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A range of tractos were on show.
Many kiwi events are a success because of the time and enthusiasm of volunteers, and the biennial Southern Field Days at Waimumu is a shining example of this tradition.
First held in 1982 at the Bowmar's property, and attracting 60 exhibitors, this year's event – two years in the planning – saw 762 trade exhibitors and a 3ha increase in the site area over the 2014 event.
About 42,000 people passed through the turnstiles over the three-day event, peaking at 20,000 on day two. They experienced hot, dry days looking at the latest technology and innovation for the farming sector, or perhaps enjoying a quart of Dunedin's finest in the on-site bar.
Despite the less-than-rosy outlook for the dairy sector, increasingly important part in Southland's economy, farmers and contractors spoken to were reasonably optimistic, but careful, having moved opportunistic purchases to the wish list, but happy to take a close look at products or services with potential to reduce costs or increase profits. This outlook was confirmed by exhibitors who reported fewer sales 'on the day' but saw good levels of enquiry for subsequent follow-up.
To keep the field days looking fresh, new events such as a Southern Man Competition, Speed Shears and the Golden Pliers augmented the tried-and-tested classics such as the Tractor Pull and the Young Farmers Fencing Competition.
The region's affinity with the oval ball was also reinforced in the new Farmlands Cup – a pre-season rugby game between the Super 15 Champion Highlanders and the neighbouring Crusaders. This was held on the Thursday evening at the Booth family park adjacent to the showground, a hard fought game in which the Crusaders scored a last-minute try to tie the game 19:19. Bring on 2018 for a re-match?
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has welcomed a resolution adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to declare 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Returning to the field days circuit after a break of four years due to Covid, the Southern Field Days at Waimumu, near Gore, was all about positivity – following six months of negative sentiment in New Zealand agriculture.
Farm machinery importer and retailer Norwood has announced the appointment of Aaron Smith as the new chief executive officer of CB Norwood Distributors Limited.
Late last year saw a lifeline thrown to plus-sized tractor manufacturer Buhler Industries, via its acquisition by Turkish business ASKO Holding.
South Waikato farm manager Ben Purua’s amazing transformation from gang life to milking cows was rewarded with the Ahuwhenua Young Maori Farmer award last night.
Bankers have been making record profits in the last few years, but those aren’t the only records they’ve been breaking, says Federated Farmers vice president Richard McIntyre.
The 2023-24 season has been a roller coaster ride for Waikato dairy farmers, according to Federated Farmers dairy section chair, Mathew Zonderop.
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) director general Ray Smith says job cuts announced this morning will not impact the way the Ministry is organised or merge business units.
Scales Corporation is acquiring a number of orchard assets from Bostock Group.
Family and solidarity shone through at the 75 years of Ferdon sale in Otorohanga last month.
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