The Addy in conjunction with sponsors Grogan's Machinery, Krone and Bendigo Travel and Cruise Centre have launched the Hay Bale Sculpture Competition.

The competition calls on farmers to build a hay bale sculpture with the most creative winning 10 nights at two luxury resorts in Bali for two adults with airfares.

Jill Grogan, of Grogans Machinery, said it would be fantastic to see the sculptures dot the countryside.

"There has been a lot of hay baled in the area this year, so no matter how big or small the sculptures should be interesting," she said.

"Grogans Machinery and Krone were delighted to be part of the launch of the Hay Bale Sculpture Competition. Farmers are always doing it tough, at the mercy of the climate, it's great to be able to give something back.

"And who wouldn't want to win such a great prize."

The prize includes return airfares and five nights at the Sun Island Legian Hotel and Spa in a Legian Suite room, and five nights at the Santi Mandala Villas and Spa in a Plunge Pool Villa.

The total value of the prize is $4500 for two adults.

"Small hay bales or large round bales sitting in paddocks are a traditional part of the landscape on the outskirts of Bendigo and beyond at this time of year,’’ Bendigo Advertiser editor Rod Case said.

"These hay sculptures are common in the northern parts of Tasmania and if farming families get behind the concept and their sculptures are fun and creative, the region could even market the sculptures as a tourist drawcard, drawing people to our region and helping our communities.

‘‘People drove from Melbourne to the Wimmera to look at Thomas The Tank Engine and friends which won a Wimmera Mail-Times hay bale sculpture competition.''

HOW TO ENTER THE HAY BALE SCULPTURE COMPETITION

ANY property owner with land in the Bendigo Advertiser readership area is eligible to enter the Hay Bale Sculpture Competition.

Hay bale sculptures must include at least one large round or square bale or five small bales in the design.

The sculpture must be positioned on the boundary of your property visible from a public road.

All hay bale sculptures will be put to a public vote through the Bendigo Advertiser website to determine a winner.

''With the competition running through the festive period, there's plenty of scope for a Christmas theme in the hay bale sculptures but really they are limited only by the imagination,’’ Bendigo Advertiser editor Rod Case said.

Here's two steps to entering the Hay Bale Sculpture Competition.

Step 1:  Build a grand hay sculpture on your property close to a public road using at least one large bale or five small bales.

Step 2: Take a picture of your sculpture, preferably including family members, and email to addynews@fairfaxmedia.com.au along with contact details.

We will send you a poster to put on the fence in front of your sculpture for public voting.

Entries close on January 19 with public voting starting on January 21.

 It's important farmers use safe work practices in building any hay sculptures.