Fieldays’ sustainability credentials getting greener
The New Zealand National Fieldays Society has achieved a major sustainability milestone - reducing its greenhouse gas emissions and reaching the target five years early.
The 2016 National Fieldays is underway with organisers hoping to bring town and country together in the advancement of agriculture.
The early morning fog has lifted, providing near-perfect weather conditions for visitors and exhibitors at the 48th annual event.
"There's no other event in New Zealand that truly caters for the whole family while bringing the latest developments in the agriculture industry to the fore," says Lee Picken, NZ National Fieldays Society head of events.
The popular Fieldays Innovation Centre is a must-see, with the potential to find the next big invention to change the way we do agribusiness in New Zealand and around the world.
At full capacity, the centre will see over 60 new products on display, alongside the Innovations Accelerator tent, housing invited companies from 2015's Innovation Awards back to exhibit.
A number of interactive demonstrations are held during Fieldays, such as the Kiwi's Best Kitchen where some of New Zealand's most well-known chefs demonstrate their expertise as they create their own distinct and exciting dishes. This year we welcome five chefs, including Chelsea Winter and Allyson Gofton – thanks to Hyundai.
After tempting your taste buds, head to the new Careers and Education Hub – a dedicated and interactive space for students, teachers and parents to explore career and education pathways in the agriculture industry.
"With so many opportunities for young adults to become a part of growing an innovative New Zealand, it is a great chance for them to speak to career champions from industry-leading education providers and agribusinesses," says Picken.
The creation of Entertainment on South Street means there's a dedicated place to take a break, feed the family and be entertained by Chelsea & The Ultimate Canines, DairyNZ's Rosie the Cow, Sam and his Farmyard Friends and alpaca demonstrations by Alpaca Association New Zealand.
Visitors will be able to catch many of the Rural Bachelor of the Year challenges at Entertainment on South Street and members of the Cambridge Brass Band will be making appearances on Friday and Saturday.
Grace Su, a recent optometry graduate from the University of Auckland, is moving to Tauranga to start work in a practice where she worked while participating in the university's Rural Health Interprofessional Programme (RHIP).
Two farmers and two farming companies were recently convicted and fined a total of $108,000 for environmental offending.
According to Ravensdown's most recent Market Outlook report, a combination of geopolitical movements and volatile market responses are impacting the global fertiliser landscape.
Environment Canterbury, alongside industry partners and a group of farmers, is encouraging farmers to consider composting as an environmentally friendly alternative to offal pits.
A New Zealand dairy industry leader believes the free trade deal announced with India delivers wins for the sector.
The Coalition Government will need the support of at least one opposition party to ratify the free trade deal with India.