The 2016 National Fieldays is underway with organisers hoping to bring town and country together in the advancement of agriculture.

What downturn? Asks National Fieldays chief executive Peter Nation.

NICK DROMGOOL, acting chief executive of New Zealand's National Fieldays – the Southern Hemisphere's largest agricultural show - visited Ireland's Ploughing Championships this week.

A total 26,648 people came through the gate for the first day yesterday of the New Zealand National Agricultural Fieldays at Mystery Creek.

Day two of New Zealand National Agricultural Fieldays brought 30,647 visitors through the gate.

Although less than 2011's record Thursday, figures were still typical of previous years. With two days remaining, total visitors to Fieldays have reached 57,735.

Officially opened by Minister of Primary Industries, David Carter, day one of Australasia's largest rural tradeshow saw over 27,000 flock to Mystery Creek Events Centre yesterday in Hamilton.

More than 40 exhibitors will be attending this year's Effluent Expo at Mystery Creek, organised by Waikato Regional Council and sponsored by DairyNZ.

Site applications for 2012 New Zealand National Agricultural Fieldays are 13% ahead of last year and already 88% of sites are sold, say organisers.