Editorial: Agri's mojo is back
OPINION: Good times are coming back for the primary industries. From sentiment expressed at Fieldays to the latest rural confidence survey results, all indicate farmer confidence at a near-record high.
The 2016 National Fieldays is underway with organisers hoping to bring town and country together in the advancement of agriculture.
The early morning fog has lifted, providing near-perfect weather conditions for visitors and exhibitors at the 48th annual event.
"There's no other event in New Zealand that truly caters for the whole family while bringing the latest developments in the agriculture industry to the fore," says Lee Picken, NZ National Fieldays Society head of events.
The popular Fieldays Innovation Centre is a must-see, with the potential to find the next big invention to change the way we do agribusiness in New Zealand and around the world.
At full capacity, the centre will see over 60 new products on display, alongside the Innovations Accelerator tent, housing invited companies from 2015's Innovation Awards back to exhibit.
A number of interactive demonstrations are held during Fieldays, such as the Kiwi's Best Kitchen where some of New Zealand's most well-known chefs demonstrate their expertise as they create their own distinct and exciting dishes. This year we welcome five chefs, including Chelsea Winter and Allyson Gofton – thanks to Hyundai.
After tempting your taste buds, head to the new Careers and Education Hub – a dedicated and interactive space for students, teachers and parents to explore career and education pathways in the agriculture industry.
"With so many opportunities for young adults to become a part of growing an innovative New Zealand, it is a great chance for them to speak to career champions from industry-leading education providers and agribusinesses," says Picken.
The creation of Entertainment on South Street means there's a dedicated place to take a break, feed the family and be entertained by Chelsea & The Ultimate Canines, DairyNZ's Rosie the Cow, Sam and his Farmyard Friends and alpaca demonstrations by Alpaca Association New Zealand.
Visitors will be able to catch many of the Rural Bachelor of the Year challenges at Entertainment on South Street and members of the Cambridge Brass Band will be making appearances on Friday and Saturday.
Boutique Waikato cheese producer Meyer Cheese is investing in a new $3.5 million facility, designed to boost capacity and enhance the company's sustainability credentials.
OPINION: The Government's decision to rule out changes to Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) that would cost every farmer thousands of dollars annually, is sensible.
Compensation assistance for farmers impacted by Mycoplama bovis is being wound up.
Selecting the reverse gear quicker than a lovestruck boyfriend who has met the in-laws for the first time, the Coalition Government has confirmed that the proposal to amend Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) charged against farm utes has been canned.
Holstein Friesian excellence was front and centre at the 2025 Holstein Friesian NZ (HFNZ) Awards, held recently in Invercargill.
The work Fonterra has done with Ballance Agri-Nutrients Ltd, LIC and Ravensdown to save farmers time through better data connections has been recognised with a national award.
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