Fieldays June 2025

Come and meet the One NZ team at FIELDAYS ®

Main Pavilion, site PE50 Learn about One NZ Satellite, the first and only satellite-powered mobile network in New Zealand.

Grab a free morning coffee and make sure to enter for a chance to win a One NZ Warriors experience.

Village Green Put your feet up, play some games with the fam or try your luck in the One Big Dig game to win Stoney Creek prizes.

Tent Talks, site D79 • The future of IoT: Enhancing connectivity and productivity - Wednesday 11am • One NZ Satellite: A game changer for rural connectivity - Wednesday 1pm • Staying connected: Understanding the 3G (and 2G) Network Shutdown - Thursday 11am

One NZ Satellite: TXT in minutes on eligible phones and plans.

TXT only and needs line of sight to sky. Terms, fair use and capacity control applies.

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11 - 14 June 2025

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Mystery Creek, New Zealand

Fieldays Memories W ®

By Jamie Mackay - The Country Radio Host

ith more than 30 years in rural radio, and almost as many appearances at Fieldays under my belt, I guess I could describe myself as somewhat of a Mystery Creek veteran. And I’ve certainly seen some changes since I made my debut appearance back in the 1990s.

Back then, I was running a small provincial private radio station, Hokonui Gold, specialising in rural broadcasting.

We were only answerable to ourselves and to be honest, we were cowboys. But we were cowboys who had a lot of fun!

I (sort of) fondly remember a raucous one-day return charter flight we ran from Invercargill to Hamilton with a plane load of Southland farmers.

Then there was the Southland Farming Tent - populated by bankers, accountants, lawyers and farm advisers – set up to encourage North Island cow cockies to make the holy pilgrimage south to a much cheaper farming El Dorado. Those who did made a fortune.

It was fronted by the then Invercargill mayor, Tim Shadbolt, in all his eloquent glory, who would get on his soapbox hourly and haul the punters in. And boy did some of those so-called Southland professionals add to the nocturnal Hamilton economy!

The advent of the huge new Mystery Creek Pavilion in 2003, and the ongoing permanent paving of the lanes, almost made gumboots redundant. Almost, but not quite, as the carparks after a wet Waikato week can still be a trap for young players!

Fog can also catch out the uninitiated.

Hamilton airport, mid-June and fog aren’t always ideal bed mates. More

fieldays.co.nz than once, we’ve circled the Tron only to be diverted to Auckland.

On one such occasion, when we were being diverted to Auckland, I thought I recognised the slightly balding pate of the man sitting in front of me. I shoulder-tapped him and introduced myself to David Shearer – the Labour leader – a man I had interviewed often but never met in person.

And what a nice bloke he was. So, we shared a car to Fieldays, stopping just outside of Huntly to do my radio show live via mobile phone.

Unfortunately, when we got to Fieldays poor old David was totally anonymous.

It was back in about 2012 or 2013 and John Key, at the height of his rock star economy popularity, was the Pied Piper of Mystery Creek. Hordes followed him everywhere. No politician, before or since, has enjoyed such fandom!

So, 30 years on, what can we expect at Fieldays 2025?

Personally, I’m very optimistic. With the notable exception of strong wool and some horticultural/arable crops, returns for farmers and growers are good, with the likes of dairy and beef at record prices. Admittedly this comes with the caveat of record post-covid, on-farm cost inflation but times are getting better, despite the best efforts from the Orange Man in the White House.

Farm income going up. Interest rates going down. And hopefully Mother Nature playing ball? Now there’s a good recipe for some strong tractor sales at Mystery Creek!

With Jamie Mackay

From The Pavillion, site PD51 & PC 51 11-13 June LISTEN WEEKDAYS 12-1PM ON

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11 - 14 June 2025

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Mystery Creek, New Zealand

fieldays.co.nz

What a difference a year makes.

By Rowena Duncum - NZME Rural Specialist

T

his time 12 months ago, things were ticking along okay in rural New Zealand. Not exactly what you’d describe as ‘peachy’ though. More like when you ask someone how they’re doing, and they reply ‘fine.’ Except you both know things aren’t really fine.

