increase font size
Predictably dairy farmers attended in droves and not all were just looking – many were buying.
The basic reason for Fieldays hasn't changed in its nearly 50 year history: getting willing buyers in front of enthusiastic sellers and enticing them with the hint of a bargain or two.
In the 'old days' the Ruakura farmers' conference, with its amazing science presentations, preceded the Fieldays. Sadly today one wonders how many farmers know anything about Ruakura and how it shaped NZ farming with its useful and practical science. AgResearch now has only an inside site in the exhibition pavillion.
Much has changed at Mystery Creek site, much for the better. The massive pavillion is a great exhibition area, the sites are well laid out and the connecting lanes and roads are smooth paved.
While there is no standout farmers' conference, more and more seminars and functions are run on the site. KPMG's Agribusiness Agenda breakfast is insightful and brilliant. MPI turned on a good show this year as did other exhibitors and the Fieldays Society itself.
Noticeable to old hands at Fieldays was the swarm of 'suits' – bureaucrats, bankers and bosses -- mixing freely with the Red Band brigade of farmers and people who routinely muddy their boots. Agribusiness was there in style and making its presence felt.
Predictably dairy farmers attended in droves and not all were just looking – many were buying.
And the socialising and networking were great.
Fieldays is now 'the' place to be: look at the press of politicians – blue, black and red. Predictably the Nats were there in force: Nathan Guy spent the week there and we saw cameo appearances by John Key, Bill English, Steven Joyce and Paula Bennett. We may have missed Peter Dunne, the Maori party and the Greens.
Fonterra, Zespri, DairyNZ, AgResearch and other sites did well outreaching to their constituents and deserve a clap for having senior staff on site.
The careers hub – new and a great idea – probably needs to look more exciting and relevant to young people.
By far the worst site was Worksafe NZ: boring, unimaginative and, bluntly, a waste of space. Someone should be fired for this hopeless effort: a lost opportunity, money wasted and no attempt to attract 'customers'.
Fieldays was buzzing with people interacting, exhibitors selling and money changing hands. Even journalists were happy.
Already causing a stir in the burgeoning ute sector, JAC (“Jack”) has raised its profile by being named as the latest major sponsor of June’s National Fieldays, where it will officially introduce its top-of-the-line T9 4WD double cab ute to the market, joining its fleet of 100% EV and Cummins diesel trucks.
With two months until National Fieldays at Mystery Creek, organisers say 90% of sites have been booked by exhibitors.
Out of more than 80,000 entries, Daniel Neil from Piopio has been announced as the lucky winner of the Isuzu D-MAX LX Double Cab 4WD Ute in this year’s Fieldays Ute giveaway.
OPINION: The inquiry into rural banking practice was welcomed at Fieldays, but Groundswell NZ added a proviso that this must include banks' treatment of agricultural emissions.
The Forestry Hub returns to Fieldays for its third consecutive year, showcasing how trees and wood are transforming New Zealand.
The Good Carbon Farm has partnered with Tolaga Bay Heritage Charitable Trust to deliver its first project in Tairāwhiti Gisborne.
Education union NZEI Te Riu Roa says that while educators will support the Government’s investment in learning support, they’re likely to be disappointed that it has been paid for by defunding expert teachers.
The Government says it is sharpening its focus and support for the food and fibre industry in Budget 2025.
A European Union regulation ensuring that the products its citizens consume do not contribute to deforestation or forest degradation worldwide threatens $200m of New Zealand beef and leather exports.
A long-acting, controlled- release capsule designed to protect ewes from internal parasites during the lambing period is back on the market following a comprehensive reassessment.
Healthcare appears to be the big winner in this year's budget as agriculture and environment miss out.
