The dinner, held for the past four years, is an industry recognised event on the coast and last year was attended by more than 220 people.

“We get sponsors to sponsor a table, which entitles them to decorate it how they want,” said the group’s deputy chairperson Natasha Yarrington. “They get a couple of seats allocated and the rest of the seats are for the farmers.

“The sponsorship, which has come from more than 15 businesses, also means all the farmers attend for free.”

The membership of DAGs extends from Bulahdelah to Gloucester and Kempsey, which includes the Manning and Great Lakes.

Ian Halliday, the managing director of Dairy Australia, has been in attendance at past dinners and will be attending again this year.

The guest speaker is David Stratham from Sundown Pastoral Company, who will speak on the past, present and future of the industry.

There will also be awards to recognise farmers in the industry, who have been in the industry and supported the industry.

The 30^th anniversary sees the addition of a daytime trade show between noon and 5pm, where a range of businesses and services will host stalls featuring more traditional aspects of dairying as well as more advanced technology. Both the dinner and trade show will be held at the Winning Post Function Centre at Taree-Wingham Racecourse.

Natasha said the trade show offers a chance for more social interaction between farmers, service providers and businesses.

“DAGs will also have a site featuring copies of its magazine Dairy Doings from over 30 years and there will also be farming memorabilia.

“We want to educate the public about the dairy industry here and what we do and the advantage of the trade show is that it is open to all farmers, retired farmers and people interested in farming to have a talk with each other, service providers and businesses. 

“Farmers enjoy talking to likeminded people who are in the same position and going through the same things.” 

Wingham Rotary Club will operate the barbecue.

For more information or to book your seat contact Tim or Julie Bale on 6553 5511 or Natasha Yarrington on 0400 136 229, Josh Hack on 0418 213 898, Sam Nicholson on 0427 666 709 or Guy Denning on 0438 672 786 by Thursday, August 24.