increase font size
Jacqueline Rowarth is one of many top speakers lined-up for next February’s East Coast Farming Expo.
There's an air of anticipation and excitement around February's East Coast Farming Expo - especially with the announcement of the speakers.
"Post cyclone, farmers are really wanting to get together and just reconnect," says event organiser Sue Wilson. "We've got quite the line-up of speakers come over the two days."
Included in the line-up is television personality and mental wellbeing exponent Matt Chisholm alongside Craigs Investment Partners investment adviser Fleur Gardiner, Lincoln University adjunct professor Dr Jacqueline Rowarth, Julia Jones and John Roche, the chief science advisor at Ministry for Primary Industries.
All are excited to be back in the rural sector sharing their knowledge, and reconnecting with people.
Rowarth is very much focused on the vibrant future ahead.
"Reading, listening or watching any of the news you would be forgiven for thinking the world population is becoming vegan, embracing plant-based food from vertical farms and cultured protein from vats while relegating animals to the role of pets," she says.
"In fact, the world needs sustainably produced animal protein more than ever and New Zealand is leading the way in showing how what is needed can be achieved. The key is to consider the essential amino acids that make meat and milk such efficient deliverers of what human psychology requires."
Former head of analytics for the NZX Julia Jones says she'll be drilling down on what is happening around the world, including protectionism, geopolitical issues, climate resilience.
"As an export-led economy our revenues are dependent on what is happening globally," Jones explains. "It is important we understand and have perspective on what is happening."
For Gardiner the Expo is a chance to encourage people to plan and consider their options and investment dos and don’ts, and she’ll have case studies to show how investing off farm can provide an alternate income stream and help with succession planning.
All agree events like the Expo are crucial to wider community wellbeing.
“These give a moment of positive shared experience and support, and the opportunity to gain new information and see new technologies,” Rowarth adds. “That combination can lead to new thinking and opportunities. For speakers it is a chance to see and hear what has been endured and achieved by the local community and take that to other parts of the country.”
Jones says such connection is like oxygen.
“We need it, but we don’t always appreciate that. It’s the laughs, smiles and hugs that fill people’s cups.”
Wilson says the Expo always pushes to raise the bar and meet what they know the farming community wants to see and hear.
“We are all really excited to be bringing the 2024 Expo to our region once again.”
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.
The golden age of orcharding in West Auckland was recently celebrated at the launch of a book which tells the story of its rise, then retreat in the face of industry change and urban expansion.
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.
Recently two of New Zealand's top Maori sheep and beef farms held field days as part of the prestigious Ahuwhenua Trophy competition. The two are: Whangaroa Ngaiotonga Trust, northeast of Whangarei, and the proprietors of Tawapata Onenui farm on Mahia Peninsula in southern Hawke's Bay. Reporter Peter Burke attended both field days.
The New Zealand hemp industry is hoping for quick and comprehensive reform of its legislative framework after a recent "historic" visit to sites in Canterbury by a big group of politicians, officials and industry stakeholders.
Resolving rural sector disputes constructively, fairly and with long-term outcomes in mind will top the agenda at a gathering of experts in Hamilton next month.
Among the regular exhibitors at last month’s South Island Agricultural Field Days, the one that arguably takes the most intensive preparation every time is the PGG Wrightson Seeds site.
