National Fieldays outlook positive

National Fieldays outlook positive

New Zealand National Agricultural Fieldays opened its gates today to an enthusiastic crowd keen to see what would be on display at the largest agribusiness event in the southern hemisphere. Held at Mystery Creek Events Centre and officially opened by Prime Minster John Key, National Fieldays is into its 41st year and remains an essential event on the agricultural calendar.

Despite the wet weather, an encouraging number streamed through the gate throughout the day. Attendance to the first of the four day event was 23,975. Although 11 percent down on the same day last year (26,864), it also marked the first wet opening day in seven years; comparative with 2002 at 23,856. Typically attendance to Fieldays increases day on day, with Wednesday tracking lowest and Friday experiencing record visitor numbers.

This year sites available were increased to cater for the expansion of Kiwi’s Best, the International Pavilion and the addition of horticulture specific exhibition area, Horticulture Hall. With over 1000 exhibitors and near 100% site occupancy on the 98 hectare site, there is a dynamic display of products, services and demonstrations offer.

General exhibitor feedback reveals realistic sales expectations. Although discretionary spending may be affected; as technology progresses and equipment ages the need for essential maintenance and replacement machinery remains. Organisers are also confident there will continue to be demand for innovative New Zealand technologies, especially in the international marketplace.

The 2009 Premier Feature, ‘My Land, Our Environment’, supported by Environment Waikato, AgResearch and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry provided a remarkable platform in which to educate farmers and general public on sustainable practice in the agriculture industry.

In line with “My Land, Our Environment” there are a number of environmental initiatives at Fieldays this year including; substantial waste minimisation, increased recycling and attempts to reduce traffic congestion through free exhibitor buses and public bus transport from Hamilton to the event.

NZ National Fieldays is supported by strategic partners, The National Bank and the University of Waikato, and continues daily until Saturday 13 June.

ENDS

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