More than 100,000 expected at Fieldays as agricultural sector booms
More than 100,000 people are expected at Fieldays this year.
Photo:
RNZ / Monique Steele
More than 100,000 people are expected through the gates of Fieldays, which kicks off on Wednesday at Mystery Creek.
It is the
Southern Hemisphere's largest agricultural event
, and this year it has a record number of exhibitors.
Taryn Storey, head of customer and strategic engagement, said it is looking like an exciting year with every blade of grass "locked and loaded" with
things to do and see
.
Part of that excitement comes from the boom agriculture is experiencing at the moment with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon previously saying the sector is pulling the country out of a recession.
New Zealand's dairy sector is booming, red meat exports are up, and farmers got a boost in the Budget, so they can deduct 20 percent off new farm equipment from their taxable income.
"There is a real excited vibe this year," Storey said.
"The weather at the moment is looking like true Fieldays weather with a bit of rain forecast but it wouldn't be Fieldays without a little bit of drizzle to contend with."
Storey said the key to attending Fieldays is layers.
Despite the rain she said Mystery Creek has a bit of a microclimate so could experience four seasons in one day.
"Leave the gumboots at home, you don't need them, but bring sturdy foot wear.
"It's all sealed roads, so just good walking shoes."
This year featured a sector spotlight on the wool industry with a number of exhibits on everything wool from up and coming innovations to the end product.
Storey said a highlight of the event will be the new agricultural drone zone showcasing the large drones in the fields and how they work.
The three day event will also see a number of different politicians in attendance including Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins.
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