Q1 figures had just been released by the Meat Industry Association, showing New Zealand had exported $2.58 billion worth of red meat products in the first three months of the year.

Which may sound like a lot. However, when you put it in context, it’s very much like the ‘fine’ that isn’t really fine.

At $2.58 billion, overall exports were, in reality, down by five per cent from the first quarter of 2023 – the lowest value for the quarter since 2018.

The sector was facing ongoing

weaker pricing and demand in China, and, interestingly, the US had just overtaken China for the first time as our biggest export market.

In terms of dairy, the final Global Dairy Trade auction for the 2024/25 season (on May 22nd), saw Whole Milk Powder (WMP) fetching an average of US$3,408 per metric tonne (MT) – well short of the US$4,000 threshold we unofficially like to be above.

A week later (on May 29th), exactly two weeks before the Fieldays gates flew open, Fonterra announced an opening forecast Farmgate Milk Price for the 2024/25 season of between $7.25 $8.75 per kgMS with a mid-point of $8.00 per kgMS. I won’t even touch on what wool was worth.

Fast forward twelve months, and it’s genuinely a much rosier picture.

May’s Meat Industry Association figures now show red meat exports for the first quarter of the year were worth $3.28 billion - a 28 per cent increase on the first quarter of 2024.

“Exceptional,” was the word used.

While the final GDT auction has yet to occur as I write this, the second-to-last one smashed it out of the park.

“Global dairy prices soar as tight supply boosts demand,” was just one of the headlines.

“Strong dairy demand, fierce bidding push up prices,” another.

WMP jumped 6.2%, commanding an average US$4,374/MT. Well above that golden US$4,000 threshold.

Dairy farmers are staring down the

barrel of a $10+ payout for the current season, and all indications are next season will be a cracker too.

And wool. Well, I still won’t go into what it’s worth – BUT we did finally see the legislation come into effect, whereby Government agencies are directed to use woollen fibre products in construction and refurbishment of government buildings when it’s practical and suitable.

We’ll take that.

While Trump’s Trade Tariffs (try saying that five times fast) and the constant uncertainty around what’s next will still be a popular topic of conversation this Fieldays, the overwhelming sentiment, I believe, will be a whole lot brighter than last year.

Again, we’ll take that. See ya there!

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11 - 14 June 2025

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Mystery Creek, New Zealand

fieldays.co.nz

Fieldays® uses mullet strategy to bring 2025 event together

F

ieldays® has embraced the ultimate “mullet strategy” – business in the front, party in the back – to bring together innovation, education and globalisation to this year’s event.

The mullet, a hairstyle regularly seen during the annual four-day event at Mystery Creek Events Centre, symbolises the important business and entertainment factors that make Fieldays.

“It’s about combining the cuttingedge agricultural technology, networking, and insightful discussions, all while celebrating the uniqueness of the rural sector and bringing town and country together,” says Taryn Storey, Head of Customer and Strategic Engagement.

New business in the front initiatives include Fieldays Tent Talks in association with the University of Waikato, Fieldays Drone Zone, and the Fieldays Sector Spotlight - It’s Wool.

The Fieldays Tent Talks in association with the University of Waikato are focused on engaging educational discussions, expert-led sessions, and real-world solutions, while the Drone Zone, a live demonstration area, in

association with the Agricultural Drone Association, is a must-visit for anyone eager to see how drones are revolutionising farm management.

The Fieldays Sector Spotlight highlights a sector within the primary industries each year, in conjunction with the Ministry for Primary Industries.

For 2025, the focus is highlighting the versatility and quality of New Zealand wool. Exhibitors will showcase the key roles they play in the wool sector, and the consumer use-opportunities. The site will also connect producers and designers to help ensure a secure future for this timeless natural resource.

