Innovation and excellence top bills the trade exhibits at the 2024 East Coast Farming Expo.
Event organiser Sue Wilson says the goal is always to find the very best for the popular mid-week two-day Expo, hosted annually in Wairoa.
“We are delighted with the calibre of trade exhibits this year,” she says. “There are some really exciting innovative stuff heading our way. There really is something for everyone.”
Some of those exhibitors had kindly donated their fee and sponsorship from the cancelled 2023 Expo to support the rural communities with the Backyard BBQs run by the Wairoa Community Development Trust, who are also the backers of the Expo.
Wilson extended a huge thanks to those businesses who had happily left their money in to support those hit so hard by the adverse weather conditions, and they will be recognised during the Expo.
Included in the list attending the 2024 Expo are agricultural drone spraying, the latest technology from Gallagher, examples of limitless rotational grazing for the dairy and beef industries, advice on how to unlock precision pasture management and Halter guidance on a drive to more profitable farms.
“Farmers will hear the facts that are backed by the science,” she says. “The past couple of years of extreme weather have been very challenging for us all, and this is an opportunity to talk to people who can help them build back to smarter. It is all about innovation.”
Gallagher Animal Management are first time exhibitors at the Expo, and for sales and marketing coordinator Sydney Richardson it is a chance to connect directly with local farmers.
“It’s more than just business for us,” she says. “It is a chance to better understand their unique needs and tailor our solutions accordingly.”
It is also an opportunity for the Gallagher team to gain insights from customers and understand the pain points inside the farm gate. That knowledge contributes to delivering product solutions through the voice of customer feedback.
“We have launched some exciting new products throughout the year which we believe can add real value on farm, so we are excited to present these to our East Coast customers. We are about finding solutions to real problems to make life easier and more productive.”
Richardson says Gallagher understands the urgency of rebuilding infrastructure due to the impacts of the cyclone.
“First and foremost, our attendance is about showing our support,” she adds. “It is all about looking out for one another. We want to contribute to the wellbeing of farmers, their animals and their land for future generations.”
The Expo is a hub for solutions, a place to exchange ideas and a platform to showcase innovations that directly benefit the local agricultural landscape.
Ovis Management is a regular at the Expo.
“We partner with meat companies and farmers to raise awareness and encourage control of sheep measles as a subsidiary of the meat association industry,” says project manager Michelle Simpson. “We value the opportunity to discuss the impact of sheep measles with all dog owners to ensure that New Zealand provides the best quality sheep meat to our markets. The Expo is a critical event for us to be able to do this.”
Kelso Genetics’ Matt Holden says the social value of the Expo is huge for them – especially given the events of 2023.
“Getting off farm and hearing from motivational and innovative speakers along with rubbing shoulders with fellow farmers and rural providers is invaluable,” he says.
Kelso Genetics will have rams on display with the team happy to chat freely with clients and interested farmers about their ram breeding programme and how the company support their community.
“The Expo brings out the amazing spirit that flows through our rural community,” Holden adds. “The social aspect is massive for family, friends, neighbours and work associates. Never underestimate a day off the farm at an event like this – it is educational, social and refreshing for our wellbeing.”
The Expo is a key event for East Coast sheep and beef farmers and runs February 21-22. The cyclone forced the Expo to move to the Wairoa Racecourse but support continues to be huge for this popular event.
Expo Details
What: East Coast Farming Expo
When: February 21-22, 2024
Where: Wairoa Racecourse
More Info: http://www.eastcoastexpo.co.nz
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