Massey University Opens $70m Ngā Huia Vet Facility
Minister for Universities, Shane Reti, has opened the final new build in a ten plus year project to upgrade the veterinary facilities at Massey University.
Organisers of the Central Districts Field Days say the event is ready to launch in 2016, showing the latest in farming trends, agricultural developments and rural innovation.
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.
Craighead Diocesan, Darfield High School and Christchurch Boys' High School took out the three age groups at the Canterbury Clash of the Colleges, which was held at the recent Ashburton A&P Show.
The New Zealand Merino Company (NZM) is expanding its collaboration with TextileGenesis to deliver full traceability for 100% of ZQ certified wool and ZQRX regenerative wool.
According to Federated Farmers, Environment Southland has mishandled the consent process for Waituna Lagoon, leaving the community with numerous bad outcomes.
Metallica's charitable foundation, All Within My Hands (AWMH), teamed up with Meet the Need this week for a food packing event held at the New Zealand Food Network warehouse in Auckland.
After two years, Alliance Group has returned to profit.
According to Zespri's November forecast for the 2025/26 season, returns are likely to be up for all fruit groups compared to the last forecast in August.

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