Fieldays ‘shows how much farming is to New Zealand’
Mystery Creek has made its annual transformation into a small city, hosting the Southern Hemisphere’s largest agricultural event, Fieldays. Francesca Marr spoke to some of the attendees to see why they keep coming back.
With a variety of things to offer such as the latest technology, food, farming tools, and fun for the whole family. Fieldays provide an exciting day out for all, providing an opportunity for communities to unite.
At the opening event, Fieldays National Society President Graeme Austin said, “it is a place where farmers, growers, innovators, researchers, businesses, and families come together to share ideas, celebrate achievement, and look ahead to what is possible”.
It is also a way to acknowledge those who help make the event what it is and ensure everyone gets their credit where due.
Out amongst the machinery exhibitions, farmers Pauline and Peter Klaus are looking around.
They said they’ve been coming to Fieldays for a long time. “We missed a few years”, Peter said, “but it’s at least 20-30 years”.
The best thing about Fieldays for Pauline and Peter is “seeing all the new products and inventions”
Peter said they like to “buy stuff that is helpful, things that make your life easier”. At the moment they have their eye out for stockyards and sheds.
Pauline feels this event “just shows how much farming is to New Zealand”.
Farmers, Joan and Nick are also long-time attendees, saying they feel as though they have been coming to Fieldays “forever”.
With farming as their main focus, their favourite thing about Fieldays is “the diversity in being able to compare products that you would like to purchase”.
Hannah and Logan are from farming backgrounds and have been attending Fieldays for approximately 10 years.
They love the variety of different activities Fieldays offers and said “The Tractor Pull’s great” .
Some visitors said they didn’t have a specific reason to go, but were enjoying the day and said Fieldays is an opportunity to get out and have a day off work with family.
While Fieldays is made up of products, technology, farming from 11000 exhibitors, and works as a major trade event, the true spirit of Fieldays lies in the community of farmers and families.
