Farmers flock to field days

More than 20,000 people, many from Canberra, visited the region's biggest small farm event.

It featured more than 400 exhibitors who showcased the latest equipment, machinery and services needed to successfully run a farm.

Besides good weather this year, the event's manager Kim Williams said people might have been attracted by this year's theme - sustainability and community.

''We want to better our community through sharing the rural lifestyle and we want to demonstrate our commitment to preserving it through environmental sustainability,'' he said. ''The old generation of farmers is slowly dying out, but the next two generations after them are starting to look for something that is a little greener.''

Mr Williams said Canberrans visited Murrumbateman Field Days to take a ''piece of the rural lifestyle home''.

Rebecca Godden, of Sutton, and her children, Caitlin, 3, and Lucas, 5, explored the possibility of buying chooks for their backyard.

Joe Emerson, owner of Uncle Joe's Mobile Chook Run, has been selling mobile chook runs for years.

His business has gone from strength to strength since he started 11 years ago, particularly among Canberrans buying chooks for their suburban homes.

He was contacted by the former prime minster Kevin Rudd's wife, Therese Rein, years ago to deliver his mobile chook run ''The Maximiser'', along with six laying hens at The Lodge.

''To have a sustainable garden, you need chooks to help with weed control, bug control, and soil fertility,'' Mr Emerson said.

''Not only do you get health benefits from your own produce, but you will see mother-nature at its finest.''

Graeme and Louella Gardiner, owners of Aussie Shade and Hot Houses, have been selling plant protection houses for years.

They've noticed an influx of small businesses in the green sector in the region.

''There's a big demand among suburban residents wanting to grow things in their backyard,'' Mr Gardiner said.