Youth take centre stage at East Coast Farming Expo 2026
There's a special sort of energy at the East Coast Farming Expo, especially when it comes to youth.
Hosted by Wairoa A&P Society, the expo will run at their showgrounds on April 11 and 12. The company sites and public seminars will allow East Coast and Hawke’s Bay farmers to talk to industry innovators and experts.
“If you are an East Coast or Hawke’s Bay farmer wanting to keep your business moving, or an agricultural innovator wanting to spread your message, this event is perfect,” says event director Dave Martin.
“The expo acknowledges the importance of face-to-face interaction in learning about new technology. [Otherwise] farmers on the East Coast miss out a lot. There are huge opportunities for technology uptake, especially in sheep and beef farming.”
The expo is an ideal venue for launching new products or releasing new research and technology directly to a target audience.
“Exhibits must showcase innovative or technology based products and/or services for the East Coast sheep and beef industry,” Martin says.
“Trade sites have been designed for exhibitors to showcase their products and services.
“Equally, farmers and landowners will get to explore new ideas and have their questions answered.”
The expo sponsors are Eastland Group, Hawke’s Bay Regional Council and Rural News Group.
Martin says exhibitors’ keenness to hold the event again was amazing and provided the motivation for the Wairoa A&P Society to host the expo for the third time.
“It shows how important the expo is to businesses and farmers. It’s an event where innovation and technology know-how can be shared with those who will benefit from it the most.”
The seminar line-up is developing with excellent speakers and inspiring topics.
“We have made slight changes to speaker timing so farmers can see exhibitions and attend seminars.”
Tickets will be available online closer to the event, or there will be a $10 gate charge.
