'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.
The Northland Field Days organisers are getting the grounds into pristine shape ready for February 28, for the 35th running of the event over three days.
An opening ceremony will be run at 11am on the first day, outside the headquarters building, where Work-Safe ambassador and former All Black Richard Loe will declare the event open.
There are many changes from last year’s event, and many new food outlets in the three food courts; nobody need go hungry. Besides good coffee for the early risers and hot dogs or hot chips for the youngsters, look out for Fijian curries, slow roasted pulled pork, raw fish Mediterranean wraps and even a traditional hangi.
This year the sheepdog trials will be in a more central spot so people can get close to the action. For those interested in clever equines, the Stronghold Cutting Horses will be found in the same area.
The children’s area offers blow-up bouncy castles and lots of rides. Meanwhile, an active market area will be the place for bargains and the tented lifestyle pavilions will have 70 exhibitors offering home, leisure and health products.
For nostalgia, the Clydesdale horses, complete with wagon, are a great way of taking a tour while resting your feet.
If you like noise, or suffer from ‘heavy metal disease’, visit the demonstration area to see BRP-Can Am, Polaris and many others putting their products through their paces.
Northland Field Days president Lew Duggan says that despite a difficult year the fieldays, as a charitable trust, has managed to continue supporting Northland farming, giving to students for their
tertiary education in 2018, and organisations and clubs.
“This field days are a perfect opportunity for town and country to unite,” Duggan says.
The country’s 4200 commercial fruit and vegetable growers will vote from May 14 on a new HortNZ levy.
Meat processor Alliance Group is asking farmer shareholders to inject more capital in order to remain a 100% co-operative.
A vet is calling for all animals to be vaccinated against a new strain of leptospirosis (lepto) discovered on New Zealand dairy farms in recent years.
Dairy
Rural banker Rabobank is partnering with Food Rescue Kitchen on a new TV series which airs this weekend that aims to shine a light on the real and growing issues of food waste, food poverty and social isolation in New Zealand.
Telco infrastructure provider Chorus says that it believes all Kiwis – particularly those in the rural areas – need access to high-speed, reliable broadband.