Fieldays Focus 2023

All-newAmarok OnsiteatFieldays®

Youdon’tneedtosacrificecomfortandrefinement forthe everydayworkhorse —with a3.5-tonnetowingcapacityand packedwiththelatesttechnologyandsafetywithupto30new features.Plus,ontheinside adigitised cockpit, a12”infotainment screen,andwirelesssmartphonecharging.Thenextgeneration Amarokhasthepoweryouneedwiththe refinementyou want.

Visitthe VolkswagenNew ZealandteamatsiteE92andseethe all-newAmarokintheflesh.

Empowering Kiwi youth –and market-leading sustainability

Hyundai New Zealand has been a long-standing partner of Fieldays and continues to forge a loyal following among rural New Zealanders.

From its partnership with Hyundai Country Calendar to connecting with everyday Kiwis in rural and urban New Zealand, Hyundai leads the way with the country’s most extensive range of low-emission vehicles.

Hyundai is also committed to investing in a more sustainable future for New Zealand, as showcased by the Hyundai Pinnacle Programme – designed to empower Kiwi youth to become global and community leaders. It takes 20 young people

every year, as it has done for nearly 20 years, and helps them develop into leaders across diverse areas from the arts and sciences to sports, business, environment, agriculture, and politics.

Hyundai’s recent campaign, Future Positive, expresses its commitment to developing future leaders while also playing a pivotal role in helping to de-carbonise the country. The programme is designed to equip young participants with the skills and tools to help them excel in their field of interest and empower them to create innovative solutions to mitigate some of the globe’s

biggest problems.

The Pinnacle Programme is one example of Hyundai New Zealand’s commitment to a positive future, its vehicles another. Its growing range of electric, hybrid and hydrogenpowered vehicles provides Kiwis with even more options to help reduce New Zealand’s carbon emissions and their environmental impact.

Visitors can also get a look at the all-new IONIQ 6 and IONIQ 5, both awarded World Car of the Year, World Electric Vehicle of the Year and World Car Design of the Year in consecutive years.

There will also be a hydrogen area on Hyundai’s site with NZ’s first hydrogen truck, the XCIENT FCEV, and NEXO, Hyundai’s hydrogenpowered SUV.

Hyundai’s hybrid range including the Kona, Tucson, and Santa Fe hybrid will be on show along with its leading range of SUVs, N performance range and vans.

And let’s not forget trucks: the Mighty Range will be on show along with the Pavise mid-duty truck and the company’s first electric Mighty truck. To top it off, Hyundai’s exclusive Good as Gold Fieldays Deals will be available across their range.

Hyundai’s leadership programme dovetails with leading range of low-emission vehicles.

The Hyundai Hybrid range gives you electric when you want it, petrol power when you need it.

What’s on at Fieldays

Fieldays Digital Futures

Site: PD50, Main Pavilion

Digital technology in agriculture is evolving. Fieldays Digital Futures is a partnership with AgriTechNZ, the Ministry of Primary Industries and the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment to create conversation and engage with farmers about rural data, and digital adoption. It’s a chance for visitors to talk first-hand to key players in the data landscape, discuss the way forward, and identify where they are on their digital journey.

Fieldays Innovation Hub

Located on the intersection of D Street and M Road

Are you ready to see the future? Visit the Innovation Hub to see the latest innovators, inventions, and industry developments all aimed at improving New Zealand’s primary industries. Also follow the Fieldays Innovation Trail on the Fieldays app to explore Innovation Award entries at exhibitor sites.

Fieldays Hauora Taiwhenua Health and Wellbeing Hub

Located near the intersection of E Street and N Road

There’s no excuse not to pop in for a quick check-up at Fieldays! Head to the Hauora Taiwhenua Health and Wellbeing Hub. From mental health, melanoma, cancers, diabetes, nutrition, chiropractic and cardiology, the Hauora Taiwhenua Health and Wellbeing Hub, supported by Mobile Health, is worth a check in, and 100% free.

Fieldays Opportunity Grows Here Careers Hub

Site: E30

Supported by MPI, the Opportunity Grows Here Careers Hub is a must-visit destination to learn and be inspired by Aotearoa New Zealand’s thriving food and fibre sector. The interactive hub is a hive of activity, with education providers, sector groups, and relevant government agencies teaming up to showcase the sector. Also follow the Fieldays Opportunity Grows Here Careers Trail on the Fieldays app to explore employment opportunities at exhibitor sites.

NATIONAL’SGETTING BACK TO FARMINGPLAN

Fieldays Forestry Hub

Site: G80

Fieldays Forestry Hub returns to showcase the forest and wood processing sector. Under the theme of ‘Wood – our low-carbon future’, the Fieldays Forestry Hub gives visitors the chance to explore the many facets of the forestry and wood processing sector and how the sector has a vital role in mitigating climate change. The Fieldays Forestry Hub is a sector-wide collaboration with support from Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service and Forest Growers Levy Trust.

Fieldays Sustainability Hub

Site: E38

The Fieldays Sustainability Hub is a collaboration between Fieldays and the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), which aims to provide easy access to information about sustainability and how to take action through a range of activities to stimulate conversations for better environmental outcomes. The Fieldays Sustainability Hub will facilitate conversations between visitors, exhibitors, and sector research agencies.

New Zealand International Business Centre

Site: M31, on Road M beside the Village Green

International guests registered with Fieldays can access the International Business Centre throughout the event, as a space to connect with NZ businesses and industry stakeholders and explore our agritech story and local expertise.

NZ businesses can also connect with a team of support agencies on site, including New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE), Callaghan Innovation, the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), MBIE, Treasury’s New Zealand Export Credit, and the New Zealand Story Group.

Fieldays Competitions

Fieldays has always been the home of extreme and unique agri competitions, and 2023 will be no exception. Catch Tractor Pull every day at River End M Road, and kindly sponsored by CaseIH and Corson Maize. NZ’s top fencers can be seen at the Fieldays Fencing Competitions – daily on A Street and kindly brought to you by New Zealand Fencing Competitions (NZFC). Fieldays Excavator Competitions showcasing skill and precision can be found on H Street.

Agricultureisthebackbone of NewZealand’seconomy. Itis how we payour wayinthe world.Growingtheruraleconomywill helpliftincomes foralland allow more spendingonthethingsKiwis wanttheGovernment to provide.

ButLabourhasimposed more than20 neworamended regulationsonthe agriculturalsector. NationalwillendLabour ’s redtape waron farmers withapackage of changesthatback farmerswhileprotectingthe environment.

Nationalwill:

1.Deliversmarterrules forthefuture

•EstablishaRural Regulation Review Panel to considerall regulations affecting

2.Superchargetheruraleconomy

•Introducea2-for-1rule– for ever y newagriculture regulation,twomust be remo

• Requirenew rulestobeassessed fortheir costs to farmerswith findingspublished.

•DoubletheRSE workercapfrom19,000 to 38,000andcreate apath to residen AccreditedEmployer WorkVisa.

• Ban foreign farm-to-forest conversions forcarbon farming.

•Allow normalruralactivitiesonHighlyProductiveLand.

3. Get Wellingtonout of farming

• Replaceone-size-fits-allruleswithlocaldecision-making.

• Focusenvironmentalprotectiononareas of highenvironmental value.

•Improve stock exclusionrules.

This policyisonlythestart.Nationalwillhave more to sayonemissionspricing,R&D, wateranda comprehensiveprimaryindustries policy.

Italy comes to Mystery Creek

Italian agricultural machinery offers increased Italian-NZ partnerships.

Italian innovation will be on show at Fieldays this year for the first time, with the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) exhibiting at Mystery Creek together with six key Italian agricultural machinery manufacturing companies.

The hope is this introduction will provide plenty of scope for increased Italian-New Zealand partnerships in the agricultural sector, with Fieldays the place where the next steps can be taken.

“It’s an amazing opportunity for us to organise Italy’s first official participation in Fieldays, together with the Embassy of Italy in Wellington and industry association FederUnacoma,” says Simona Bernardini, Italian Trade Commissioner for Australia and New Zealand.

