestFest is being presented by Australian Custom Harvesters (ACH), with strong backing from the Moree Plains Shire Council.
Australian Custom Harvesters (ACH) is the nation’s largest and most experienced network of professional grain harvesters, representing operators across Australia who specialise in contract harvesting.
With a focus on advocacy, safety, and industry advancement, ACH supports its members through training, resources, and events like HarvestFest — designed to bring the sector together and showcase the latest in machinery and technology.
President of ACH Damien Talbot, is very keen to see the first HarvestFest take off.
“I had the idea for this a couple of years ago and now with the help of Andy Worland and the other associates in ACH we’ve finally made it happen,” he said.
“It’s just an event for farmers and contractors to go and have a look at the latest machinery, get everybody there, having to talk to each other – and getting all these exhibitors, in one spot where they’re going to hit the right market, instead of going for bigger Field Day where you’ve got 20,000 people at the gate, and most of them are tyre kickers.”
Harvestfest is designed to bring together contractors, growers, and suppliers in one place to get hands-on with the latest harvesting machinery, grain-handling solutions, and aftermarket equipment.
With major harvester manufacturers already confirmed to attend — including technical representatives from each brand — the event offers a rare opportunity to compare machines side by side and speak directly with the experts who build and support them.
The event will open on Tuesday, August 5 with a full exhibition and education day. From 9am to midday, brand representatives will present header walkarounds and technical demonstrations, followed by afternoon inspections and discussions. The evening will feature the HarvestFest dinner and the “Future Harvesting” forum — a keynote event where leaders in the field will discuss what’s next for Australia’s grain industry.
Day two, Wednesday August 6, will feature the ACH Annual General Meeting, open to members and sponsors only, while machines will remain on site for more casual, hands-on exploration and conversation.
With nearly half of Australia’s grain crop now harvested by professional harvesters, the sector’s investment in cutting-edge machinery and precision technology has never been more important. HarvestFest aims to put this innovation on display, while building stronger connections across the industry.
Suppliers of chaser bins, mother bins, headers, harvester fronts, and grain-handling technology will be exhibiting alongside aftermarket parts manufacturers and service providers. NHVR will also be on site discussing regulations around harvesting.
When asked what he sees as a highlight for the weekend Mr Talbot said, “Being a Case man myself I’m very keen to see the new AF9 but also just all the latest harvesting equipment, especially with the new headers coming out.”
ACH members receive free entry, while non-members and industry professionals can purchase tickets at www.harvestfest.au. Membership with ACH is $350 per year.
Mr Talbot is also very pleased to announce a special local’s ticket which is available for purchase online now.
“For anyone in the local area who doesn’t want to go to the dinner but just wants to come to the expo, we’re doing a special $20 entry.”
On-site camping will be available for those travelling to the event, and all ticket holders are welcome at Tuesday evening’s dinner.
The Moree Show society will be providing food and refreshments on site during the expo, and there will also be an onsite coffee van and the CWA doing morning tea.
“Moree Plains Shire were very excited when I brought the idea to them and we really wanted to get some of the local community organisations involved,” said Mr Talbot.
HarvestFest 2025 promises to be a game-changing event for the harvesting community — offering insight, access, and innovation, all in one place and Mr Talbot and ACH have big plans for the future.
“Hopefully from here we’ll keep making it a little bit bigger, from harvest equipment we’d then look to add graders and other heavy machinery because it’s not just farmers in the industry so there’s definitely room to grow.”
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