An increasing focus on agribusiness at the Central Districts Field Days at Manfeild Park this week is a measurement of the event’s importance, says the venue provider.
Manfeild Park general manager Julie Keane says the three-day event, opening on Thursday (March 12) with more than 560 exhibitors, has attracted significant agri-tech involvement.
Special events this year include the rural lifestyle Expo focusing on the rural home and family, the Massey University Agriculture Pavilion, Bayleys Rural Lifestyle Pavilion, national excavator competitions, Norwood Farm Machinery Centre tractor pull competition, Central Districts fencing competition, ag machinery demonstrations, vintage tractor and machinery displays and an entertainment stage – plus hundreds of specialist booths.
Of specific interest is a partnership event being hosted by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise with sponsors ASB and Massey University, at which nine fresh start-ups will present in the hope of gaining investment.
Keane says this fresh initiative further emphasises that there is more growth ahead for an event that regularly draws 38,000 attendees.
“Central Districts Field Days has been a part of Manfeild Park since the mid-1980s and in the years since then we have seen it develop from quite humble beginnings into a showcase with focus on every aspect of rural business and livestyle,” says Keane.
“It is supported by a huge count of businesses that recognise this as being a prime opportunity to introduce new products to a massive audience.
Gates open from 8.30am each day until 4.30pm on Thursday and Friday, closing at 4pm on the Saturday. Admission fee is $12 for adults; $9 for seniors on Thursday and Friday only. Under 16s have free access when accompanied by an adult.