“We’re certain there’s great potential to increase the cooperation between the Italian agricultural machinery industry and Australian and New Zealand companies.”

FederUnacoma represents 320 specialised manufacturers of machinery, equipment and components for agriculture, forestry, gardening and landscaping. Between them they cover around 90 per cent of national production, with an

annual turnover of around $25 billion.

Last November New Zealand and Australian machinery manufacturers and exporters took a successful trade mission to the International Exposition of Machinery for Agriculture and Gardening EIMA) in Bologna, Italy. Now the roles are being reversed and, while the European Union has exhibited at Fieldays previously, this year will be the first time Italy has its own stand.

Francesco Calogero, the Italian Ambassador to New Zealand, says agricultural machinery is a strategic industry for the two countries’ growing bilateral trade and economic relations, making him pleased to be involved at Fieldays: “The demand for Italian agricultural technology has grown steadily in the last few years and I expect it to grow even further once the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between NZ and the EU is fully in force.”

Italian-made agricultural machinery ranks among the top in the world, with strong export demand. FederUnacoma president, Alessandro Malavolti, says that in 2021 the value of exports grew by 20.5 per cent. That continued in 2022 when the sector’s exports grew to

over $10.6bn, an increase of 14.6 per cent.

Exports of Italian agricultural machinery to NZ increased by 28.4 per cent last year, strongly contributing to the growth from $50m in 2020 to $88.7m in 2022. Tractor sales alone rose from $26.5m to $40.6m showing 53.7 per cent growth and agricultural equipment from $42.4m to $47.7m.

Last year Australian imports from Italy reached a record level of around $253m, an increase of 31.4 per cent over 2021. Malavolti says

both New Zealand and Australia are already known worldwide for their agricultural excellence – but now they’re being called on to play an even more important role in global production systems due to geopolitical tensions in other parts of the world.

This opens up development prospects for Italian agricultural machinery which is already prized around the world because of its ability to design and implement technological solutions across all agricultural sectors.

After New Zealand companies attending EIMA in Bologna last year the Italians are coming to Fieldays.

It’s a Case of unmistakeable identity

Farmall tractors – and other iconic Case IH equipment – will be front & centre at Fieldays.

Case IH is counting down to Fieldays at Mystery Creek, with another big presence planned for New Zealand’s premier agricultural event.

The company was a new premier sponsor of Fieldays last year and is preparing an exciting programme of activities this year – highlighting the centenary of its iconic workhorse, the Farmall tractor.

“Last year was the first year of our sponsorship and we couldn’t have been prouder to support what was a wonderful event, thanks to such a passionate and dedicated organising team,” says Murray Grant, CNH Industrial Commercial Business Manager – New Zealand.

“This year we want to capitalise on what we felt the brand achieved through the 2022 event, and show visitors why Case IH is a leader in its field and what it has to offer the New Zealand agriculture industry.”

This year, the Farmall tractor celebrates its 100th birthday with its reputation for toughness and versatility standing the test of time. Its history and significance also makes it a highly collectible piece of farm machinery, with dozens of Farmall collectors across the country – and 10 rare vintage Farmall

tractors will be on display at Fieldays.

“So many people have an association with the Farmall, which has made its mark globally, as well as being a fixture of many New Zealand agriculture businesses. We’re looking forward to honouring the Farmall on our site at Fieldays, where visitors will be able to see the evolution of the machine and enjoy this piece of farming history.”

James Perry, CNH Industrial NZ product manager, says the Farmall is a much-loved tractor everywhere, including New Zealand, where it fulfills many different tasks across a range of operations.

“Whether it’s a utility tractor for a broadacre farm, or the main tractor for a small horticulture business, its significance and relevance over so many years is really unmatched by any other tractor model.”

Visitors will also have the chance to enter a Farmall selfie competition and be in with a chance to win a limited edition Farmall miniature toy tractor. Case IH will be getting behind the popular Tractor Pull at Fieldays, providing tractors for this exciting event that always draws a large and appreciative crowd.

The brand is also providing a Farmall 50B, two Farmall U tractors with loaders, and a Farmlift telehandler to the Fieldays Society to help with the running of the event.

“Fieldays is one of the most significant events on the Case IH calendar each year and we look forward to welcoming visitors to our site and celebrating the New Zealand

agriculture industry’s enormous contribution to the nation’s economy,” says Aaron Bett, General Manager of Case IH Australia/ New Zealand.

Case IH will be at site M30 where it’s looking forward to welcoming visitors and celebrating the best of the New Zealand agriculture industry.

Drawing on

in the agriculture industry, Case IH provides a powerful range of tractors, combines and balers, supported by a global network of dealers.

Big MPI support for farmers & growers

New service to be showcased at this year’s Fieldays.

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) will showcase its new service for farmers and growers, On Farm Support, at Fieldays this year.

On Farm Support helps them access the support, information and advice they need to continue to be successful in a world with changing consumer and regulatory requirements.

It’s a free service and takes a region-by-region approach having established teams across New Zealand – now available in Northland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Hawke’s Bay and Tairawhiti, Taranaki, lower North Island, Top of the South Island and West Coast, Canterbury, Otago and Southland.

On Farm Support teams have local knowledge and expertise to provide tailored on-the-ground assistance. This year, On Farm Support joined MPI’s wider effort to assist farmers, growers and their communities in the emergency response to Cyclone Gabrielle.

The team has also been building strong relationships in the primary sector, participating in a range of events including the FMG Young

Farmer of the Year competition and Ballance Farm Environment Awards.

Some of the services which On Farm Support offers are Farm Planning Support – which helps farmers and growers gain access to integrated farm planning support and advice. Then there’s Access to Existing Services, which make it easier for farmers and growers to find and apply available advice and guidance.

Funding and Support gives farmers and growers clear understanding of available funding and support options and Innovation, while Tools helps support innovative farming through access to all the tools and resources available.

Applying farmer insights gathers information and insights from farmers and growers in different regions to inform MPI’s wider organisation, advice and operations.

The On Farm Support team is looking forward to meeting farmers and growers at Fieldays to discuss how they can be of assistance. Meet the team at the MPI stand on site PD25 or go to www.mpi.govt.nz/on-farmsupport

100 per cent mobile coverage is coming

Soon even remote rural outposts will be connected in One way or another.

One New Zealand is here – with our purpose to unlock the magic of technology to make Aotearoa even more awesome.

We’re here to help Kiwis and Kiwi businesses be happier, healthier, safer, more productive and more inclusive – and One New Zealand is proud to be a principal partner of Fieldays. Together with Farmside, our rural broadband partner, we can connect New Zealanders through a range of products and services. When you live rurally – often far away from neighbours, friends, family, and suppliers – the ability to stay connected through technology takes on even greater importance.

We’re very proud to announce a new collaboration with SpaceX to provide 100 per cent mobile coverage across New Zealand, launching in 2024. When the service goes live, there will be 100 per cent mobile coverage across the country where you have line of sight to the sky.

Whether you’re out on your boat, climbing a mountain, fixing a remote road or on your farm, you and your

business are safer with us. We’ll be able to provide coverage where it hasn’t been before. Initially we’ll be launching with an SMS service in late 2024 with compatible devices, with data and voice to follow in 2025. Capacity management and fair use may apply. Coverage and connectivity will be taken further than ever before, with one giant leap towards the most advanced and safest network in the country.

We look forward to seeing you at the One NZ/ Farmside

stand at site PE50 in the Pavilion at Fieldays. We will have a team of retail, small and medium enterprises

(SME), internet of things ( IoT) and network specialists on our stand to support our rural community.

Fieldays celebrates 55th anniversary

Still bringing in huge crowds, Fieldays is “fulfilling its purpose”.

New Zealand farmers might struggle to think back to what their industry was like 55 years ago but many will have memories of Fieldays, which this year is celebrating its emerald anniversary.

