increase font size
Successful dog triallist and Tararua farmer, Guy Peacock demonstrating with his heading dog during the 2022 Expo will be back in February 2023 at the Wairoa A&P Showgrounds.
Those who take the time to attend the popular two-day gathering can once again expect to come away inspired, invigorated and connected.
Event manager Sue Wilson says Covid and its challenges had certainly highlighted the importance for farmers in being able to connect with other like-minded people.
"That certainly is one of the best things about the expo. Also having that opportunity to have those face-to-face interactions with industry innovators," she says. "The expo brings forward-thinking speakers that never fail to ignite conversations, insights and breaking down barriers to help East Coast sheep and beef farmers make positive changes in their businesses."
It is celebrated as an opportunity for agri businesses to launch new products or release new research and technology directly to a target audience.
"All our exhibits must showcase agricultural-based products or services that are geared for the East Coast sheep and beef industry," Wilson adds.
The line-up of speakers is et to be released shortly, along with the seminar topics. However, there are a few new things on agenda - including a cadet challenge on opening day of the Expo (Wednesday February 22) and a station challenge the following day. Both events feature teams of three that, while having a serious focus, will also bring lots of entertainment to the event. The popular working dog training demos are back and will feature on both days.
Trade exhibit spots have filled very quickly with the regulars back again, but also a number of new ones, which is no surprise to Wairoa Community Development Trust chair Sefton Alexander.
"Everyone is looking forward to an event without the restrictions of Covid," he says. "The past couple of years have been challenging, especially in isolated rural communities. This is always a real highlight on everyone's calendar."
Property Brokers rural and lifestyle area manager for Hawke's Bay Mike Heard says the expo is the perfect fit to the company's nationwide presence across rural New Zealand.
"Our rural sector is under pressure from various fronts at present and the opportunity to support local farmers and business is something we are very proud of at Property Brokers," Heard explains. "Celebrating innovation, successful business and sharing information will continue to keep us stronger and feeling supported."
He says the company is "proudly provincial" and connected at the grass roots across New Zealand.
"The East Coast of the north island is a strong farming district, and we at Property Brokers are also at the coal face. This year's expo will be a great opportunity for our rural community to come together again, share ideas and showcase some fantastic examples of innovation."
Hawke's Bay Regional Council, Wairoa team lead Bryan McCavana says the expo is a great drawcard for people from throughout the region and further afield to come and network with others and do business.
"It's a good opportunity for our farmers to get off the farm, have a decent catch up with people in the community and have time to reflect about their own business. There are always quality speakers with innovative ideas, and the whole expo is well tailored to sheep and beef farmers' needs."
Adam Fricker, general manager of Rural News, which is another key sponsor of the Expo agrees.
"It is nice to be involved again in such a positive event that offers up solutions, ideas and innovations to a sector looking for ways to adapt to rapid changes," he says. "It's a great forum for sharing and discussing ways to farm smarter. Farmers and exhibitors all see to get real value out of the expo."
For more information, tickets or anyone interested in having a trade exhibit at the expo, head to - www.eastcoastexpo.co.nz .
The recent East Coast Farming Expo, held over two days at Wairoa, offered an insight into the current state of agriculture on the east of the North Island, at a time when the locals are remembering the second anniversary of Cyclone Gabrielle.
The countdown is on to be one of the most anticipated events in the sheep and beef industry, the East Coast Farming Expo.
Rugby league legend Tawera Nikau is set to inspire, celebrate and entertain at the East Coast Farming Expo's very popular Property Broker's Evening Muster.
The East Coast Farming Expo is playing host to a quad of ‘female warriors’ (wahine toa) who will give an in-depth insight into the opportunities and successes the primary industries offer women.
Stellar speakers, top-notch trade sites, innovation, technology and connections are all on offer at the 2025 East Coast Farming Expo being once again hosted in Wairoa in February.
Three weeks on from Bremworth’s board overhaul, the carpet maker’s chief executive Greg Smith is stepping down.
For Marlborough Sounds farmer Noel Moleta, farming hair sheep that need no shearing is one of the keys to running a low-input, low-intervention operation in a difficult and highly remote location.
OPINION: Making it easier to get things done while protecting the environment - that's the Government's promise when it comes to the overhaul of the problematic Resource Management Act (RMA).
DairyNZ has set a new levy rate of 4.5c/kgMS from 1 June 2025 and aims to keep the levy at no more than this rate for a minimum of three years.
As it enters its second year, Zespri says the first year of the Zespri Innovation Fund (ZAG), has been “really positive”.
Rural trader Farmlands has launched an exclusive new casual clothing range across its 42 stores nationwide and online.
OPINION: In the same way that even a stopped clock is right twice a day, economists sometimes get it right.
OPINION: The proposed RMA reforms took a while to drop but were well signaled after the election.
