AS THE sun set on the last day of AqQuip and utes rolled out of the exit in military succession, organiser Kate Nugent couldn't have been happier with the turn out given the drought.
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At least 100,000 people came through the gates, while not a record-breaking year, it was a respite for many.
"From our reports from exhibitors it's above expectation," Ms Nugent said.
"Once again, we are hearing AgQuip has delivered on the leads.
"It's a field of dreams and if we get the rain, dreams will come true.
"Tool sales were at a high, along with some farm machinery and equipment.
New sponsors came on board this year, evidence that support is still there for agriculture industries.
Thursday is regarded as the buying day, there haven't been the numbers there were in previous years and that's a reflection of the drought, Ms Nugent said.
"For the farmers it's an opportunity for them to find out what's new in ag," she said.
Next year is the first time the event will be organised under new owner Australian Community Media, an opportunity for more creative license in Ms Nugent's eyes.
"That's going to offer us more that we can do for our stakeholders and visitors and it's very exciting for our company," she said.
"The exhibitors are our litmus test and certainly they are happy.
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"We've had some dusty conditions but that's part of living on the land, it's been a big success for 2019."
And as the dust settles on another AgQuip, hundreds will leave Gunnedah with new technologies and the latest in agricultural development.