It was a small start at the Te Rapa Racecourse back in 1969 with a budget of just $10,500 – but even then, 9000 visitors attended, at a charge of 50 cents per adult, 20 cents per child and 20 cents for car parking. The turn-out took organisers by surprise including Tirau farmer and later Federated Farmers’ president, John Kneebone. He’d set the ball rolling when he wrote a letter to the Waikato Times suggesting New Zealand farmers could have an annual outing in Hamilton just as they did in London with the Smithfield Show.

Alan Sharp, 77, was a Young Farmers’ Club (YFC) member drafted in for that very first event and hasn’t

missed a Fieldays since, apart from last year when Covid saw him needing to carry out a lot of organisation to make sure things ran smoothly from his home.

In 1970, Fieldays was held in March so it could host the Queen and Royal Family and Alan was put on points duty on busy Te Rapa straight. It moved to Mystery Creek in 1971, almost 65 hectares of free-draining sandy soil with a natural amphitheatre which was relatively close to Hamilton. A new headquarters was built later that decade and the Tractor Pull Competition introduced.

Alan quickly found himself in charge of the water and toilets team, later ably backed up by Neil Quinlan, who joined the band of Fieldays volunteers in 1986. He’s been Alan’s “right-hand man” for the last 35 years, now installing two kilometres of temporary piping to hook up

exhibitors directly to the “It’s fulfilling its purpose,”

water supply.

In 1990, Fieldays hosted the World Agricultural Expo where a crowd of over 100,000 visitors attended over four days.

Alan Sharp still marvels at the fact that a record 44,000 people attended on the Friday of the 2021 event: “That’s a colossal crowd of people.”

In 1994, the Ag Art Wear competition was launched, a year later the Pavilion opened and two years after that the No 8 Wire National Art Awards began. In 2003, the Rural Bachelor of the Year had its debut event and four years later research showed Fieldays contributed more than $600 million to the New Zealand economy each year.

Sharp says. “If it wasn’t doing that, exhibitors and visitors wouldn’t keep coming back. It’s evolved because it’s had to in order to survive.”

He makes the point Fieldays couldn’t run if paid professionals were required for all the tasks the 200-strong band of volunteers undertake. In 2021, that was tested when – due to a shortage of manpower – a number of volunteers willingly came out of retirement to help out once again. Not only do they have great camaraderie, he says, they keep bringing back their considerable intellectual property to the event every year.

“We make it all as seamless as possible but behind the scenes it’s not at all.”

Sharp and Quinlan received recognition for their services when Alan took out Fieldays’ John Kneebone Volunteer of the Year Award in 2021 and Neil the following year. “That was acknowledgement by our peers that we’ve done a good job.”

So will Alan be back again this year? Of course he will, “good health and God willing”.

Not

“everydayis different..and GoBusprovidefull training.”

Hamilton heads to California

Huge advances made in young tree & vines growth to be exposed to wider audience.

Hawke’s Bay horticultural consultant Brendan Hamilton noticed that, when orchardists he visited planted replacement trees, their growth rates were slower than expected, delaying crop bearing and yields.

“And they were wasting a lot of water irrigating them as though they were full grown,” he says.

So, over the last seven years, he’s been developing the HO2rtigator, a custom-made irrigation system which also protects young trees.

Thanks to entering the Early Stage Innovation Awards at Fieldays last year, he’s heading off to California in June on a two-week Callaghan Innovation immersion trip – hoping for interest from large-scale horticulturalists as well as investors.

“It’s the next step along the chain,” says Hamilton who now spends less time as a consultant as HO2rtigator sales grow.

The hexagonally shaped, plastic H2Ortigator is specifically made for the first two seasons of a plant’s life, when it’s establishing its roots and needs to be protected from pests, machinery such as mowers and horticultural sprays. It fits around the base of the plant and, with a small hose attachment from the irrigation system, can be quickly filled with water to be dispensed on to the shaded root zone at a low rate over the next two days. It can also be manually filled.

There’s no competitive weed pressure and, once the young plant is well on its way, the unit (which lasts for 10 years) can be removed and used again. It can also be adapted for nutrient delivery with tailored biological and fertiliser capsules and works well with inline fertigation. It integrates seamlessly into the orchard environment and is suitable for apples, grapes, kiwifruit,

stone fruit, avocados, citrus and tree nuts.

Hamilton received a Callaghan Innovation grant of $70,000 for further research and development in 2021 and last year commercial trials were held on a number of East Coast orchards. Up to 65 per cent increases in plant growth were recorded with

spent by managers on young plant establishment. Larger commercial trials are under way this year.

While Hamilton didn’t take home a Fieldays Innovation Award last year, he says entering the competition and attending Fieldays gave a big boost to the new to the market H2Ortigator: “There was great exposure to

Innovation Hub sponsors, Sprout Agritech. That led to him applying and being accepted into Cohort X Accelerator, one of 10 out of 130 who were successful.

He’s passed the halfway point of the course, soaking up a range of advice on reviewing business plans, networking opportunities, getting his

and from 50 to 200 per cent in vine growth. Less water was required – 65 per cent less – and there was a big reduction in the time

potential customers and other Innovations entrants.”

The bonus was several conversations he had with Fieldays

pitching right and a minor amount of product development – and further connections made at Sprout mean he’s now he’s off to California.

young apple trees

Brendan Hamilton showing off the H2Ortigator at last year’s Fieldays.

H20rtigator in use on young grapevines.

Moving closer to Fieldays’ beating heart

Fieldays is very close to Stoney Creek owner Brent McConnell’s heart –and his company will now be even more at the heart of things with a new location in the Central precinct, thanks to a new sponsorship linking the two New Zealand rural icons.

The apparel sponsorship, which will run for an initial term of three years, will see the entire Fieldays events, operations and wider team, kitted out in Stoney Creek clothing.

“It’s ideal for Fieldays as the Stoney Creek brand has a range for all purposes from country to corporate, paddock to professional, and is suitable for all our teams’ needs working on and maintaining the facility, while weathering the conditions 365 days a year,” says New Zealand National Fieldays Society Chief Executive, Peter Nation.

It’s a fitting partnership –literally and figuratively – with both brands sharing similarities in their connection to the outdoors, their sense of community and their reputation for quality.

McConnell, who grew up on a farm in Taupiri, just north of Hamilton, says a visit to Fieldays was very much a rite of passage for him and his three siblings. He remembers mud, fog, queues and the must-have Gallagher orange sticks. “I don’t think I’ve missed one,” he says.

He contract milked cows, progressed through the sharemilking system and into farm ownership, meeting his wife, Juanita, a rural banker, along the way. She at one stage fed 400 calves in the morning before getting into work at 8am, returning home to carry out evening milking.

With farming, the outdoors and the connection with the land deep in their blood, it’s no surprise that they’ve also been the innovation and drive behind the growth and success of the iconic Stoney Creek outdoors clothing brand and product range. Dedicated to maximising experiences, the brand and products are purpose-built to perform –

whether it be outside in lovely weather, in the milking shed in the cold and wet of the early morning, or in the most remote wilderness zones where you’re exposed to mother nature and terrains at their most extreme.

Brent, Juanita and their passionate team of staff hold innovation as one of their core values, and in a very competitive and fast paced clothing

industry have continued to push the boundaries of technology and design innovations, regularly introducing new designs and ranges. Seven years ago, after many Stoney Creek fans started wearing their outdoor clothes into the office because of comfort, a workwear range was launched. Now weekend warriors who rely on their gear when hunting, fishing or tramping can swap it out for specifically designed corporate, lifestyle, workwear and safety/high vis garments to suit work and play.

Stoney Creek has been a regular exhibitor at Fieldays with the early days seeing Brent’s Kiwi ingenuity and ‘number 8 wire thinking’ helping the company be as resourceful as possible in order to make the most of the Fieldays experience and opportunity. One particular year he traded eight calves with a neighbour for their old tennis course astroturf which was then repurposed as flooring for their Fieldays site.

“And we towed a horse float to the grounds and pushed it into the tent to be the changing rooms,” he says.

Stoney Creek has always made sure all available staff are at Fieldays every year, so they all get a good dose of rural culture. It also works well to have a great depth of product knowledge on hand for visitors. The biggest staff numbers yet, over 50, will be on hand in June as it settles into its new Central precinct home which he describes as “a big jump for us”.

