Tractor, harvester IT comes of age
Over the last halfdecade, digital technology has appeared to be the “must-have” for tractor and machinery companies, who believe that bringing IT to tractors and farming will offer its customers huge benefits.
Field days committee chairman Hayden Dorman says the field days managed to just dodge the lockdown bullet in 2021, and 2023 promises to see an even bigger turn out of the latest in agricultural equipment, agritech and products.
“The exhibitors who are either already booked or about to, appreciate having the space and facilities to showcase and demonstrate their equipment to visitors who mean business, who are coming because they want to see just how well it performs in the field,” he says.
Since 2021, organisers have doubled down, smoothing the site’s network of paved roads, establishing a new water supply, and expanding the electricity grid throughout, providing exhibitors with a reliable, extensive infrastructure to support their stand.
Dorman says interest among farmers and contractors on displays this year is heightened because of the difficulty many have had in past years trying to secure gear and equipment due to global shipping issues.
“With this starting to return to normal, the field days provide an opportunity to really do your homework on what the best purchase decision may be, after some of the challenges in the past couple of years.”
Dorman says the site’s easy access, flat contour and central Canterbury location make it equally popular among exhibitors and visitors alike, while the expansive demonstration site is an invaluable addition for contractors and farmers considering investing tens of thousands into new equipment.
“The event is wholly organised and run by volunteers; we all have strong connections to the land either and farmers or contractors, and an appreciation of what is expected when you come along to an event like this, whether to buy or to sell.”
The organisers have worked hard to keep the event focused and relevant for farmers and contractors alike, something Dorman says has been repaid by having a growing core of committed companies that return regularly to the bi-annual event. “They appreciate the diversity and depth of farming and contracting across the region, the field days are an opportunity to connect with their loyal customers, roll their sleeves up and really talk about the gear they have, the gear they may want and get to see it all working.”
The South Island Agricultural Field Days are also supporting a growing number of agritech exhibitors keen to showcase their latest developments, taking advantage of the wide range of crop and pastoral operators throughout the region looking for technology to optimise fertiliser, water, and land use.
Smart farming tech interest has grown with the lift in connectivity in more rural areas, as the need to follow the multiple data-flows a farm generates also grows.
“We are keen to talk to exhibitors who may still be considering whether to put a stake in the ground at this year’s event,” says Dorman. “Given the growth we have enjoyed in the past, and the strong level of optimism that is in the farming sector, despite its many challenges, the field days are a very cost-effective, enjoyable means to tap into that.”
The field days kick off from March 29, running to March 31 and there is still time for exhibitors to book their site at the event.
