Agricultural machinery enthusiasts are in for a treat when the Wheat and Wheels Rally kicks off in Lauriston, Mid Canterbury, on April 6 and 7.

The event, run by the Mid Canterbury Vintage Machinery Club (MCVMC), will showcase vintage and new farm machinery, organiser and MCVMC spokesperson John Hall says.

"There will be modern machines, tracked machines, trucks, vintage cars, classic cars and motorbikes."

"It's a place where farmers can view the latest large machinery, too."

The ring is where all the action happens, with events running from 10 am -3.30 pm on both days.

There will be a harvest parade, thrashing mill and chaff cutting demonstrations, and a special focus on the Farmall tractor, which is celebrating 100 years of production.

A highlight of the day will be a big-small parade, where some of the latest and largest equipment will be in the events centre ring with smaller agricultural machines.

"May Brothers Contracting is bringing their John Deere combined with a 45-foot front, and there will be a Caterpillar D9, which is a fairly big machine."

"We'll have the biggest crawler there, then we will have a little one in front."

Three hectares of wheat will be harvested by vintage machinery for spectators to watch, and Craig Wiggins will be on site with a registered nurse at the Carr Family Foundation Rural Health and Wellness van for free check-ups.

Food will be available for purchase, with Lauriston School holding a barbecue on both days.

A raffle for a 1956 Ferguson FE35 tractor, bought and restored by the club in its traditional grey and gold colours, will be drawn on the Sunday by a Methven police officer.

The club estimates the tractor is worth around $4000, and raffle tickets are being sold for just $5 each.

The raffle and event profits will be donated to the Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust.

Anyone entering a vehicle in the event will get free entry to the rally, while members of the public will pay $15 at the gate, with free entry for children.

by Claire Inkson