The new initiatives join returning Fieldays Hubs, the Rural Advocacy Hub, Forestry Hub, Careers & Education Hub, Innovation Hub and the Hauora Taiwhenua Health & Wellbeing Hub. Party in the back initiatives include the Fieldays Family Fun Zone in the Heritage Village and Super Saturday – a campaign with exhibitors to deliver unbeatable prices and exclusive Fieldays-only offers.

Entertainment favourites also return including the One Big Dig activity which will run on the hour from 10am - 4pm

each day of the event on the Fieldays Village Green, backed by One NZ. The 50th anniversary of Fieldays Tractor Pull in association with PTS Logistics will also bring excitement to punters. The entry form is now open, and early indications suggest that we’re gearing up for another busy event with strong turnout from both drivers and spectators.

We wanted to create a format that reflects the way people engage with our event says Taryn. “During the week it’s all about networking and business discussions, research and sealing deals with a handshake. By Saturday it’s time to celebrate those achievements, wrap

up any business and shopping, and celebrate with friends and family at Super Saturday”.

With more than 1200 exhibitors, Fieldays visitors can expect to see a diverse range of innovative agricultural technology, farm equipment, and rural lifestyle exhibits.

Tickets can be purchased online via the Fieldays website, or at the gate during the event. Every ticket purchased is a chance to win the ultimate Fieldays gate prize of a JAC T9 Ute (RRP $49,990) and $10,000 of Stoney Creek gear.

Visitors can triple their chances during the event by visiting the JAC site at F90 and Stoney Creek at site F55.

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11 - 14 June 2025

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Mystery Creek, New Zealand

fieldays.co.nz

Fieldays 57-year legacy: ®

How it started and the Society leading it.

A

s the New Zealand National Fieldays Society (Society) celebrates its 57th Fieldays event and more than five decades of service to the agricultural sector, it also proudly acknowledges the legacy of people who have steered its growth and impact.

Jenni Vernon, the current chair of the Board (and in her second term in the role), is the first woman to hold the position in the organisation’s history.

Appointed in 2023, Vernon brought 40 years of experience in farming, regional governance, and agribusiness to the job.

Farming a dry stock unit in partnership with husband Gordon and son Simon at Te Akatea in northwest Waikato, Jenni’s leadership is reflected in her hands-on approach, balancing strategic thinking with ensuring that every voice is heard and respected.

Under her stewardship, the Society’s Board has undertaken two strategic workshops on the future focus of Fieldays and the bigger picture for the organisation on growing new events at Mystery Creek Events Centre, home to the annual Fieldays event.

“It is important to be open to the

changing environment we exist in as an events venue,” said Vernon.

The other milestone underway is the development of a new constitution for the Society. “Some of the changes are due to the newly updated Incorporated Societies Act, but others are to modernise our founding document to reflect how the Society wishes to hold to account the Board’s roles and responsibilities on behalf of the members and volunteers,” adds Vernon.

During her tenure, the organisation has also received accolades such as the 2023 Waikato Chamber of Commerce Sustainability Award and, in 2024, becoming the first event of its kind to receive a FernMark Licence.

“Fieldays has always been about

showcasing the best of New Zealand’s primary industries while supporting innovation and the wider rural communities,” said Vernon.

Vernon’s appointment is a testament to the evolving role of women in agriculture and leadership. Her prior achievements include being New Zealand’s first female Nuffield Scholar and the first female chair of Environment Waikato.

While Vernon was the first woman chair, Val Millington paved the way for many women who have been in leadership roles at the Society over the years, becoming the general manager in 1988.

Since its inception in 1968, the Society has been guided by a line of dedicated chairs who have ensured the success of its flagship event, Fieldays, which

has seen it grow from 10,000 visitors to be the Southern Hemisphere’s largest agricultural event.

Each year, Fieldays now attracts over 100,000 visitors to Mystery Creek.

Owing its origins to Waikato farmer and Nuffield Australia Farming scholar John Kneebone, who travelled to Britain in 1966 and, upon his return, wrote to the Waikato Times farming editor Pat Cuming suggesting an annual outing for farmers, Fieldays was born out of a passionate group of volunteers.

