Youth take centre stage at East Coast Farming Expo 2026
There's a special sort of energy at the East Coast Farming Expo, especially when it comes to youth.
It's two days - February 19-20 - off farm that bring a world of good to those working in sheep and beef industry.
Organiser Sue Wilson has gathered a range of forward-thinking speakers that will ignite conversations and share their valuable insights. "We want to help East Coast sheep and beef farmers make positive changes to their businesses," says Wilson.
It's deliberately held mid-week to make it easier for farmers to experience the best in technology and innovation displays, exhibits and demonstrations showcasing agricultural technologies.
But it's not all serious stuff; also included in the 2025 programme are the Rural News Cadet Challenge and Beef + Lamb NZ Station Challenge.
It's often standing room only at the seminars, and Wilson is confident it will be the same again in 2025. Ben Purua, the Ahuwhenua Young Māori Farmer of the Year, has an incredible story of rediscovery and resilience. Mike Casey is the chief executive Rewiring Aotearoa and spearheads a group of Kiwis keen to make New Zealand more electric. Trevor Rudman is an independent parasitologist who will delve into ways to combat drench resistance.
There's a strong line-up of wahine toa including award-winning Nancy Crawshaw, Alice Anderson from Hawke's Bay Regional Council landcare division, farmer Mickey Trotter, and Farmbase agribusiness manager Ariana Hadfield who are all championing the primary industries.
Other speakers include Hawke's Bay Forestry Group chief executive James Powrie who brings an extensive array of experience and knowledge to any room.
The Property Brokers Evening Muster is always popular with the keynote speaker set to be announced shortly.
The annual expo is one of several initiatives from the Wairoa Community Development Trust whose goals are to enhance the rural social landscape and contribute to a thriving and vibrant region.
"The Trust is all about celebrating wins and creating opportunities for our rural communities to connect, especially the next generation, which is where the Expo comes in," says chairman Sefton Alexander.
"We understand the rural landscape and the Expo focus is on empowering farmers. They do amazing stuff on the East Coast."
Wilson said it was heartening to once again have strategic sponsors supporting the Expo for 2025. The Hawke's Bay Regional Council and Rural News have been part of the Expo since the beginning, with Property Brokers now in their fourth year of sponsorship.
"Without this sort of support, we just wouldn't be able to put on the calibre of event that we do."
Expo Details
What: East Coast Farming Expo
When: February 19-20, 2025
Where: Wairoa
More Info: http://www.eastcoastexpo.co.nz
