Thursday, 06 June 2024 09:55

The wait is almost over!

Written by  Mark Daniel
Fieldays chief executive Peter Nation says it’s great to advance agriculture through education and collaboration at the annual event. Fieldays chief executive Peter Nation says it’s great to advance agriculture through education and collaboration at the annual event.

With the 56th running of the National Fieldays just over a week away, Mystery Creek is transforming into a large village, as home to over a thousand exhibitors from the 12th to 15th June.

Given the testing times of New Zealand’s current economy, Fieldays chief executive Peter Nation is optimistic, but also realistic when he says, “I don’t think it will be a record year for sales” while also noting that while a number of companies have dropped out of this year’s event, the vehicle and farm machinery areas are full, with a number of product launches scheduled.

Tractor and Machinery Association president Jaiden Drought is reported as saying, “buyers are taking a wait and see approach to spending” but was predicting that Fieldays should see good pricing and keen interest rate deals. He also noted that while year-to-date sales to April were down by 24%, the month itself was showing a 3.4% rise.

As part of the event, once again a major emphasis is being placed on getting away from the farm for one or more days, meeting friends and swapping a few stories. Businesses of course will get the chance to show some new products or ideas, reinforce the message about existing offerings or systems and close a few deals.

The international flavour of the event is also important and confirmed by pre-approved visa for several trade delegations, with Nation noting that between those visiting delegates and overseas-based manufacturers, around 45 countries will be represented.

Maintaining the focus on individual and industry wellbeing, the Health and Wellbeing Hub will be complemented with the new Advocacy Hub, a project in collaboration with Federated Farmers. The Hub will bring together under one roof multiple rural organisations who are advocating for farmers and their interests, including the Feds, NZ Young Farmers, Groundswell, The Rural Women’s’ Network and Future Farmers.

Nation says it’s great to be able to deliver a Fieldays purpose of advancing agriculture through education and collaboration.

“We know it’s tough out there this year, so it’s never been more important for farmers to be heard and to have advocates that will amplify their voice.”

Alongside the new exhibit, existing Hubs cover Careers and Education, Forestry, Digital Futures and Sustainability, while the Innovations Centre brings together the clever minds of academia and the practically of farmers.

This year’s Innovation Awards will see 64 entrants fighting over a prize pool of more than $70,000, split over three categories, including Prototype, Early Stage and Growth and Scale Awards.

More like this

UV-C Treatment: Viticulture game changer

A system that combines UV-C light for disinfection could provide chemical free treatment of plant pathogens and diseases such as powdery mildew and botrytis on berry, vine and tree crops.

Is National Fieldays' format still relevant for businesses?

OPINION: With the 2024 edition of National Fieldays behind us, it would be fair to say that although the mood was positive – a plus, given the negative sentiment across the rural sector – you must wonder if this showcase format’s days are numbered.

Revamped automatic calf feeder

JFC Agri, the family-owned manufacturer of agricultural products from Galway, Ireland, used Fieldays to launch its innovative Evolution range of automatic calf feeders, including the state-of-the-art Evolution S4 Automatic Unit.

Science showcase works well

What do you want from your pasture? That's the question top Massey University scientists were asking farmers at the 'Science for Farmers' site at Fieldays recently.

Featured

Farmers urged not to be complacent about TB

New Zealand's TBfree programme has made great progress in reducing the impact of the disease on livestock herds, but there’s still a long way to go, according to Beef+Lamb NZ.

Editorial: Making wool great again

OPINION: Otago farmer and NZ First MP Mark Patterson is humble about the role that he’s played in mandating government agencies to use wool wherever possible in new and refurbished buildings.

Helping protect sheep from parasites

Everyone from experienced veterinarians and young professionals to the Wormwise programme and outstanding clinics have been recognised in this year’s New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA) awards. As part of a series looking at this year’s rural winners, Leo Argent talked with Ginny Dodunski, winner of the Veterinary Impact Award for raising the profile of the Wormwise programme.

National

Machinery & Products

Buhler name to go

Shareholders at a special meeting have approved a proposed deal that will see Buhler Industries, the publicly traded Versatile and…

Grabbing bales made quick and easy

Front end loader and implement specialist Quicke has introduced the new Unigrip L+ and XL+ next-generation bale grabs, designed for…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Make it 1000%!

OPINION: The appendage swinging contest between the US and China continues, with China hitting back with a new rate of…

Own goal

OPINION: The irony of President Trump’s tariff obsession is that the worst damage may be done to his own people.

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter