Rules driving farmers out
New farming rules around sustainability are driving elderly farmers out of the dairy industry, says agri-economist Phil Journeaux.
February’s expo will be the fifth time the two-day event is held. It is hosted by Wairoa Community Development Trust and will be held at the Wairoa A&P showgrounds on Wednesday 26 and Thursday 27 February 2020.
Breakfast
Expo manager, Sue Wilson says she is thrilled with the new line-up planned for the 2020 East Coast Farming Expo – not least of all the Agri-breakfast. “If breakfast is the most important meal of the day, then our Agri-breakfast is definitely the most important meal of the year for farmers,” she says.
The Expo brekkie is being hosted by ‘Toddy Talks’ David Todd, who will speak about resilience on the land.
“There’s been a lot of talk – and some action – about resilience in rural communities in recent times,” Todd says.
Eastland Group, specialists in regional infrastructure – including ports, electricity distribution and transmission networks – is sponsoring the event. The Agri-Breakfast is on Thursday 27 February from 7.30am - 9am.
Lunch
Wednesday’s FMG Agri-women’s lunch – from 11.30am till 1pm – is hosted by rural insurer FMG Advice & Insurance.
The guest speaker will be Mavis Mullins. From shearing shed hand to corporate strategist and company director, Mullins has received widespread recognition for her services to the agricultural industry.
She was inducted to the New Zealand Business Hall of Fame in 2018 and named Westpac Rural Woman of Influence in 2016.
Muster
The popular Bayleys Muster returns again this year with a panel discussion on how rural communities are changing. Speakers will include Minister of Agriculture Damien O’Connor.
Wilson says the expo’s social events, including the muster, will give farmers the opportunity to sit down and enjoy a well-earned break, while listening to expert speakers from across New Zealand. • More: www.eastcoastexpo.co.nz
