fbpx
Print this page
Friday, 22 February 2019 09:21

High-energy farming event coming

Written by  Tim Warrington
Minister of Primary Industries Damien O’Connor, seen on an UBCO 2x2, will be at the expo. Minister of Primary Industries Damien O’Connor, seen on an UBCO 2x2, will be at the expo.

This year’s East Coast Farming Expo – on March 6 and 7 at the Wairoa A&P Showground – will again have energy high on its agenda. 

Energy is high among farmers’ concerns — its source, usage, costs, potential cost savings, operating efficiencies and developments in the renewables sector.

Specialist exhibitors in the field will include Eastland Group and Water Right Ltd.

“Energy usage on farms — how much we use, opportunities to save and the exploration of renewable sources — is a hot topic now,” says expo director Dave Martin. 

A major sponsor is Eastland Group, which runs the power lines for Wairoa and the East Coast — 25,000 connections across 12,000sq. km. Eastland Generation includes geothermal, hydro and diesel electricity generation plants and the Electric Village in Gisborne. 

Electric Village energy champion Jaclyn Findon says the technology industry -- globally and in New Zealand -- is evolving faster than ever.

“It’s an exciting time for energy and emerging technologies, and our region is perfectly placed. 

“Electric Village in Gisborne is the home of new energy: it’s a place to share ideas, challenge the norm and discover better and more efficient ways of working. 

“It’s about the future of energy technology, including tips and tricks on clever ways to use your power, and information on solar energy and electric vehicles.”

Eastland will have electric vehicles (EVs) at the expo for test drives, including electric cars, a utility electric 2x2 vehicle by the NZ maker UBCO, ebikes and escooters. 

Matt O’Kane, of Water Right Ltd, says energy is usually a farm’s highest cost. 

“We’ve recently been to Europe to look at developments in irrigation equipment and efficiency gains. Several companies have huge R&D focused on solar technologies to power centre pivot irrigators and large pumps.” 

O’Kane says the gap is currently in storage, “requiring either expensive, inefficient batteries or irrigating during the day which, although commonplace, is nowhere near the bang-for-buck as night-time application.

“I’m excited about solar technology and its pace of development, as well as the constant reduction in cost.”

O’Kane says although the irrigation sector is not quite there commercially, “a tonne of work is going on behind the scenes, plus a major push to make it cost effective and practical”.

The East Coast Farming Expo is industry-specific – sheep and beef farming businesses ranging from extensive hill country to intensive flat operations. It will appeal to husband-and-wife partnerships, managers, stock managers, shepherds, business partners, accountants and financial advisors.

Trade exhibits and public seminars allow Hawke’s Bay and East Coast farmers to talk to industry innovators and experts.

The expo is an ideal venue for launching new products or releasing new research and technology. Farmers and landowners can explore new ideas and talk to experts.

The popular Evening Muster on March 6 is for attendees and exhibitors to socialise and hear the keynote speaker, rural broadcaster Sarah Perriam.

More like this

Learning from the past

Hamish McKay is probably best known as one of the nation’s top sports journalists – but he’s a country lad at heart.

Top line-up of speakers

There's an air of anticipation and excitement around February's East Coast Farming Expo - especially with the announcement of the speakers.

Featured

Dairy sheep and goat turmoil

Dairy sheep and goat farmers are being told to reduce milk supply as processors face a slump in global demand for their products.

Hurry up and slow down!

OPINION: We have good friends from way back who had lived in one of our major cities for many years.

Editorial: Passage to India

OPINION: Even before the National-led coalition came into power, India was very much at the fore of its trade agenda.

National

Knowing bugs means fewer drugs

A mastitis management company claims to deliver the fastest and most accurate mastitis testing available at scale for New Zealand…

Machinery & Products

100 years of Farmall Tractors

Returning after an enforced break, the Wheat and Wheels Rally will take place on the Lauriston -Barhill Road, North-East of…

JD unveils its latest beast

John Deere has unveiled its most powerful tractor ever, with the launch of the all new 9RX Series Tractor line-up…

Biggest Quadtrac coming to NZ!

In the biggest announcement that Case IH Australia/New Zealand has made around its tractor range, its biggest tractor is about…

A different shade of blue for Norwood

Norwood and ARGO Tractors, the Italian manufacturer of Landini and McCormick tractors, have announced an agreement that gives Norwood exclusive…

Kubota tests diesel engines

Kubota last month used the UK LAMMA Show to test the water with its new 200hp, four-cylinder 09-series diesel engines.