Over 100,000 people are expected to visit Fieldays this week at Mystery Creek, near Hamilton. The popular event, which started on Wednesday, is the biggest agricultural show in the Southern Hemisphere and is set to have a record number of exhibitors. It comes at a time when New Zealand’s farming sector is doing very well.
Taryn Storey, one of the event organisers, said visitors can look forward to plenty of exciting displays and activities. The strong interest this year is partly because the agricultural sector is helping lead the country’s economic recovery. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has praised farmers for helping New Zealand bounce back from a recession.
Right now, dairy farming is booming, and red meat exports are also up. The government recently gave farmers a helping hand by allowing them to claim 20% off the cost of new farm equipment in their taxes.
Despite some rainy weather, Storey says Fieldays is still a great event to attend. She recommends dressing in layers and wearing good walking shoes. “You won’t need gumboots,” she said, because the roads are all sealed.
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay also spoke about the importance of the farming sector. He said it is growing strongly and helping drive the country’s economy. The government is working to support farmers through new policies and investments.
This year, there’s a special focus on wool, with exhibits showing everything from wool inventions to finished products. Another big highlight is the new drone zone, where people can see large farming drones in action.
