Every year the prestigious Brownhill Cup is used to recognise innovation and commitment to sustainable farming practices, and this year the Simson's property 'The Plantation', near Premer, took top honours.

The Simsons have long been committed to "no-tillage, stubble retention cropping systems to grow cotton and wheat, with a large area sown to sorghum each summer".

While the 6000-hectare operation was recognised for its commitment to environmental sustainability, the Brownhill Cup committee also praised the Simsons' commitment to business, and generational, sustainability.

"They have quietly worked to tirelessly ensure the succession of farming within the family, as Richard Simson had in the past for his son Ed," a spokesperson said.

"The future of agriculture depends on families passing their knowledge and skills down to the next generation, and supporting the transition."

For Mr and Mrs Simson, who is also the National Farmer's Federation president, the accolade was "very humbling".

"As a community person you always think it would be nice to win one," Mr Simson said.

"But when it happens, and you go through the names on the cup, it's very humbling to be added to that list - there are some big industry leaders on there."

While the Simsons are "quite lucky" to have a property on the black-soiled Liverpool Plains, and have access to irrigation, many other producers are not in the same position, although the tough times did little to diminish the buzz of the country's largest field days.

Rural Events group manager Kate Nugent reported that car park figures for day two had already stripped last year's figures for the same day by lunch, with vehicles still rolling down Blackjack Road well into the afternoon.

"There is no surrendering to this drought," she said.

"There is still a huge sense of hope, and an incredible amount of mateship, camaraderie and support."

While early readings were suggesting softer sales this year, there has still "been some money flowing" to exhibitors, particularly in small farm machinery", although it was the new rural relief precinct seeing a lot of foot traffic.

"There has been a huge amount of interest in rural relief," Mrs Nugent said.

"It is good to see that people are seeking that help, advice and support, so it is great to be able to say that we do have it all here at Agquip."

This year it is estimated that Agquip will attract $11 million to the local economy.

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