increase font size
Organisers of South Island Field Days promises an even bigger turn out of the latest in agricultural equipment, agritech and product at next year’s event.
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.
Twin rotor swathers have become the ‘go-to’ for forming swaths to feed hungry harvesters and balers, however, the design layout often means that crop located between the two rotors is not picked up, turned over or incorporated into the swath formed for subsequent harvesting.
Operating large tractors became more expensive back in March due to the ongoing Strait of Hormuz conflict, meaning contractors had to introduce fuel surcharges and farmers had to adjust their budget forecasts.
Close to the Abel Tasman and Kahurangi National Parks, Motueka is known for apples, pear and kiwifruit orchards, alongside specialised crops such as hops. Indeed, that specialisation, saw the area being the New Zealand centre of the tobacco growing, until the early 1980s.
Can-Am has introduced its 2027 range of side-by-side vehicles (SSV) and all-terrain vehicles (ATV), including the industry leading Defender, the Maverick R and the hugely capable Outlander ATV, incorporating a host of advancements designed to deliver an exceptional riding experience.
With battery tools becoming more widespread and more importantly, productive and reliable, it was only time before we saw augers or post-hole borers.
New Zealand's 2026-27 freshwater fishing season has opened, with anglers encouraged to head to rivers and lakes over the coming days as conditions look favourable across much of the country.
Central Otago District Council (CODC) has voted against a plan to spread treated sewage sludge from Cromwell and Alexandra on farmland near Lauder, a decision Federated Farmers says reflects strong opposition from rural residents.
Pāmu has released its FY26 Integrated Annual Report, reporting a Net Operating Profit of $113 million, more than double the $49 million recorded in FY25.
Meat Industry Association data, released alongside the Red Meat Sector conference in Wellington, shows export value climbing across the US, China, UK and Canada.
Applications are set to open for the 2027 Zanda McDonald Award, a trans-Tasman award recognised for identifying and fast-tracking talented young leaders in agriculture and agribusiness.
The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (the College) and Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network are calling for investment in a proposed new training pathway for rural GPs, warning that many rural practices are struggling to recruit while a large share of the existing workforce nears retirement.
OPINION: It seems Canterbury processor Synlait is still in the doldrums.
OPINION: Get offside with New Zealand First leader Winston Peters at your own peril.