“I would never have imagined that we would be able to join forces with Fieldays to secure our prime new site,” he says. “It’s humbling to be rubbing shoulders with the other companies next door there.”

Make sure a visit to Stoney Creek at sites F53 and F55 is on your to do list this Fieldays!

Stoney Creek will be even more at the centre of things

Peter Nation, New Zealand National Fieldays Society chief executive, with Brent McConnell, the owner of Stoney Creek.

The Stoney Creek team at a previous Fieldays.

Checking out Stoney Creek’s new location on F Street.

Beaut utes to suit to the Max

Isuzu’s range of utes will be on full view at Fieldays.

Kiwi farmers and tradies have a deep appreciation for their utes – and the urban population is no different when it comes to valuing a reliable work vehicle.

The Isuzu D-Max is a trusted tool of the trade and remains a popular choice for hardworking New Zealanders in various professions.

The latest generation D-Max remains one of the most advanced utes on the market with a reputation for being tougher, safer and more powerful than ever, thanks to a 3.5 tonne towing capacity, a 5-star ANCAP safety rating and its powerful truckderived three-litre turbo-diesel engine. These traits are shared by the impressive seven-seater MU-X.

Adding to the D-Max legacy is the fact it was voted NZ4WD Magazine’s Ute of the Year for 2021, the first time the D-Max has won the coveted award and just a year after it was launched in New Zealand.

The D-Max and MU-X are powered by a three litre turbo-diesel engine paired with a sturdy six-speed Aisin automatic transmission. The D-Max is available in four variants and 10 configurations whilst the MU-X is available in two different variants.

The D-Max range starts with the workhorse LX which is as ‘ute’ as they come, available in single, space and double cab body types. Then there’s a step up to the LS-M Double Cab which gives drivers the LX’s hard-wearing traits with a heap of upgrades. The LS Space and Double Cab have an extensive range of creature comforts without compromising on practicality and capability – intrinsic traits Kiwi ute owners want.

Finally, there’s the flagship X-Terrain that brings unparalleled luxury to the D-Max range with features such as heated leather seats in combination with bespoke gunmetal grey styling elements unique to this model.

The entry to the MU-X range is the LS-U variant which combines class-above features with a 7-seat interior configuration. This is joined by the luxury focused LS-T model which includes heated leather and much more.

Leading the charts for years as the safest ute on the NZ market, the D-Max remains the first to be subject to the stringent testing and rating criteria introduced by Australasia’s

leading independent vehicle safety authority, ANCAP.

Those looking at the MU-X can also rest assured that this model also shares the same safety traits as its ute sibling. In the official ANCAP statement announcing the D-Max’s and MU-X’s maximum 5-star safety rating, ANCAP commended Isuzu for ensuring high level safety features, technologies and performance across the entire range.

All this culminates in the D-Max & MU-X attracting a swathe of positive

attention from both the motoring press and owners including these accolades:

• 2021 and 2022 Drive Car of the Year – Dual Cab Ute of the Year

• 2022 What Van? Pick-up of the Year

• 2021 Business Vans Best Pick-up

• 2021 Best-in-Class Pickup Truck in C! Magazine’s awards.

Visitors to Fieldays can view the entire D-Max and MU-X range at Isuzu Ute’s new site, W3 and they can also enter a competition to win their very own new D-Max.

The centre where connections are made

be realised.

Located beside the Village Green at the heart of Fieldays, the New Zealand International Business Centre is a meeting place for local and international businesses looking to grow their connections in New Zealand and around the world.

With seating and tables for informal meetings, and barista coffee on hand, the centre is a relaxed and professional space for exhibitors and business visitors to connect with each other or take a breather from exploring the show. International guests registered with Fieldays will

have access throughout the event.

The centre is a fulcrum for New Zealand businesses to connect with a team of support agencies at Fieldays to offer advice, expertise and new connections for long-term success:

• New Zealand Trade and Enterprise – Te Taurapa Tūhono (NZTE), New Zealand’s international business development agency, will have a team available at the centre throughout Fieldays’ four days, providing expertise and connections for New Zealand exporters.

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Manatū Aorere (MFAT) staff will have information on New Zealand’s trade agreements and MFAT export services offered to New Zealand businesses.

• Callaghan Innovation, New Zealand’s innovation agency, will be delivering group tours showcasing New Zealand innovation and expertise to local and international visitors.

• Treasury’s New Zealand Export Credit will also be on site to advise on their range of trade credit insurance and financial guarantees, supporting export deals and business growth.

• Other New Zealand Inc agencies supporting the centre include the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and the New Zealand Story Group.

The International Business Centre is at site M31, on Road M beside the Village Green. For moreinformation about the centre and business activities during Fieldays, visit nzte. govt.nz/fieldays

With Fieldays returning to its traditional schedule in 2023, and international visitors keen to engage with New Zealand expertise, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise – Te Taurapa Tūhono (NZTE) has geared up to offer agritech export businesses the opportunity to connect with international visitors and explore new market potential.

Prominent this year is a visiting group of farmers and key buyers and distributors of New Zealand agritech from Chile and Ecuador. They will be accompanied by NZTE’s Trade Commissioner for Chile and Country Manager for Colombia, who will present a regional update on Latin America as a destination for New Zealand agritech exports.

“Fieldays is a unique international showcase for New Zealand agritech,” says Graeme Solloway, NZTE’s Agritech Partnerships Lead. “We’ll be on hand to help international visitors find the solutions and expertise that they’re looking for.”

NZ International Business Centre is where more than potential can

The New Zealand International Business Centre is the ideal place to connect with experts and explore agritech opportunities in New Zealand and overseas.

The super capacity of supercapacitators

In these uncertain times, the power grid is not always as reliable as it should be – sometimes having a major impact on farms which often require large amounts of energy to power machinery.

Greenfox NZ understands the importance of energy independence for farms and has solutions that can help. At Fieldays, it will be showcasing the cutting-edge technology of Wright Energy Storage’s hybrid supercapacitor energy storage modules – designed to meet the power backup and solar energy storage needs of small to medium-sized installations at home and on the farm.

“These supercapacitors offer a unique combination of performance, reliability, and safety that make them ideal for a wide range of energy storage applications,” says John Stewart Doherty, Director of Greenfox NZ.

“We’re looking forward to working with customers to help them integrate these supercapacitors into their systems and achieve their energy storage goals.”

Unlike traditional electrochemical

batteries, the Summit Series modules use supercapacitors to store and deliver energy. That has several advantages over batteries, including longevity, scalability, safety, reliability, efficiency and operational temperature tolerance.

The modules are built with patentpending electronic control systems that make them easy to use. The Wi-Fi monitoring features allow customers to monitor the health and operational condition of each module.

Another significant advantage of the Summit Series modules is their expected lifespan of several decades. They’re fully autonomous and require no periodic maintenance. All components are replaceable, allowing for easy repair or updates in the field with a minimum of tools and parts.

The WEST module, pictured, shows negligible capacity loss over the storage system’s lifetime, unlike lithium-ion systems which degrade at a rate of 2-3 per cent a year. The WEST modules can cycle multiple times a day, while most lithium-ion battery warranties allow a lifetime

throughput of less than one cycle a day.

WEST modules are also fastcharging and discharging, have an extremely long life, and no heat generation or thermal runaway. They have ultra-high efficiency of 99.1 per cent and use carbon-based material, unlike lithium-ion batteries.

They also have unlimited paralleling capability, require no battery management system to take control of the inverter and can use all of the system’s capacity without voiding the warranty.

The Summit Series energy

storage modules are designed to be robust and tolerant of hot and cold environments. They don’t require parasitic loads to heat and cool, and there’s no capacity degradation. The construction of the modules is completely modular, and there’s 100 per cent usable capacity.

Wright Energy Storage’s Summit Series energy storage modules are available in a 48-volt configuration, and 24V versions are coming soon.

