Expo set to deliver in spades
The countdown is on to be one of the most anticipated events in the sheep and beef industry, the East Coast Farming Expo.
Nancy Crawshaw, Mickey Trotter, Alice Anderson and Ariana Hadfield – Ngā Wahine te Pāmu – will speak on Thursday (February 20) morning at the annual Expo.
Organiser Sue Wilson says the women come from a variety of careers from within the sector and the panel discussion is a chance to understand the different opportunities available.
“Up until recently it has been a very maledominated sheep and beef farming industry, especially here on the East Coast,” says Wilson.
“Doors are now beginning to open for women who enjoy getting out on the farm and not spend the day behind a desk. Females may not have the same strength of their male counterparts but they are good at adapting and using that top 10 inches.”
And while there was always room for improvement, things were changing. “Women are definitely proving their capability. It’s great to have ambassadors here like Nancy (Crawshaw), the current Zanda McDonald Award winner which recognises and supports future leaders in the primary sector.
Anderson is the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council catchment management lead, Hadfield an agribusiness manager for Rabobank in Gisborne, while both Crawshaw and Trotter farm.
Hadfield is looking forward to an event she sees much value in.
“It is fantastic for the Wairoa community, bringing people together to share stories, listen and learn through the seminars and demonstrations,” says Hadfield.
“It’s a chance to explore tools and technologies available to the sector too. The education aspect is great and I liked last year there was the opportunity to get a free health check – something people may not make the effort to do otherwise.”
She’s originally from a sheep and beef farm in the Ruakituri Valley, Wairoa.
“As a young Māori woman, I have been lucky to have had a very positive experience working in the primary industries. I think women bring a different way of thinking and working to the sector, including different perspectives and new ideas. Often having to compete and work in male-dominated professions, women seem more determined and resilient. Women are empathetic which I think is very important as we work through different challenges in the industry.”
Conversations around mental wellbeing are becoming louder which Hadfield feels has probably largely been facilitated by the empathy that women emulate.
“A perfect example of this would be the work that Krissy Mackintosh did in Gisborne with Hear4U,” she says. “Women are great multitaskers, balancing their home and family priorities with their voluntary and work contributions to the primary industries.”
She felt hugely supported by “a great team” in her role of a rural banker. “The team of men and women are all appreciated for the different attributed they bring to the table. When I started in a client facing role I was nervous about client perceptions.” But her team and a chance to prove herself as seen her grown in the role.
“Being confident and backing yourself makes a massive difference. In the short time I have worked in the industry I have seen some significant changes for the betterment of women working in the primary industries including pay equity, the addition, removal and changing of policies to support women in work as well as the ability to study/work online or from home. This has made work more accessible and fair for women in the primary industries.”
Trotter works as a sheep and beef farmer with husband Clem between properties in Ongaonga and Putere. They own and operate Woodbrook Stock Co Ltd, run 2500ha effective across three sheep and beef blocks in Hawke’s Bay.
Over the past 20 years she has worked on sheep and beef properties right along the east coast, spanning from Mahia to Wairarapa. She started her career at NZX in the New Zealand stock market, before transitioning to work as an agricultural analyst. After a short stint in rural recruitment, the couple contract mustered in the Northern Territory before heading to Montana to do horse shoeing.
“It’s great to see more women leading in the agricultural industry,” says Trotter. “They have a real ability to turn their hand to so many things and be lateral thinkers which really helps in so many situations.”
They’re about to start an agri-tourism business Blackburn Ridge in the history-rich area of Onga Onga. It’s an all-inclusive multi-day retreat including a private farm walk and e-bike experience giving people a very unique and authentic rural experience.
“You need to diversify and adapt if you want to stay in the game in these challenging times for sheep farmers. The tourism side of things will really compliment the farm operations with the fluctuations in weather patterns.”
Trotter is looking forward to her first Expo.
“These are a great opportunity to get off farm and catch up with other farmers while also supporting the rural and local community.”
She and Hadfield felt rural people can sometimes live in very isolated areas and the wider region had faced some big challenges over the past few years.
“There is so much that has happened,” says Hadfield.
“As well as the weather events, there are Government regulations and drench resistance, among other things. A problem shared is a problem halved, and that’s where the Expo brings a lot of value to our rural communities.”
About The East Coast Farming Expo
The 2025 East Coast Farming Expo is a two-day midweek gathering (February 19-20) for sheep and beef producers focusing on farming smarter.
The popular annual event includes exhibits, outdoor demonstrations and seminars. It’s a chance for farmers to talk one-on-one with industry innovators and leaders and has become a key go-to for the region’s farmers, as well as attracting others from further afield.
What: East Coast Farming Expo
Where: Wairoa Racecourse, Wairoa
More Info: http://www.eastcoastexpo.co.nz
