The Innovation Centre, powered by the University of Waikato, is the showcase for the best industry developments and inventions, improving New Zealand farming practices.

Officially opened by Minister of Primary Industries, David Carter, day one of Australasia's largest rural tradeshow saw over 27,000 flock to Mystery Creek Events Centre yesterday in Hamilton.

The three winners of the 2012 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards are attending the National Agricultural Fieldays to promote the awards programme, meet with sponsors and find new ideas and technologies to assist their businesses.

Most New Zealanders are townies these days but still value the rural sector. And that's why the National Agricultural Fieldays is such an important annual event, says the University of Waikato's inaugural chair of agribusiness, Professor Jacqueline Rowarth.

MORE THAN 30 farmers turned out for a field day to see and hear how automation in the milking shed is helping one Canterbury dairy farmer cut cell counts and combat mastitis.

Site applications for 2012 New Zealand National Agricultural Fieldays are 13% ahead of last year and already 88% of sites are sold, say organisers.