Visit Greenfox Agencies NZ at Fieldays at site RM124 to learn more about this game-changing technology. www.greenfox.co.nz

The new Firearms Registry is coming

New Zealand will have a firearms registry from 24 June 2023. If you’re a firearms licence holder, you’ll be required to provide information about your arms items from this date.

Te Tari Pūreke –Firearms Safety Authority is responsible for managing firearms in New Zealand.

We want to enable the legitimate use of firearms for feeding our whānau, conservation, farming and recreation while keeping our communities safe.

Scan here for more information

Registry

goes live on 24 June 2023

The Registry is one of the ways we’re strengthening how we manage firearms in New Zealand. With responsible firearms licence holders doing the right thing and filling in the Registry, it will help keep track of legally owned firearms and prevent their transfer to those who use them for criminal purposes.

Register your firearms and help make New Zealand safer.

The Registry will help us make New Zealand safer.

It will give licence holders more confidence when buying or selling firearms, as the Registry will let you know if you’re dealing with acurrent licence holder and if the firearm has been reported stolen.

You must tell us about any arms items in your possession within 5years.

There will be no charge for registering your arms items.

What needs to be registered

Non-prohibited firearms (including Specially Dangerous Airguns)

Prohibited firearms

Pistols

Restricted weapons

Activating circumstances

You have until 24 June 2028 to register your arms items. However there are some circumstances where you must provide information for the Registry in ashorter time frame. These are referred to in the Arms Amendment Regulations as ‘activating circumstances’. You can find information on these timeframes at: firearmssafetyauthority.govt.nz/registry

Applying for alicence or endorsement

Exporting an arms item

Selling or buying an arms item Manufacturing an arms item

Supplying or receiving an arms item other than temporary transfer that is under 30 days

Loss, theft or destruction of an arms item

Notifying us of achange in circumstances, such as a change of address

Modifying a firearm from non-prohibited to prohibited, or prohibited to non-prohibited

Importing an arms item or ammunition

If you’re subject to any compliance or enforcement action under the Arms Act

When one of these circumstances happen, we’ll contact you and let you know what you need to do. However, it’s up to you to ensure you keep your information up to date.

Details needed to register your arms items

•Type (rifle, shotgun etc)

•Make

•Model

•Action

•Calibre/gauge

•Ifithas anondetachable magazine and, if so, its capacity

•Identifying marking (serial number)

•A photograph of the firearm (if requested)

Firearms licences online

Apply for a firearms licence and update your contact details online using MyFirearms: asecure, online portal available at www. firearmssafetyauthority. govt.nz

For more information on Te Tari Pūreke and any legislative or regulation changes that may affect you, go to www. firearmssafetyauthority. govt.nz

Register from 24 June 2023

You can quickly and easily register your arms items on our website at any time. Just click on MyFirearms. Otherwise our Registry and Services team will be available by phone to help during business hours.

Safe storage of firearms and ammunition

If you’re a firearms licence holder, you’ll need to know about changes to the storage and transport rules for firearms and ammunition, and changes to the seven rules of firearms safety.

Regulations were updated in February 2022, and to help Kiwis make sense of those changes, Te Tari Pūreke, the new firearms regulator, published aSecure Storage and Transport Guide.

Ammunition

All ammunition must now be stored in alocked container. You can now only store ammunition with firearms in agun safe that has aseparate lockable compartment with adifferent key than the key for the gun safe. You must keep these keys separate.

If your safe doesn’t have aseparate lockable compartment, you need to store ammunition in its own secure storage container with akey, combination, or padlock, or in astout locked cupboard.

Under no circumstances can firearms, ammunition or other arms items be left in avehicle overnight.

Transportation

If you’re driving anywhere with your firearm, it needs to be inoperable during your travel and must be concealed from view. This means removing the bolt or an essential part (or if that’s not possible, applying atrigger or cable lock), or transporting the firearm in alocked carry case.

The ammunition needs to be separately and securely stored in alocked glove box or similar storage area, if practical.

And please, whatever you do, once you’ve finished using your firearm, unload it and lock it away. Never leave any firearms in your shed, home or vehicle unsecured at any time.

The only exceptions to the firearms and ammunition transport rules are if you’re using the firearm on afarm for farm-related activities, or you’re doing legally-authorised hunting or pest control (such as aregional council employed pest controller) and the licence holder is in the vehicle or the immediately vicinity of the vehicle with the firearms in it.

Get ahead of the changes to firearms safety rules with the Firearms Safety Code.

Buy the book from www. firearmssafetyauthority. govt.nz/firearms-safety and have it shipped to your door or download aPDF copy for free.

The seven rules of firearm safety have changed.

The 7rules of firearm safety

Treat every firearm as loaded

Always point firearms in asafe direction

Chamber acartridge only when ready to fire

Identify your target beyond all doubt

Check your firing zone

Store and transport firearms and ammunition safely

Avoid alcohol or drugs when handling firearms

Connecting and refuelling starts here

Sit down, relax and enjoy a beer, cider, wine, coffee or non-alcoholic beverage and grab some food at the newly located Good George Bar & Eatery at the intersection of M Road and V Road.

Whether it’s stopping by for breakfast, a quick snack or a lazy lunch this is the place to be.

Supported for the first time by popular food vendors, BBQ Pitstop, Deejay Gourmet Griller and Roti Pies, the Good George Bar & Eatery is the perfect spot to connect with family and friends and take a break.

Enjoy Good George’s wide range of award-winning brews and live Entertainment at different times throughout the day.

Be sure to also check out the return of the fun & popular Little George Pop Up Bar located near the Tractor Pull grandstand with the support of the delicious Morepork BBQ, situated on the corner of A Street & M Road.

Getting to

D on ’ t l et tra ff ic st r ess y o u out w hen head ing t o Fiel days. P repar e f o r dela y s, and al low extra time to g et he r e and b ack .

Fr ee B use s

Catc h a R egional or Hamilton City bus to the Ha m ilton Tran s por t Ce ntre , then j u mp on a bus to Fielday s. Depa r ting eve r y 30 mi nu te s f r om 7 am to 1 1 am, r etu rning from 1 pm to 5 .3 0 pm a bu s is the m ost s tr essf r ee way to go R egio n al buses incl u de; Raglan, Cambridge , Te Aw am u tu, P ae r oa , Te A roha, Mor r insville and Huntl y. J ust pr ese n t y our Fielday s tic k et to ta k e this fr ee ride. Go to bu s it.co .nz or call 0800 205 30 5 fo r m ore info .

Fr ee Park ‘n Ri de

Yo u ca n pa rk for fr ee at the followi n g location s: The Ba s e ( Te R apa , Hamilton), Cambridge BM X Club (co rn er of Milto n and La m b S t) o r Te Awa mu tu (i- S ITE , Go r st A ve) and catc h a f r ee Fielda ys b us

D epa r ting every 3 0 m inutes. To Fielda ys: b us e s r u n 7 a m – 11 am

Fro m Fieldays : buses r u n 1 pm – 5.3 0 pm to th ese abo ve location s.

Opening hours

Good George Bar & Eatery

Wed – Fri 8am – 4.30pm Sat 8am – 3.30pm

Little George Pop Up Bar

Wed – Fri 8am – 4.30pm Sat 8am – 3.30pm

Se lf- dr ive

Pa r ki ng at Fielday s is f r ee and i s available from 5. 3 0a m – 10 .0 0pm

Keep an ey e on Waka Kota hi Jo urn ey Pla nn er for u p-to-dat e tra f fic in fo r matio njou rne ys .n zta go vt .n z

• Tip: trave l earl y t o av oid p oss ib le queues & have a go od p lay li st lo aded

H el i co p te r

Yes , y ou can eve n fl y i n to Fielday s! To find o ut abo u t booking a helicopte r to/f rom Fielday shelico rp. co. nz or call on 07 8 43 3447.

J et Boat

Take the mos t s cenic and st re ss free r oute to Fielda ys along the Wai k at o Rive r. Jet boat s w ill depart eve ry 15 - 30 mins fr om Na rro ws Lane, Tamaher e. Vis it camjet.co .n z fo r detail s and to boo k.

