But come they did in big numbers and quite a few with their chequebooks at the ready, so much so that many of the exhibitors reported the best sales they have ever had at the field days.

The surprising thing about it is that it was the big machinery and vehicle exhibitors that had the most sales, which defies the current belief that Queensland is in recession.

Scott McElligott from Key Motors said it was not only the success of the field days which impressed him but the welcome they received.

"The great support displayed toward them has guaranteed that Key Motors will be patronising the Richmond Field Days for many years to come," Mr McElligott said.

The positive mood of the people was immediately evident right from the start when at the traditional opening event of the field days, the Prime Show Sale and judging saw prices up to 20c/kg above the current prices.

Tony Kendall, Kool Kool Pastoral Co achieved this with his the top-priced pen of Jap ox which sold for 161c/kg. He also achieved the top price of the sale for his pen of trade heifers.

The moving of the Lancefield stud bull auction back to the field days site proved to be a positive move as the Landmark auctioneers, Colby Ede, Mick Chittick, and Troy Williams achieved a 100 per cent clearance of the 30 lots offered.

Again, following the tradition of the past Richmond Field Days successes, the event was capped off by the Richmond race meeting, which saw so many nominations that there were emergencies listed for every race.

Many were pleased to see Graham Fitchett return to the winner's circle after his period of self-imposed exile from horse training.

*Full report and photos in this week’s North Queensland Register, out Thursday.