Cloud-based technology keeps records afloat
Don't be afraid of change; it's the reason your phone isn't still attached to the wall by a tangled length of wire.
Hosted by the Wairoa A&P Society in late April, the expo attracted a crowd eager to view the 50-odd sites and attend two days of seminars.
Organisers Sue Wilson and Dave Martin say the exhibitors were happy with "quality not quantity" in the visitor attendance.
"We are really happy with how it went, particularly with the calibre of exhibitors it attracted," says Martin, the show society president. "The people at the expo came for a reason and a lot of business was done. One exhibitor told me every conversation they had was a winner."
Matt Brown, field hydrologist and director of Hydro Logic NZ, an exhibitor, says he was looking forward to good growth from the expo.
"All the enquiries we received were positive, even excited about adopting some of the technology in their farming operations."
Matt O'Kane from Water Right Ltd agreed.
"We found the expo worthwhile; the people who came to our site seemed genuinely interested and engaged. We have generated credible leads as a direct result of being there. It also allowed us to further our brand on the East Coast."
Sue Wilson says a wide range of seminars in the showground pavilion were a hit with expo attendees. Topics included farm governance, succession planning, smart tools and apps, freshwater reforms, nutrient management and technological development in the meat industry.
"The information provided was all relevant to sheep and beef farming on the East Coast and the feedback we received from attendees was fantastic," Wilson adds.
The A&P Evening Muster gave opportunity for farmers and landowners to learn from Doug Avery – the 'resilient farmer'.
Martin and Wilson say they expect the event to be a fixture on the region's farming calendar.
"A survey will be completed and there will be a discussion about how the event will be staged in 2017," Martin says.