Find outmoreabout your responsibilities as a drinking watersupplier

Taumata Arowai isthenew waterservicesregulatorfor AotearoaNew Zealand. We’re heretohelpmakesureeveryonehasaccess to safeand reliabledrinking water everyday.

The WaterServicesAct 2021providesa new regulatoryapproachand introducessomenew responsibilities fordrinking watersuppliers.

If yousupply watertosomeoneotherthan yourownhouseholdoryour drinking waterissupplied by someoneelse –comechatwiththe Taumata Arowai team at this year ’s National Fieldays®aboutwhatthese newdrinking waterrules,standardsandacceptablesolutionscouldmean foryou.

We areheretoprovideinformationandguidance to help youunderstand yourobligationsifyou’resupplyingdrinking waterandwhatyouwillneed to do to become aregistereddrinking watersupplier.

Thereisnoneed to be concernedaboutthe registrationprocess. Drinking watersupplies willhave up to November2025 to becomeregistered,and supplierswillhave up to November2028 to complywiththenewDrinking WaterStandardsand Rules.

Waiora.Tangata ora.

Healthywater.Healthypeople.

Mekōrero |Let ’s talk Comevisitusoutsidethe Fieldays®️HauoraTaiwhenua Health&WellbeingHub.

We welcome yourkōrero andquestions.

Findoutmoreabout

Taumata Arowai at t auma ta ar ow ai.govt.nz

showcasing Kiwi ideas, often dreamed up on-farm, to a wider audience both here and overseas.

Not only can entrants get valuable feedback from the award judges and visitors, they can also connect with potential partners, distributors and investors. This sits well under both Fieldays’ innovation and globalisation pillars, with a bigger international presence expected this year after the disruptions of Covid-19.

This hub, at the intersection of D Street and M Road, also has a trail on the Fieldays app so visitors can explore individual Innovation Award entries on show at exhibitor sites. This year there’s a total prize package of $60,000 and Chappell believes there will be a high standard of entries, particularly in agritech, autonomous systems, software developments, robotics in manufacturing and solving labour shortages.

With the pressure on to think smarter and be more efficient, he says data collection and measuring tools, management apps and a focus on environmental reporting are all likely to be well represented.

The Fieldays Opportunity Grows

Here Careers Hub, at E30, is a partnership between Fieldays and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to give an idea of the wide range of careers available in the food and fibre sector.

It sits firmly under Fieldays’ strategic pillar of education, with providers and sector groups teaming

up to show all that’s on offer for youngsters seeking out career opportunities which best suit their needs. With the sector recording annual export earnings of over $52.2 billion in the year to the end of June 2022, the urgent need for skilled workers is highlighted.

From 9.30am-2.00pm each day there will be panel discussions, presentations and question and answer sessions where a range of experts, workers and participants will give their views on what makes working in the primary industries so great. A jobs screen at the front of the site will display all the situations vacant from hub participants and exhibitors on the Opportunity Grows Here Careers Trail. The perfect job may just be waiting there!

The trail layer on the Fieldays app map will show all the participating exhibitors who will be also displaying Opportunity Grows Here Careers Trail posters to make them easy to find.

Fieldays Hauora Taiwhenua Health & Wellbeing Hub, which first made an appearance at Fieldays in 2017, expanded its size to host over 30 different exhibitors last year. It’s back again with a similar number of health providers on hand to give free health checks as well as provide general wellbeing advice. Visitors not only will be able to gain a raft of new knowledge, but talking with the experts on hand may give them the push required to finally get a lingering

health doubt checked out.

Steve says Fieldays is keen to add more hubs if the interest level is there from exhibitors. While some have been years in the planning others come together rapidly as part of organic conversations which have sometimes grown from interest

expressed by just one company.

This year he says with Fieldays being held just six months after last year’s event it’s an unusual feeling to have the adrenaline rush returning so soon.

“We feel like we haven’t taken our foot off the accelerator.”

Sustainability road map in Fieldays hub

Environmental experts on hand to help farmers & growers benefit from sustainability.

This year, visitors to Fieldays will have easy access to information about sustainability and the environment – with experts and resources on hand to help them start or strengthen their sustainability journey, doing their part to make a difference.

The Fieldays Society is collaborating with the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) on a new Fieldays Sustainability Hub –dedicated to sustainability in the food and fibre sector. This is where visitors will be able to explore sustainable farming research and science, as well as water management.

The new hub will feature sustainability-focused organisations, including experts from Toitū Envirocare, the Ministry for the Environment (MfE), Wilderlab and RiverWatch.

Toitū Envirocare is excited to be part of the new Fieldays Sustainability Hub as well as contributing to a crucial conversation about sustainability in agriculture. They’ll be talking with farmers and growers about the importance of

taking action and New Zealand’s pathway to zero carbon.

Sustainable water management will also be a focus, with MfE introducing freshwater farm plans this year. These provide a practical way for farmers and growers to identify, manage and reduce the impact of farming on fresh water. The MfE stand in the hub, Freshwater Management on Farms, will provide everything visitors need to know.

Water health is the ultimate measure of environmental health, so monitoring the vital signs of our waterways is the focus of the RiverWatch exhibit. They’ll be sharing information about the cutting-edge tool they’ve developed to listen to the heartbeat of our waterways in real time.

By taking measurements every 15 minutes and delivering concise information, the tool helps ensure long-term, sustainable water quality.

Visitors to the hub will also be able to connect with Wilderlab, a specialist environmental DNA (eDNA) testing laboratory, which has developed easy-to-use, low-cost, and robust tools for environmental

Mekōrero |Let ’s talk

Taumata Arowai isthenew waterservices regulatorfor AotearoaNew Zealand.

Drinking watersupplieswillhaveuptoNovember2025 to become registered,andsupplierswillhaveuptoNovember2028 to complywiththenewDrinking WaterStandardsand Rules.

ComevisitusoutsidetheFieldays®️HauoraTaiwhenuaHealth &Wellbeing Hub.Wewelcome yourkōrero andquestions.

Findoutmoreabout Taumata Arowai at ta umata arowai.govt.nz

Waiora.Tangata ora. Healthywater.Healthypeople.

monitoring of local waterways.

By filtering out small fragments of genetic material left behind by organisms, valuable insights can be made into biodiversity, biosecurity and stream health, which are crucial for making better decisions.

Paula Knaap, general manager engagement at the EPA, says embracing initiatives that protect and enhance the environment has a range of benefits, from longevity of land use through to resilience to changing climate conditions.

“Not only that, but those who purchase Aotearoa New Zealand goods, from multi-national companies to individual consumers, are increasingly demanding evidence those goods have been sustainably produced.

“We want

to support farmers, growers and consumers on their sustainability journeys. By showcasing some of the initiatives under way, we can help everyone see that, together, we can overcome the enormity of the challenges with innovation and collaboration.”

Alongside the physical hub, the Fieldays Sustainability Trail, accessed via the Fieldays app, will lead visitors to other exhibitors who are demonstrating sustainability practices, products and initiatives.

The best plan for getting rid

Rata Panerazer comes to the rescue of crops facing problems.

Recent weather events have seen many people thinking about the condition of their property and the performance of their paddocks.

The soil’s ability to deal with excessive amounts of rain, as well as the effect of several hundred hooves or heavy machinery rolling around on top of it, can have a dramatic effect on farm output and what ends up in the farmer’s hip pocket.

One of the biggest factors in crop performance, regardless of type, is whether its root system has to contend with a hard pan.

If a plant’s root system hits a hard pan or even just a substantial change in soil density, this can put the plant into ‘root shock’ - putting it in a holding pattern for up to 14 days. The plant then has to reallocate its energy away from top growth and into helping its roots deal with the hard soil.

This slows the plant’s development where it’s needed most for a successful harvest or grazing.

In a worst-case scenario, it’s impossible to get through the hard pan and the roots grow in a flat mass

across the top, making the plant susceptible to either drowning in wet conditions or dying of thirst in dry conditions because it can’t access moisture further down in the soil profile.

