With less than five months until the South Island Agricultural Field Days kicks off, organisers are putting the finishing touches to the upgraded Kirwee site and still finding room for exhibitors keen to be part of the South Island’s largest agricultural event.
Field days committee chairman Hayden Dorman said that the field days managed to just dodge the lockdown bullet in 2021.
“And 2023 promises to see an even bigger turnout of the latest in agricultural equipment, agritech and products.”
Since 2021, organisers had doubled down smoothing the site’s network of paved roads, establishing a new water supply, and expanding the electricity grid throughout providing exhibitors with a reliable infrastructure to support their stand.
Dorman said that interest among farmers and contractors on displays this year was upped because of the difficulty many had in past years trying to secure gear and equipment, due to the global shipping issues.
“With this starting to return to normal, the field days provide an opportunity to really do homework on what the best decision may be, after some of the challenges in the past couple of years.”
He said the site’s easy access, flat contour and central Canterbury location made it equally popular among exhibitors and visitors alike, while the expansive demonstration site was an addition for contractors and farmers considering investing tens of thousands into new equipment.
The organisers had worked hard to keep the event focused and relevant for farmers and contractors alike, something Dorman said had been repaid by having a growing core of committed companies that returned regularly to the bi-annual event.
“They appreciate the diversity and depth of farming and contracting across the region, the field days are an opportunity to connect with their loyal customers, roll their sleeves up and really talk about the gear they have, the gear they may want, and get to see it all working.”
“Given the growth we have enjoyed in the past, and the strong level of optimism that is in the farming sector despite its many challenges, the field days are a very cost-effective, enjoyable means to tap into that,” he said.
The field days kick off from March 29, running to March 31 and there was still time for exhibitors to book their site at the event.