Editorial: Agri's mojo is back
OPINION: Good times are coming back for the primary industries. From sentiment expressed at Fieldays to the latest rural confidence survey results, all indicate farmer confidence at a near-record high.
From March 17-19 at least 550 displays of the latest and greatest in agriculture will attract some 30,000 visitors from around New Zealand to Manfeild Park, Feilding.
Key attractions during the three days include the rural lifestyle pavilion focusing on rural homes and family, the Massey University agricultural pavilion, agricultural machinery demonstrations, vintage tractor and machinery displays, and a great range of food, beverages and entertainment.
Event manager Cheryl Riddell says people travel from all over North Island to check out the latest and greatest products.
"We have a great line-up of exhibitors and competitors returning. We call it the best day off the farm all year as farmers put it on their calendars to come along and check out new inventions and make their purchases.
"Many of the old favourites are returning along with some new attractions which will appeal to farmers and rural townies."
Crowd favourite competitions will include the Tractor Pull, the National Excavator Championships, and the Central Districts Doubles Power Fencing competition. New Zealand's Got Talent finalist Chelsea Marriner will also be returning with her dogs and will perform two shows each day.
For the first time this year, Central Districts Field Days is part of the inaugural Agri Investment Week, a programme of activities and events that focus on collaboration and investment in NZ's agri sector.
The week ties together innovation in farming, food production, marketing, investment, research and technology and includes the NZ Agribusiness Investment Showcase, Sheep Milk NZ Conference, Future Farms Conference and Women in Agribusiness Thought Leadership Forum.