Compaction comes in many forms with shallower compaction layers created by livestock, wheeled machinery and heavy rain; deeper compaction is caused by paddocks not being deep ripped for long periods of time. One of the worst types of compaction, ‘smear compaction’, can be formed off the back of certain types of disc cultivators – sending roots sideways rather than down.

The best solution Chris Bain of Piako Tractors has found is the Rata Panerazer. “It’s an awesome machine we’ve sold plenty of and we’ve seen great results in varied conditions,” he says.

The Panerazer is a deep ripper available in five, seven and nine-leg configurations, all led by a straight coulter to help open the soil cleanly. With a maximum working depth of 450mm the Panerazer will

reach almost all compaction layers whilst still retaining the all-important soil structure.

Horsepower requirements range from 120 to 190 horsepower and, as far as deep tillage machines go, the Panerazer is on the less thirsty end of the scale. The standard configuration is what Rata calls the ‘Pasture Point’, which gives the paddock a nice clean finish and opens the soil up for moisture penetration and a freer root run. The ‘Winged Foot’ configuration gives more lift and shatters the soil structure more.

The legs come with a modular design so worn parts can be replaced individually,

rather than having to fork out for complete units. Set-up is simple and is adjusted by the roller height and the tractor’s three-point linkage.

To find out more visit www. rataequipment.com or call and see Rata at site H13 at Fieldays.

Alternative to traditional fencing could save farmers millions

Gallagher is leveraging decades of global agricultural experience to bring to beef farmers its New Zealand-made virtual fencing solution, eShepherd™.

For the last six years Gallagher has been partnering with New Zealand and Australian beef farmers to trial eShepherd –technology which has proven particularly effective in helping farmers improve pasture management and protect riparian zones.

“As margins get squeezed, farmers are focused on getting the most from their pasture and growing animals faster with fewer inputs,” says Gallagher Global Strategy & New Ventures Manager Sarah Adams.

“For many beef farmers, this includes finding ways to access remote areas of their farms that are difficult to fence and utilise pasture that’s currently being wasted. The way they farm also means they manage animals with less human interaction.”

Customer research showed farmers were crying out for costeffective ways to permanently exclude animals from dangerous areas, as well as from waterways and protected areas to comply with environmental regulations.

“This is a significant challenge that virtual fencing can help farmers tackle.”

New freshwater regulations in this country mean that, by July

2025, all stock must be excluded from wetlands and waterways, which could potentially cost some beef farmers millions of dollars in traditional fencing, she says.

“With rising fencing costs, skills shortages and long lead times for fencing materials, they are desperately looking for alternative solutions that can save them time and money long term.”

Farmers were eager to get their hands on the eShepherd technology because they knew it would be a game changer. Gallagher has been in business for 85 years and, by working with farmers around the world , knows working closely with them to develop the right solutions is crucial.

“That’s why we have spent time in the field trialing eShepherd and putting the technology and the hardware through its paces before bringing it to market,” she says

eShepherd was originally developed by virtual fencing technology developer Agersens with Gallagher beginning to invest in eShepherd in 2016 before it acquired Agersens in 2021. Farmer feedback was received and the design tweaked to make sure farmers were being given a solution they could rely on.

“The result is a tried and tested New Zealand-made virtual fencing solution that farmers can be confident will improve pasture management, help them meet environmental regulations and save

them money on traditional fencing – all while achieving sound animal welfare outcomes,” she says.

“We are proud to be bringing the benefits of this exciting new technology to the New Zealand beef industry and educating them about

how virtual fencing can help them run more profitable and productive business.”

Gallagher is now in the final stages of its BETA trials with beef operations around the country and getting ready to make the technology

available for farmers to purchase. They can register their interest at www.am.gallagher.com

Gallagher is inviting farmers to its Fieldays site D72 to see eShepherd in action and talk to its team of experts about its benefits.

During the next two decades, the largest-ever inter-generational transfer of wealth will occur in New Zealand.

According to Stats NZ, roughly $1.15 trillion is likely to pass from Kiwis aged 55 and over to the next generation in property, investments and, of course, farmland.

Off-farm investments can play a key role, especially when there are off-farm children to consider or a need to adjust assets to support the different needs and desires of the next generation.

Make a plan

Whether farmers are planning on selling part or all of the farm to children, selling to purchasers outside of the family, or passing down wealth from the sale or otherwise, it’s important to make a plan – and it’s never too early to start.

Figuring out whether children want to be involved in the business is the obvious first step. Only 30 percent of businesses survive past the second generation and only 10 percent past the third, according to accountants, Grant Thornton. So, it’s a great idea to speak to a professional about governance and succession planning to ensure the transition goes smoothly.

“Farmers need to start thinking about taking care of themselves in retirement, how they’ll pass wealth on to family members who don’t want to be involved

in the farm, and what asset mix they’ll need,” says Dean Anderson, Kernel Wealth’s founder and chief executive.

“Many have one large asset and very few other investments, so their eggs are all in one basket. But diversification is essential to reduce exposure to concentrated risk.”

“Farmers need to start thinking about taking care of themselves in retirement, how they’ll pass wealth on to family members who don’t want to be involved in the farm, and what asset mix they’ll need...”

Bundled together

Index funds are a basket of shares or equities bundled together into one easy to purchase product that’s instantly diversified, which means lots of eggs in lots of baskets. They can be a great tool to diversify total wealth and insulate against swings caused by weather, commodity prices, and other external factors while still managing a farm.

After the sale of a farm, cash funds and high interest savings accounts can be a smart place

to hold funds in the short term while planning for the future. They typically generate a moderate return with less volatility than shares.

Grow an inheritance

When passing on wealth to children who aren’t involved in the farm, index funds can be a great place to start. If children won’t touch the funds for a period of five to more than seven years, diversified high-growth index funds can help generate a return to grow their inheritance, while cash funds or savings funds can be great for short term needs.

After years of operating a complex, labour-intensive business, farmers deserve to put their feet up, so need to think about how they’ll fund their lifestyle after they stop generating income. Again, this could involve a combination of growth and cash funds, high interest savings accounts and other investments.

Low fees

“When choosing an investment provider, it’s a good idea to first look for low fees, as these are controllable and have a huge impact on returns over a long period. Farmers need to make sure their money is working hard to fund their lifestyle now that they no longer are.”

Kernel Wealth can be found in the Rural Living Marquee Site RM 9C.

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All this and instant ice cream too

Fonterra’s Marquee has some marquee attractions at Fieldays.

There’s a lot to look forward to at the Fonterra Marquee at Fieldays where science, innovation, tasty snacks and fun activities will all be housed under the one roof (tent!).

The highlight will no doubt be the return of the massively popular tanker driving simulator, a clear favourite at Fieldays two years ago. See if you have what it takes to drive the virtual milk tanker. If you have, why not apply to become a tanker driver? This could be the start of your next great career.

Innovation

There is also a heap of exciting innovation and sustainability activities for the whole family this year. Here’s just a taste of what’s on offer:

• An interactive science show where visitors can sample some vanilla ice cream made right in front of their eyes by world-class Fonterra scientists.

• The chance to jump into the sustainability photo booth to capture a selfie fit for social media.

• Learn how to turn Anchor milk into a delicious flat white from champion coffee baristas.

• Head to the kids’ corner for arts and crafts activities and get your

artwork featured on the wall mural.

• Get behind the wheel of Milk-E, New Zealand’s first all-electric milk tanker.

• Get your questions answered and hear from our team of experts at the interactive innovation and sustainability panels.

• Try your luck on our Spin & Win wheel and be into win a range of Fonterra products and prizes. In addition to these activities,

there will be a dedicated lounge for Fonterra farmers, showcasing some of the fantastic products made from their milk. The lounge will feature an innovation space highlighting products from across the world, including Anchor Food Professionals, NZMP, Nutiani, NZMP Surestart and Fonterra Sustainability Solutions.

Tasty snacks

These displays will no doubt begin to build an appetite, so Fonterra

farmers will be provided with tasty snacks throughout the day – all made with our fantastic dairy ingredients.