Continuing the volunteer-led governance today, all members donate their time and expertise to support the Society’s mission.

During Fieldays, Vernon will take up her role leading the volunteer kitchen team that provides meals for the staff, emergency services and more than 150 members and volunteers over the fourday event.

“The Society’s success wouldn’t be possible without the contributions of so many—our staff, volunteers, visitors, exhibitors, and my fellow board members,” said Vernon.

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11 - 14 June 2025

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fieldays.co.nz

Mystery Creek, New Zealand

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11 - 14 June 2025

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fieldays.co.nz

Mystery Creek, New Zealand

How is waste and sustainability ® managed at Fieldays ?

Have you ever wondered how all the usual waste created by the public is handled during Fieldays®?

I

Janine in discussion with Te Radar at the waste compound at Fieldays.

t is all under the control of Janine Frohlich-Monk, NZ National Fieldays Society Community and Sustainability Executive and when it comes to sustainability, she’s in the know!

Here I was thinking it was a matter of picking up some rubbish, sorting it and taking it off to the appropriate destination, oh no, it is far more involved than I ever imagined.

Data is gathered from Fieldays, right down to the last piece of photocopy paper!

During the four days during the event, data is collected on water and power usage, samples from the river water are gathered, usage of petrol, diesel and LPG, how much printing has been done on the photocopier and how much paper used, the amount of recycling collected, car mileages of vehicles used, and photos taken each day from a spot above the carparks to work out the total number of vehicles at Fieldays.

All of this is done by Frohlich-Monk and a group of dedicated volunteers.

And once Fieldays is over, there is still more data to be collected from the bus and helicopter companies, sorting out passenger numbers and fuel usage.

All needed to be gathered to calculate Fieldays’ carbon footprint.

Every year they compare this data to the previous year and look at ways to improve certain areas for the following year.

This data enables them to sort out their short, medium, and long-term goals.

This year at Fieldays, a new Sustainable Exhibitor Framework will be rolled out. It will be piloted with 50 exhibitors at Fieldays, both small and large businesses and will be judged on how they organise sustainability associated with their sites.

While the Fieldays event only takes up approximately 20 % of Frohlich-Monk’s time, the other 80% is dedicated to Mystery Creek Events Centre, home to New Zealand National Fieldays Society, the not-for-profit organisation that owns and operates the venue and Fieldays.

As this site backs on to neighbouring properties, being in contact with and working alongside the local community is especially important.

This involves keeping them all updated

with newsletters and get-togethers when appropriate.

Frohlich-Monk has organised a predator-free hub where neighbours can borrow traps, and workshops have been organised for neighbouring schools and the community.

Youth and environmental programmes have also been organised, enabling gullies to be planted and water in the streams is regularly checked and monitored.

Keeping the community, especially youth, involved in the importance of sustainability and with having Peka Peka around the property, “The Mystery Creek Community Catchment,” has been formed with a steering group eager to ensure the surrounding areas are well cared for, including the bats!

While goals and objectives are always changing and evolving, the importance of environmental sustainability is a number one priority for both the society and the local community.

Janine Frohlich-Monk

®

11 - 14 June 2025

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11 - 14 June 2025

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fieldays.co.nz

Mystery Creek, New Zealand

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Fieldays® 2025

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11 - 14 June 2025

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Fashion in the Fieldays® Field

By Glenn Dwight – NZME Creative Director

W

e all know Fieldays is about innovation, agritech, and big thinking. It’s where tractors battle, drones buzz like bees, and someone in a marquee says “bio diversity” at least once every seven minutes. But beyond the gadgets and gumboots, Fieldays is also — unapologetically — a runway. A mudcaked, corrugated catwalk of rural fashion.

Now, some arrive at Mystery Creek woefully unprepared and out of place You know the type. They rock up dressed like concrete cowboys—RM Williams

fieldays.co.nz

Mystery Creek, New Zealand

boots still showroom-fresh, puffer vest zipped up like a wetsuit, and beige chinos, like they’re heading to a finance seminar with a slight risk of puddles.

