An expected increase in numbers and media attention has spurned the organisers of the Blayney Hay Bale Challenge into action, launching the competition with an increased prize pool.

Mayor Scott Ferguson said that he was expecting the challenge to get bigger and better every year.

“Decorated hay bales and art sculptures will start to pop up along the nab B2B cycling route and other major roads into Blayney from Millthorpe, Bathurst and Carcoar from the end of March as locals start to build their creations in a ‘Tour de France’ style warm welcome for cyclists and visitors to the area,” Cr Ferguson said.

Last year’s winner, Tim Mendham, is still unsure how he’s going to top last year’s 300 bale castle, that came complete with drawbridge and moat.

“Last year I just had the idea of a castle and then I was making it up as I went along,” he said, “It took me about 40 hours of work, but this year I’m going to draw up a plan.”

Mr Mendham said he might get the kids involved as well.

“The beauty of this is that they don’t have to be that big to be effective,” he said.

The 2017 Blayney Hay Bale Art Challenge will officially start from 27 March – 3 April 2017.

Artwork will be judged and winners announced on Wednesday. March 29. Prize money has increased this year to reward the tremendous effort of entrants with 1st place - $300, 2nd place - $200, 3rd place - $100.