Just when you don’t think it can get any better – there’ll be barista coffee running all day long too, making sure all Fonterra farmers caffeine needs are met. Fonterra is really looking forward to hosting Fieldays visitors at the Fonterra Marquee so make sure to stop by site F67 so you don’t miss out on all the fun.

Stop by the home of herd improvement

We’re lo ok in g fo rw ard to we lcom in g yo u to ou r Fi el da ys ® st and ( E76/ 78). Ou r Ag ri Ma n ag ers an d prod uc t sp ec i al ists wi llbe o nsi te to ch at ab out th e la te st ad va nc emen ts in he rd im prove me nt , an d we’ve gota fe w fa rm er su cce ss st ori es to sh are as we ll

We’re al wa ys lo ok ing fo r wa ys to co nt ri bu teto yo ur su cce ss , so co me by an d le t’s di s cu ss ho w we ca n he lp yo ur fa rm’s pe rformanc e

Visi t us at si te E76/ 78 fo ra cup pa an da ch at .

There's always room for improvement

The vital skill of taking a break

Stress relief is a big part of Fieldays – as is the Fieldays Hauroa Taiwhenua Health & Wellbeing Hub.

Getting off the farm is a vital part of managing stress and there’s no better way to take time out and reconnect with the farming community than visiting Fieldays.

“If you don’t take a break, it’s not good for your brain,” says Wanda Leadbeater, coordinator for the Waikato Hauraki Coromandel Rural Support Trust.

“You might not be able to afford a holiday but you can take a day off. With money being quite tight and costs rising, you don’t have to go to Fieldays to spend money. It can be more about catching up with and meeting friends.”

The trust is a nationwide charitable organisation set up to work with primary producers during challenging times. Its facilitators are rural people with local knowledge who have themselves experienced the many challenges farmers face.

Conversations

Once again, up to eight trust representatives will be based in the Fieldays Hauroa Taiwhenua Health & Wellbeing Hub. The trust will also be represented at the Fonterra tent and at the J Swap site throughout Fieldays. All will be focused on having conversations with farmers which they might not have in the normal course of their working lives.

“People are quite surprised at what we do,” Wanda says. “It’s really good

to share that and remove the stigma of what they think we might do.”

Many farmers under stress will say they don’t need a counsellor but, in the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle, many are still in response mode trying to fix the damage caused to their properties.

“It’s so important to take that break, to take that time out.”

To that end, in the Waikato area alone, the trust has organised over 100 events over the last year ranging from community dinners and trips to rugby games to more physical activities such as trail bike and horse riding, zip-lining and go-karting. For the kids there have been colouring competitions or speakers coming into schools.

Mix things up

“It’s a huge region so we’re trying different things,” Wanda says. “We want to mix things up.”

At Fieldays, a second children’s book will be launched followed the success of Sir Port the Positivity Dog, which made its appearance at last year’s event. Written by Pauline

“It’s so important to take that break, to take that time out.”

McLeod, it revolves around a dog, Sir Port, who belongs to a farming family facing the normal ups and downs of rural life, often caused by events beyond their control. A joy jar for reminder notes allows them to remember happy occasions and bounce them through tough times.

Over 1000 copies of that book

have given away by the trust; this year Pauline’s second book will be launched at Fieldays, The Fearsome Flood.

“They’re great for when the family sits down and they can talk about things which are good in their lives,” Wanda says. “It’s a great way to connect and not just for farmers.”

EXIT /ENTRY MATTING • CALF TRAILERMATS • HOOFBOND FOOTBATHS ATVBIKEMATS • UTEDECKMATS • ALLWEATHER SAFETYMATTING

A thermal imager is very effective when identifying high numbers of pests, such as wallabies.

Thermal imaging cameras can perform a wide rang of tasks on NZ’s farms.

While New Zealand is well known for its agriculture, with much of the economy relying on this sector, pests and other security threats can pose a significant risk to farms.

This can potentially lead to crop and livestock loss, damage to property and other associated costs – but, fortunately, advances in technology have provided farmers with a range of tools and techniques to better protect their farms from such threats.

One gaining popularity in recent years is thermal imaging cameras. They use infrared technology to detect and visualise temperature differences in an environment, proving effective for pest control and security purposes.

Advanced Optics, back at Fieldays again this year with a range of thermal imaging cameras on show, says this allows farmers to detect the presence of pests and other intruders that might otherwise be difficult to see under the cover of darkness. For example, these cameras can detect the body heat of rodents, rabbits, deer, and other pests hiding in hardto-reach places, making it easier for farmers to locate and eliminate them. Security threats

In addition to pest control, thermal imaging cameras are also useful for detecting potential security threats on farms. They can be used to monitor fences and other barriers for signs of damage or intrusion, allowing farmers

to quickly identify and respond to any security breaches.

They can also help deter potential intruders by providing a visible security presence that is difficult to evade.

One of the key advantages of thermal imaging cameras is their ability to operate in a variety of weather conditions. Unlike traditional security cameras, which can be ineffective in fog, rain, or other adverse weather conditions, thermal imaging cameras can detect body heat regardless of the environment –particularly useful for farms in mountainous or coastal regions.

Another advantage is the cameras’ ability to cover large areas quickly and efficiently. This can be particularly useful for larger farms, where monitoring every corner of the property may be difficult or impractical. By using thermal imaging cameras, farmers can quickly scan large areas and identify potential threats without the need for

extensive physical inspections.

There are some limits to thermal imaging cameras, as they may not be able to detect pests or intruders not generating significant amounts of heat, such as certain types of insects or small rodents. They may not be effective in areas with a lot of background heat, such as near machinery.

But they remain a valuable tool

and, by investing in this technology, farmers can improve their ability to detect and respond to potential threats.

Advanced Optics will have a full range of Pulsar thermal and night vision optics for Fieldays visitors to try out at site number C16 and they’ll also be able to see them in action in a night vision tunnel.

www.advancedoptics.nz

Getting to

D on ’ t l et tra ff ic st r ess y o u out w hen head ing t o Fiel days. P repar e f o r dela y s, and al low extra time to g et he r e and b ack .

Fr ee B use s

Catc h a R egional or Hamilton City bus to the Ha m ilton Tran s por t Ce ntre , then j u mp on a bus to Fielday s. Depa r ting eve r y 30 mi nu te s f r om 7 am to 1 1 am, r etu rning from 1 pm to 5 .3 0 pm a bu s is the m ost s tr essf r ee way to go R egio n al buses incl u de; Raglan, Cambridge , Te Aw am u tu, P ae r oa , Te A roha, Mor r insville and Huntl y. J ust pr ese n t y our Fielday s tic k et to ta k e this fr ee ride. Go to bu s it.co .nz or call 0800 205 30 5 fo r m ore info

Fr ee Park ‘n Ri de

Yo u ca n pa rk for fr ee at the followi n g location s:

The Ba s e ( Te R apa , Hamilton), Cambridge BM X Club (co rn er of Milto n and La m b S t) o r Te Awa mu tu (i- S ITE , Go r st A ve) and catc h a f r ee Fielda ys b us .

D epa r ting every 3 0 m inutes. To Fielda ys: b us e s r u n 7 a m – 11 am

Fro m Fieldays : buses r u n 1 pm – 5.3 0 pm to th ese abo ve location s.

Se lf- dr ive

Pa r ki ng at Fielday s is f r ee and i s available from 5. 3 0a m – 10 .0 0pm

Keep an ey e on Waka Kota hi

Jo urn ey Pla nn er for u p-to-dat e tra f fic in fo r matio njou rne ys .n zta go vt .n z

• Tip: trave l earl y t o av oid

p oss ib le queues & have a go od p lay li st lo aded

H el i co p te r

Yes , y ou can eve n fl y i n to Fielday s! To find o ut abo u t booking a helicopte r to/f rom Fielday shelico rp. co. nz or call on 07 8 43 3447.

J et Boat

Take the mos t s cenic and st re ss free r oute to Fielda ys along the Wai k at o Rive r Jet boat s w ill depart eve ry 15 - 30 mins fr om Na rro ws Lane, Tamaher e. Vis it camjet.co .n z fo r detail s and to boo k.

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