y , g g g y thelatestinnovationsintheprimaryindustries.Seemoreinsideforwhatwillbeonoffer. Photo/NewZealandNationalFieldaysSociety
Aofknowl l
Fieldaysisnotall aboutfarming.
Theannualeventwillshowcase severaldifferenthubs,tenttalksto launchesofdifferentcutting-edge technology.
Oneofthehubspeopleare invitedtoTheCareersand EducationHub.
“Itwillshowcasethebreadthof careersavailableintheprimary industries’,”saysprogramme managerSteveChappell.
Hesaysanexcitingnewcomer cateringfortoday’sstudentsis Crafft,anonlineeducationaltool
lookingathowfoodisgrownand howthelandworks,basedon best-sellingvideogameMinecraft.
Exhibitors
Otherexhibitorsonthe hubincludeSowtheSeed,a collaborativeeffortbetweenthe HorticultureandAgriculture TeachersAssociationofNew Zealand(HATA)andthe AgriculturalandHorticultural ScienceAdvisoryTeamdedicated toimprovingagriculturaland horticulturalscienceeducationin NewZealandschools.
AlsoonhandwillbeMITO,
whichsupportson-joblearnin forpeopleworkinginthe automotive,commercialroad transport,extractives,drilling, gasandlogisticsindustries.
GrowingFutureFarmers,a charitabletrust,ispromoting itstwo-yearprogrammewhere studentslearnpractical workplaceskillsonafarm.
Similarly,studentscanlearn aboutreal-life,practicaltrainin opportunitiesavailableat Telford–SouthernInstitute ofTechnology.
YoungFishNZ,anetworking groupforyoungpeople(under
35) p seafoodindustry,fromfishingand marinefarmingtoseafoodprocessing, marketingandscience,willjoin SeafoodNZinthehub.
Backontheland,GoHort,a HorticultureNewZealandcareer developmentprogramme,willbe outlined,aswillplantcareersviaNew ZealandPlantProducersIncorporated.
Diversity
Thetriedandtruearealsoback attheCareersandEducationHub includingmajorplayerstheMinistry forPrimaryIndustriesanddairygiant FonterraandtheAgribusinessin Schoolsprogramme.
“Itisdiverse,coveringoptionsand opportunitiesavailableintherural sector,”saysSteve.
“There’sadeliberatecross-section.”
Hesayssiteswillbeinteractive, givingyoungpatrons“lotsofcool thingstodo”.
Stevesaysthehubismainlyaimed
y,g thoselookingforacareerchange. “Thehubaimstoshowlegitimate pathwaysandcareersintheprimary sector,”hesays.
“Itopenstheireyestoacareer." Stevesaysmorethan60secondary schoolsfromaroundthecountryare bookedtobring2000-plusstudentsto thehubduringFieldays.
TheCareersandEducationHubwas introducedatFieldaysadecadeago andhasgrownyearonyear,with40 secondaryschoolscomingthrough in2021.
Stevesaysfeedbackfromschoolsand studentsonthehubhascontinuedto behighlypositive.
“Wealwaysgetagreatresponse inourpost-eventsurvey,”hesays. “Schoolsbelieveitisaworthwhile trip.”
Seeinsidethisliftouttoseewhatelse Fieldayshastoofferthisyear atMysteryCreekinHamilton thisJune11-14.
SteveEdwards
Cutting-edgeagritechinnovationsondisplay
Thisyear’sFieldays’ InnovationAwardspromises toshowcasethefutureof agriculturaltechnologyand advancement.
ProgrammemanagerSteve Chappellsaysthe2025 competitionhasattracteda diverseandimpressivearray ofinnovationsfromacrossthe primaryindustries,highlighting thegrowingimportanceof technologyshapingthefuture offarming.
Morethan60applications mettheentrantcriteriaand havebeeninvitedtoparticipate intheawards.
Thrivinginnovation Stevesaystheseparticipants willshowcaseautomation, robotics,andAI(artificial intelligence)innovations, alongsidepracticalon-farm efficiency-increasingdevicesand ‘problem-solvers’attheevent.
“Whatstandsoutthisyear isthebreadthofareasthe entriescomefrom.Innovation isthrivingasgroundbreaking ideasredefinesustainability, automation,andefficiency.
“Fromeco-friendlymaterials thattransformwasteinto valuableresourcesto AI-poweredtoolsoptimising livestockmanagement, precisionmonitoring,andcrop growth,eachdevelopment
embodiesthefutureofsmart, sustainableprogress.”
Thereare23participantsin theprototypecategory,32in “early-stage”,andeightinthe “growthandscale”category. Stevesaysfiveparticipantsare alsointherunningfortheYoung InnovatoroftheYearAwardfor participants19andunder. Entriesincludeautonomous systemslikeGallagherAnimal Management’sprecisionbeef managementplatformand MAKI’swater-monitoringdrone, alongsidemethane-reduction
LaserWeederG2andCropX’sEvato 1arepushingtheboundariesof data-drivenfarming,hesays.
areshapingthewaywework,build, andprotectourenvironment.” Stevesaysawardsparticipantswill displaytheirentriesatFieldaysin theInnovationHuborontheirown sitearoundtheeventandonthe InnovationTrailatMysteryCreek. *Thewinnerswereannouncedinlate-May, afterCoast&CountryNewswenttoprint. Fieldays’ programme managerSteve Ch pell. Photo/Supplie
“Next-generationdiagnostics, robotics,andhealthtechnologies arestreamliningoperations,while revolutionarysolutionstackle methanereduction,weedcontrol, andsoilenhancement.
