Tractors, motorbikes, farm machinery and dancing girls are all on display at the Lawrence Gymkhana Grounds near Weatherstons.
Southfuels Farmarama convener David Robertson said the event was directly targeted at farmers, contractors and the self-employed.
''It's a farm machinery and services show. You can go round and get show specials, but it's also a day out for farmers. Farmers deserve a day out.''
He said 110 sites were sold and between 250 and 300 companies were at the two-day event.
''I'd like to build on this; we can keep growing it. It's going from strength to strength.''
Held every two years, the Farmarama alternates with the Waimumu Southern Field Days and traditionally attracts farm companies looking to contact farmers.
The first Farmarama was held 22 years ago.
Yesterday, Oamaru woman Karen McWhirter tried out a bike-powered blender at the Southern Primary Health Organisation (PHO) stand.
Miss McWhirter said the exercise was ''not too bad'', producing a ''really good'' berry smoothie. Health staff also carried out free health checks, testing blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
This year's event featured more stud stock, with nine breeders showing stock.
Today's entertainment features seven members of the Otago Dancers group, who will perform in the Southfuels marquee at 10am with smaller performances around the grounds throughout the afternoon.
The event is a fundraiser for the Lawrence Lions Club, and gate-takings will go towards the new aquatic centre at Lawrence. The club will distribute the rest of the money to local groups throughout the year.
Gates open from 9am today.
