Manawatu's economy bouncing back
Although the national economy is still functioning below pre-pandemic levels and the road ahead remains uncertain, the Manawatu region appears to be bearing up well.
Over 30,000 people attended this year’s Central Districts Field Days, which attracts visitors and exhibitors from all over the country.
The Feilding based event is now in its 22nd year and includes three days of agricultural events, products, and displays.
This year saw the introduction of a new programme dedicated to promoting and fostering careers in agriculture. Branded as Get Ahead, this initiative allowed students to talk to champions about the jobs they do. Students were also tasked with a simple challenge in return for a free haircut - Get a haircut and get a real job! The hairdressers on site mowed through 120 haircuts over the three days.
Organisers say exhibitors at the site were up on last year, reaching almost 560, with 111 new exhibitors.
The stock-handling systems, in particular, were a popular choice, with sales continuing right through until the final day of the event. Exhibitors with "big ticket" items like machinery and tractors also saw good transactions.
Among the more popular attractions was the FoodHQ site, giving farmers and visitors an insight into New Zealand's international centre for food innovation. Visitors had the opportunity to taste preservative-free brownies and ginger slice with an export shelf life of four months, and discover the potential value in broad beans as a fodder crop, a protein source, a nitrogen-fixer in our soils and a healthy snack food.
FoodHQ was also the venue for a number of events and networking functions, including presentations by the regional development task force, Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy, and an FMG breakfast hosted by Jamie McKay from radio's Farming Show.
New Zealand dairy processors are welcoming the Government’s commitment to continuing to push for Canada to honour its trade commitments.
An educational programme, set up by Beef + Land New Zealand, to connect farmers virtually with primary and intermediate school students has reported the successful completion of its second year.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has welcomed a resolution adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to declare 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Waikato herd health veterinarian Katrina Roberts is the 2024 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.
Trade Minister Todd McClay says New Zealand has no intention of backing down in a trade dispute with Canada over dairy products.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.