Fieldays goes urban
OPINION: Once upon a time the Fieldays were for real farmers, salt of the earth people who thrived on hard yakka.
Irish farm machinery sales are now a commonplace in New Zealand, as shown by the Irish presence at the National Fieldays.
In June 17 Irish companies exhibited, either via the Enterprise Ireland site and distributor sites. Confirmed sales exceed $1 million, and leads could yield $5m in sales.
Enterprise Ireland director for Australasia, Mary Kinnane, is delighted: “We’re proud of the relationship developed by these companies and the Fieldays event.
“Kiwi farmers are quick to see the value and improvements in efficiency this Irish-made machinery can offer. The event allows new and innovative Irish companies to show their products to the NZ market.”
Fieldays chief excecutive Jon Calder says, “we’re delighted to have welcomed 17 Irish companies and are proud of the relationships developed over the last nine years. We look forward to continuing to grow these links.”
Profitability issues facing arable farmers are the same across the world, says New Zealand's special agricultural trade envoy Hamish Marr.
Over 85% of Fonterra farmer suppliers will be eligible for customer funding up to $1,500 for solutions designed to drive on-farm efficiency gains and reduce emissions intensity.
Tighter beef and lamb production globally have worked to the advantage of NZ, according to the Meat Industry Association (MIA).
Groundswell is ramping up its 'Quit Paris' campaign with signs going up all over the country.
Some farmers in the Nelson region are facing up to five years of hard work to repair their damaged properties caused by the recent devastating floods.
Federated Farmers is joining major industry-good bodies in not advocating for the Government to withdraw from the Paris Agreement.