Farm Days a marketing and educational success

27 March 2014

Farm Days’ a marketing and educational success

Federated Farmers Farm Days are a huge success in education and tourism. The Federation’s Bay of Plenty province saw 980 people come through the farm gate on Sunday to see what farming is all about.

“Our Farm Day is a great way for everyone to get involved in the region’s rural community. This year was a particular success with 60 percent of the visitors having either never been on farm or to a Farm Day before," said Rick Powdrell, Federated Farmers Bay of Plenty provincial president.

“It is an opportunity to get urban people out, especially the children, to learn where their food comes from. Regardless of what age the visitors were they said they all learnt something.

“The day was diverse in what it had to offer, from pony rides, sheep shearing, milking cows, farm machinery to gumboot throwing; there was something for everyone to enjoy. The event is always a hit within the region, with 40 percent return visitors from previous years.

“The day was free thanks to our sponsor, Dairy NZ, and support from the local fire brigade, Rotary club, Boy Scouts, Spreadmasters, Wealleans, LIC, Fonterra, Ballance/Summit Quinphos, Primary ITO, Bay of Plenty Regional Council, and our Executives.

“It was a great chance to showcase rural New Zealand to tourists also. We had people from Korea, Japan, Canada, Germany and California trying their hand at milking and shearing.

“Overall these Farm Days’ are a great way to engage rural New Zealand with the rest of the country and the world. A $19 billion dollar industry opening its gates to anyone who wants to learn more about it and have a bit of fun,” concluded Mr Powdrell.

ENDS

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