Junket?
OPINION: The Hound notes that the Taxpayers’ Union recently revealed that the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) spent more than $125,000 for its presence at this year’s Mystery Creek Fieldays.
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.
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.
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