But for those of us who understand the heritage of the land, we know Fieldays fashion is practically sacred.

Let’s start with the undisputed monarchs of rural fashion: the Redbands. These rubbery royals have stomped through paddocks, yards, and Fieldays … since forever. They’ve been worn by Prime Ministers and preschoolers alike. A rite of passage. And like all good icons, they scuff well. A pair

of well-worn Redbands says, “I know what tailing is, and I’ve got the boots to prove it.”

Then there’s the Swanndri. The original farm-to-fashion success story. Once strictly reserved for mustering and meat raffles, the classic checkered Swanny has strutted on to city streets and even the odd fashion week catwalk. It’s gone from “sheep dip chic” to smart casual.

The only item of clothing that can double as a jacket, blanket, pillow, or emergency tent — making it the rural equivalent of a Swiss Army knife.

And we mustn’t forget the black

singlet, either. Fred Dagg gave it legendary status. Olympians made it iconic. It’s the farmer’s formalwear, perfect for weddings, wakes, and woolsheds. When paired with a weathered and leathered forearms it signals to all that you’re not just farming — you are farming.

But in this trinity of treasured Kiwi threads, one item has been cruelly left behind. Forgotten.

Snubbed by fashionistas and Kiwi Burger songs.

I speak, of course, of the Harlequin short.

The loudest legs in the game.

A kaleidoscope of colour and courage. Half rugby short, half ainbow explosion. Originally ra designed, one assumes out of ome kind of fabric rationing and so ome number eight wire attitude. so Because while the Swanny keeps ou warm, and the Redbands yo eep you dry, the Harlequins... well, ke they let your upper-upper-thigh breathe. They’re for the bold. The beautiful. The bloke who says, “It’s six degrees, but I’ll risk pneumonia for fashion in the field”. They’re the clothing equivalent of buying a bright orange tractor—functionally unnecessary, but impossible to ignore.

So come on, New Zealand—let’s give the great Harlequin short the recognition it deserves. In a sea of beige and puffer vests, the Harlequin stands proud, like a liquorice all sorts factory exploded gloriously on a pair of unsuspecting thighs. It’s loud. It’s unapologetic. It’s rural high fashion.

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11 - 14 June 2025

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Mystery Creek, New Zealand

fieldays.co.nz ADVERTORIAL

LOVOL tractors now a familiar sight at the Fieldays® Needing an affordable and reliable tractor? Needing a free wood splitter? Well, you better check out the LOVOL stand H45 at the 2025 Fieldays, as a purchase of one of their tractors gives you a chance to walk away with a free log splitter as well.

L

OVOL tractors are imported by nationwide distributor Metrade Limited, a local Kiwi company aiming to bring affordable quality machinery and equipment into New Zealand, and at the Fieldays held at Mystery Creek Events Centre in June, they will have their Lovol models ranging from 25hp to110hp on display and it qualified team will be available to answer any questions you may have.

As the demand for smaller and versatile tractors continues to be important for smaller operators, the Lovol brand brings some fresh choice to the market, plus comes with plenty of extras.

These tractors can be connected with different implements and are generally suitable for garden maintenance, mowing, lawn planting, basic fence construction, small-scale livestock farms, and farm planting.

Founded in 1998 and based in China, research, and development centres for Lovol can be found in Italy, Japan, and China.

With more than 15,000 employees, Lovol’s China operation is one of the largest agricultural machinery enterprises, with the most complete product lines, you will find in China.

Focusing on intelligent agricultural machinery and intelligent agriculture, Lovol tractors also have the advantage

of expertise in new technology fields, such as hydraulic electric control, CVT powertrain, new energy, and intelligent driving.

Lovol stand behind their tractors with an impressive three-year warranty (or 2000 hours, whichever comes first). As a standard new tractor warranty, this shows how confident they are of their product.

Ask about their combo deals.

