From little things, big things are home grown

Increasing grocery prices and food traceability has driven more people to grow their own food, according to exhibitors at a regional agricultural field day.

From tiny homes to tiny livestock, there's a big focus on the little things at the second Agrishow Farm Field Days at Moss Vale, just south of Sydney on the southern highlands of NSW.

"Everyone's dream is to have cows or horses or sheep, and so we've got all those specialty breeds that are for smaller lots," event organiser Gary Fitz-Roy said.

Those speciality breeds include miniature herefords, which are growing in popularity due to their more "manageable size", according to NSW breeder Mackayla Parish-Grant, who said she has been unable to keep up with demand.

"There's an increasing interest in smaller breeds," she told AAP.

"Everyone's looking to become more sustainable and move away from supermarkets and have their own beef." 

Fellow exhibitor Peter Swan, who owns Aussie Shade and Hot Houses, said after 38 years in business he has noticed since COVID that more people want to grow their own produce. 

During the pandemic, Australia experienced temporary shortages of some food items in supermarkets which the department of agriculture blamed on an unexpected surge in demand.

"We're seeing more and more people going for shade houses to grow veggies; in the past it's been for orchid growing and flower growing," Mr Swan said.

The hothouse exhibitor is one of dozens showing their wares at the two day agricultural field days which winds up on Saturday.

Around 3000 people are expected through the gates during the two days. 

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