Fieldays 2026 Attracts More International Exhibitors and Global Delegations
This month's National Fieldays will again display a strong international flavour, with more exhibitors and overseas delegations in attendance.
The exhibition and conference, scheduled for July, showcases agricultural machinery, farming technology and practical solutions for future farming in Australia. It will now be held next year.
The decision comes after extensive consultation with farmers and exhibitors in response to the ongoing global fuel crisis, as well as fertiliser shortages and the significant impact it is having on Australian farmers and the broader agricultural sector.
New Zealand Fieldays chief executive Richard Lindroos told Rural News that he wasn't surprised by the decision of FutureAg organisers.
"Events come and go," Lindroos says.
He says the National Fieldays is preparing in earnest for the four-day event at Mystery Creek.
On the possible impact of the geopolitical situation and fuel supplies on the Fieldays, Lindroos says they are "aligned with government" on that.
Under the New Zealand Government's National Fuel Plan, rationing measures would be taken if fuel supplies start running dry.
Resembling the Covid alert levels, the plan has four 'phases'. New Zealand is at phase one.
Phase 2 would see homes, businesses and the public sector encouraged to conserve fuel.
The higher phases are still under consultation.
Phase 3 would see fuel prioritised for life-preserving services and phase 4 would see stricter intervention in fuel distribution.
Moving up or down levels is decided by a ministerial oversight group based on fuel stocks, restrictions and supply chain data.
Latest government figures show the country counted 59.7 days of petrol, 49.1 days of diesel and 50.7 days of jet fuel as part of its stocks.
However, in Australia many farmers are currently facing sharply increased operational costs, higher uncertainty and greater day-to-day pressures, making it difficult for them to commit the time and resources required to attend an exhibition in 2026.
As the uncertainty for farmers increases, the organisers also note that machinery manufacturers, importers and dealers are facing increased freight costs and longer transit times for machinery imports, leaving them with reduced planning reliability.
With the premise to serve the agriculture industry, this decision reaffirms that priority, while as a show of support, DLG (German Agricultural Society) and Hannover Fairs Australia, co-organisers, will jointly donate $5,000 to Rural Aid, Australia's leading charity supporting farmers, their families and rural communities.
"We will relaunch the event in 2027, ensuring it takes place under conditions that support strong engagement from farmers," adds Jens Kremer DLG Markets GmbH, managing director.
Tim Bostridge, managing director of Hannover Fairs Australia, says that FutureAg is built to create tangible value for farmers and agribusiness.
"That's why we are committed to delivering the event at a time when the industry can fully benefit from the innovation, investment, and connections it enables."