Along with their tractors will be a full combo deal of implements including slasher, grader, hydraulic borer, carryall, and backhoe. They will also have the mini baler, drum mower, tedder rake, mini bale wrapper, and soft hands too.

Their compact tractors (and combo

deals) range from 25hp -50hp and are suitable for lifestyle blocks and small farms. Their 70hp model is suitable for orchards and vineyards, while their 110hp – 130hp is suitable for general farming activities.

Lovol has a Fieldays offer of $0 deposit, 0.1%-3.5% interest rate with 18-24 months terms available during Fieldays, and will also have three hydraulic wood splitters to give away for free for the first three tractor buyers (one free wood splitter for one tractor buyer).

To learn more about LOVOL tractors, please visit Farmtrader (www. farmtrader.co.nz) to see their articles. https://lovol.co.nz

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11 - 14 June 2025

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Mystery Creek, New Zealand

fieldays.co.nz

Tractor Pull celebrates 50 years of competition This year is the 50th year that the Tractor Pull will be in action at the Fieldays®.

T

he Tractor Pull was introduced to Fieldays in 1975. From its humble beginnings of small horsepower, manual gear boxes, two-wheel drive and mechanical problems, we fastforward to an era where we see fourwheel drive, computerised tractors, and engines up to 260 horsepower.

It consistently ranks as one of the main attractions at Fieldays, being a time of great fun and camaraderie for competitors and spectators alike.

“Most years have seen up to 80 tractors being registered to compete, it takes just on four days, and three judges to get through the heats and then finals,” says Dan Reymer, one of the organisers.

This year could be your opportunity to see some modified monster tractors with loud engines and V8 motors. It has been a while since they made an appearance at the Fieldays, but if you have seen them before you will know what a spectacle they are.

Preparation has been underway led by a small committee of five for this popular event and it will be a chance to watch the petrolheads of the farming world battle it out in the Fieldays Tractor Pull, in association with PTS Logistics.

There will be four categories: Weight Adjusted: Tractors compete based on their horsepower-to-weight ratio.

Tractors with no more than 260

horsepower participate. The challenge lies in pulling a sledge while considering both the tractor’s weight and power.

Weight Transfer: All entrants are grouped into five weight classes.

The sledge setting remains constant within a round but may be adjusted between rounds. The emphasis is as much on driver skill as raw power.

Modified Tractors: This category features modified tractors (either pre1985 or customised). Any machine that does not fit into other classes.

Modifications beyond standard specifications are allowed.

Pre-85 Tractors: Tractors manufactured before 1985, with standard configuration and

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manufactured with a factory-fitted, mechanical pull stop.

Participants compete in two weight classes.

You will want to get a good spot on the bank to watch this, as it doesn’t take long before spaces are filled.

Contractors and farmers alike love to compete with some of the lucky competitors being sponsored by their bosses by way of diesel for the tractor. . . .and sometimes the loan of a tractor!

While there is a monetary reward for the winner, it is all about the bragging rights and having that trophy on your kitchen table, lounge, tearoom or even cowshed!

Don’t miss this fantastic event!

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11 - 14 June 2025

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Mystery Creek, New Zealand

fieldays.co.nz

12 months of incredible progress by Fieldays® 24 Innovation Protype winner Rachel Canning, Tangata Media

Container Space NZ director Nick Walker (left) and Jacinta met at Fieldays 2024.

Photo / Container Space NZ.

What happens when wool and horticulture collide? Countries start calling.

L

ack of choice for a sustainable growing-media for the horticulture industry, led to agritech innovator Jacinta Penn wondering if a solution lay with wool. She questioned if the properties and applications of wool had been fully explored in the horticulture and agriculture industries.

FleeceGrow was formed, and this week moves to ‘proof of concept’ phase.

It all began in 2020 and Jacinta Penn, living just out of Pukekohe, was choosing a topic for her Masters in Technological Futures.

“We were asked to look around us for problems that need solving.”

