'Good bugger' calls it a day
Much of the rural industry is made up of an army of characters who tend to be “good buggers” or rogues, while a small number might fall into the “you need to count your fingers after a handshake” category.
Keeping costs down is a priority for organisers of the Northland Field Days.
Event administrator Meagan Edmonds says the three-day event will be “a fantastic day out to enjoy with the whole family, and it won’t break the bank”.
“Northland Field Days is not only organised, managed and staffed by volunteers, but the community-focused event has also kept costs realistic to encourage more Northland families to attend,” Edmonds says.
Beginning life as an agricultural expo, the Northland Field Days is about to celebrate its 34th anniversary on March 1-3.
While it has grown in size and scope, the focus on the local community hasn’t changed at all, Edmonds says.
“Widely recognised as Northland’s largest annual agricultural event, it champions all things farming and agricultural, notably innovations in fencing and agriculture, cutting horse demonstrations and sheep dog trials.” There will be rural and lifestyle pavilions, housing exhibits and stuff for home and garden.
A family day pass will cost $30 for two adults and three children. Adult passes will remain at $12.00, and child (5-16years) passes at $5.00; children under five will get in free.
“Entertainment for kids will include bouncy castles and fairground rides, and the Dargaville Fire Brigade will run a free children’s mini combat challenge,” says Edmonds.
“Not often do families get to enjoy such an affordable local day out; many kids’ attractions will be free and there will be lots of delicious food and drink options onsite, and lots of seating.”
Trade Minister Todd McClay says New Zealand has no intention of backing down in a trade dispute with Canada over dairy products.
There have been leadership changes at the Hamilton-based Dairy Goat Co-operative, which has been struggling financially in recent years.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.
OPINION: In recent years farmers have been crying foul of unworkable and expensive regulations.
Another 16 commercial beef farmers have been selected to take part in the Informing New Zealand Beef (INZB) programme designed to help drive the uptake of genetics in the industry.
Trade Minister Todd McClay says Kiwi exporters will be $100 million better off today as the NZ-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) comes into force.