Tractor, harvester IT comes of age
Over the last halfdecade, digital technology has appeared to be the “must-have” for tractor and machinery companies, who believe that bringing IT to tractors and farming will offer its customers huge benefits.
With less than five months until the South Island Agricultural Field Days kicks off, organisers are feverishly putting the finishing touches to the upgraded Kirwee site and still finding room for exhibitors keen to be part of the South Island’s largest agricultural event.
Field days committee chairman Hayden Dorman says the field days managed to just dodge the lockdown bullet in 2021, and 2023 promises to see an even bigger turn out of the latest in agricultural equipment, agritech and products.
“The exhibitors who are either already booked or about to, appreciate having the space and facilities to showcase and demonstrate their equipment to visitors who mean business, who are coming because they want to see just how well it performs in the field,” he says.
Since 2021, organisers have doubled down, smoothing the site’s network of paved roads, establishing a new water supply, and expanding the electricity grid throughout, providing exhibitors with a reliable, extensive infrastructure to support their stand.
Dorman says interest among farmers and contractors on displays this year is heightened because of the difficulty many have had in past years trying to secure gear and equipment due to global shipping issues.
“With this starting to return to normal, the field days provide an opportunity to really do your homework on what the best purchase decision may be, after some of the challenges in the past couple of years.”
Dorman says the site’s easy access, flat contour and central Canterbury location make it equally popular among exhibitors and visitors alike, while the expansive demonstration site is an invaluable addition for contractors and farmers considering investing tens of thousands into new equipment.
“The event is wholly organised and run by volunteers; we all have strong connections to the land either and farmers or contractors, and an appreciation of what is expected when you come along to an event like this, whether to buy or to sell.”
The organisers have worked hard to keep the event focused and relevant for farmers and contractors alike, something Dorman says has been repaid by having a growing core of committed companies that return regularly to the bi-annual event. “They appreciate the diversity and depth of farming and contracting across the region, the field days are an opportunity to connect with their loyal customers, roll their sleeves up and really talk about the gear they have, the gear they may want and get to see it all working.”
The South Island Agricultural Field Days are also supporting a growing number of agritech exhibitors keen to showcase their latest developments, taking advantage of the wide range of crop and pastoral operators throughout the region looking for technology to optimise fertiliser, water, and land use.
Smart farming tech interest has grown with the lift in connectivity in more rural areas, as the need to follow the multiple data-flows a farm generates also grows.
“We are keen to talk to exhibitors who may still be considering whether to put a stake in the ground at this year’s event,” says Dorman. “Given the growth we have enjoyed in the past, and the strong level of optimism that is in the farming sector, despite its many challenges, the field days are a very cost-effective, enjoyable means to tap into that.”
The field days kick off from March 29, running to March 31 and there is still time for exhibitors to book their site at the event.
OPINION: The recent Federated Farmers / Rabobank 2024 Farming Salaries Report revealed strong growth in farm salaries over the past two years.
The low unemployment environment is one of the key factors driving on-farm salaries higher over the past 24 months, says Rabobank general manager for country banking Bruce Weir.
Fonterra has appointed a new chief financial officer, seven months after its last CFO’s shock resignation.
A seminar on rural dispute resolution has been organised at Lincoln University, Christchurch this month.
The legacy of Dr Peter Snow continues to inspire as the recipients of the 2023 and 2024 Peter Snow Memorial Awards were announced at the recent National Rural Health Conference.
One of Fonterra’s global customers, Mars is launching an ambitious sustainable dairy plan to work with dairy farmers and cut emissions by 50%.
OPINION: Canterbury milk processor Synlait is showing no sign of bouncing back from its financial doldrums.
OPINION: It seems every bugger in this country can get an award these days.