Imported growing-media can end up in landfill Her home at Patumahoe was surrounded by horticulturists who were experiencing challenges with weather, labour and pests. There were also issues with nitrates in the local waterways. She decided to study commercially sustainable options for indoor horticulture.

“I found most indoor growers use soilless mediums. They had three choices of growing-media, but all had to be imported.”

Once the coco coir, peat, and rockwool have served their horticultural purpose, Jacinta says there is a bit of a challenge with disposing or upcycling.

“If care is not taken, the growingmedia can end up in landfill. Peat is now recognised as a carbon store and bans are coming into force overseas

and may follow here.”

Using wool as a local growingmedia for indoor horticulture Jacinta set out to find a local alternative, that was both sustainable and at the same price point as the three existing growing-media.

A few years back, Jacinta noted how the wool from their one sheep (ex calfclub) lasted two years on the ground.

With this in mind, she set up a trial in her greenhouse and developed the idea that wool can act as a growingmedia for the horticulture industry in New Zealand.

Proof of Concept – support from investors and a Whanganui businessman Last year, Jacinta and husband Greg won Innovation Prototype at Fieldays 2024 with a wool-based growingmedia block they invented in 2023.

Jacinta says the recognition was a confidence boost, and a gateway into the world of attracting investors and funding.

In the year since Fieldays 2024, she and Greg have been mentored by Sprout Agritech, and completed the HTK accelerator from the Whakatipu In8cubator Programme. A patent has

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11 - 14 June 2025

been filed for the growing-media prototype machinery, and they have entered into a joint venture with Christchurch manufacturer Terra Lana to experiment and attempt to produce the wool-based growing-media blocks at scale.

Fieldays – NZ’s biggest farming networking opportunity Last week a shipping container arrived, a critical piece of kit so they can proceed to proof of concept for the wool-based growing-media block. The container will house the prototype machines, and FleeceGrow has two year’s free use of the 40 foot shipping container for lease, courtesy of Whanganui’s Nick Walker and the team from Container Space NZ. Both were exhibiting at the 2024 National Fieldays and Jacinta talked to Nick about leasing a container but was hesitant to go ahead without first securing funding.

“A few months later, I was struggling to fit everything in my house and I put up a social media post, asking if anyone knew where I could find a container?

“Nick replied, he was just so encouraging. He said, “I love what you are doing, I’d like to help.

“It’s really hard starting a new business like this, and this kind of support really counts.”

Container Space NZ director Nick Walker says Fieldays is New Zealand’s biggest meeting place for business.

“Fieldays champions agriculture, and it’s also a massive networking event.

“Business of all types across New Zealand can network, collaborate and

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Mystery Creek, New Zealand

showcase in front of a wide range of people.

“Fieldays champions agriculture, and it’s also a massive networking event. I don’t think Fieldays fully caters for the networking side of it,” says Nick.

Wool as a commercial fertiliser and growing-media The year ahead looks incredibly exciting. FleeceGrow will launch with a range of wool pellet fertilisers, and a wool-based potting mix. Soon after launch they will release their woolbased compressed seedling starter disks, and the wool-based growingmedia block.

The wool based potting mix also contains bark, seaweed, and added phosphate for boosting root growth. A liquid fertiliser called Liquid Wool has been trademarked and is already in testing.

Jacinta says that wool makes great nitrogen fertiliser, adding 10-14% nitrogen to the soil (by volume), “which is more than sheep manure”.

“Wool growing-media and wool fertiliser for horticulture has a global potential. I’m getting calls from Australia, Mexico, Finland, the UK. As for a future wool supply, Jacinta says she’s had farmers offer her their entire shed.

“The big aim is to really rev up the wool industry again, making wool the solution to a growing problem – pun intended.”

fieldays.co.nz

Wool as a growing-media for seedlings has the potential to replace the existing growing-media choices of coco coir, peat, and rockwool. Photos / FleeceGrow.

Jacinta Penn won the Innovation Prototype award at Fieldays 2024 for her wool-based growing-media block product.

Photo / Container Space NZ.

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