“Thesepioneeringadvancements
technologiessuchasRuminant Biotech’sEmitlessbolusand AgriculturalSciences’Agriboost. Wasteintovalue Stevesaysinnovationsturning wasteintovaluearealsofront andcentreatFieldaysthisyear, withKiwiLeatherInnovations creatingveganleatherfrom kiwifruitwasteandTertiary ExtractsOtautahiproducing aproteiningredientfrom sheepskinoffcuts. Scalableagritechsolutions suchasCarbonRobotics’
InsideFieldays’HealthandWellbeingHub
TheHealthandWellbeingHubatFieldays coversvisitorsfromtoptotoe.
MarkEager,CEOwithhubleadpartnerMobile HealthGroup,saysadiversegroupofaround 45health-relatedorganisationswillfeatureat MysteryCreek.
“Theyworkcollaborativelytosupportthe healthandwellbeingofruralNewZealanders.”
MarksaysMobileHealthoriginallytookits mobilesurgicalunittoFieldaysbutaddedother healthprovidersin2016whenitbecamelead partnerintheHealthandWellbeingHub.
“Ourrole,alongsideabrilliantteam,isto coordinatethehub,bringingthepartners together,managinglogistics,andensuring thekaupapastaysstrong–makinghealthand wellbeingeasiertoaccess,especiallyforthose whooftenmissout.”
MobileHealthalsoprovidesbreakfastandlunch forthe200-pluspeoplemanningthehub.
“It’saboutgivingbacktotheruralcommunity,” saysMark.“Whatstartedasaone-offinitiative hasgrownintoacoordinated,cooperative movementthat’snowakeyfeatureofFieldays.”
Withabout30,000peoplethroughitsdoors acrossthefourdays,hesaystheHealthand WellbeingHubisthesecondmost-popular attractionatFieldaysbehindthetractorpull.
Marksaysthehubinvolvedjust10healthrelatedorganisationswhenitbegan15yearsago.
“It’snotaboutflashystandsorhardsells.It’s aboutaccess.
“Manyofourruralcommunitiesdon’thave easyaccesstohealthinformationorservicesso webringittothem,inaformatthat’spractical, friendly,andsupportive.”
Huboperation
Marksayswhatmakesthehubspecialis howitoperates.
“It’snotjustacollectionofexhibitors;it’sa
coordinatedcollective.Weallworktogether.
“OurHealthNavigatorsareoutthefront, engagingwithvisitorsandhelpingconnect themwiththerightprovider,whetherit’sabout eyesight,hearing,oralhealth,bowelscreening, diabetes,mentalhealth,orsupportafteratough seasononthefarm.
“Younamethebodypartandchancesare someoneinthehubislookingafterit,”hesays.
Practicalinformation
Themixofcommercialoperatorsandcharities alsocoverstopicsincludingmobilityandbrain injurysupport,alongwithgroupssuchasthe RuralSupportTrust.
MarksaystheaudienceatFieldaysisbroad–farmers,ruralworkers,whānau,students,and
“evenurbanvisitorswhostumblein”. “Thecommonthreadispeoplewho wantpractical,honestinformation orsupport,oftenforthemselves, sometimesforsomeonethey careabout.”
INSTALLATION SERVICE REPAIR
DodaPumps&Stirrers|DallaiFittings|Hydrants|EffluentParts
20yearsexperienceof DairyEffluentSystems andRepairs
ServicingofallEffluent& Irrigationequipment. Fullsysteminstallations. NZsupplierofDODA products,wealsocarrya comprehensiverangeofDairy Effluentparts&equipment designedtoprovidearobust andtroublefreeoperation, complementingour Servicingbusiness.
11AndersonStreet,Morrinsville•(07)8890933•admin@waikatodes.co.nz
mobbilesurgical unit. Photo/Supplied
RuralHubtoamplifyfarmerconcerns
TheRuralAdvocacyHubis returningtoFieldays.
TheinauguralHub, spearheadedbyFederated FarmersNZandFieldayslast year,drewahugeresponsefrom farmersandothereventvisitors.
TheRuralAdvocacyHub bringstogethervariousrural
organisationswhoareadvocating forfarmersandchampioning theirinterestsasoneteam, underoneroof.
FederatedFarmers’president WayneLangfordsaysitserves asacentralplatformfor discussions,announcementsand initiativestoamplifythevoices andconcernsofthecountry’s
farmersandruralcommunities.
TheHubbuildsonFederated Farmers’broadervisiontounite ruraladvocacygroupsasone teamtosupportfarmers, Waynesays.
“Farmerswanttoseethe differentfarmingadvocacy groupsworkingtogether constructivelytogetthebest
outcomeswecanforourrural communities.
“Ifweworkasateam,with everyoneplayingintheright position,wecanachievealotmore forfarmersthananyoneorganisation canworkingalone.” Teamwork PeterNation,whowasNew ZealandNationalFieldaysSociety chiefexecutivewhentheHub initiativewaslaunchedlastyear,says it’sgreattobeabletoworkalongside FederatedFarmerstodelivera dedicatedadvocacyspaceatsuchan importantagriculturalevent.
“TheHubdeliversonFieldays’ purposeofadvancingagriculture throughbotheducationand collaboration,”Petersays.
“Thereareallsortsofchallenges infrontofthesector.It’snever beenmoreimportantforfarmers tobeheardandtohaveadvocates amplifyingtheirvoice.
“FederatedFarmersareNew Zealand’sleadingruraladvocacy organisation,sotheywereanatural fitforustopartnerwithtobringthe
Hubtolife.”
Thisyear’sRuralAdvocacyHub willfillhalfofthelargeGallagher BuildingatSiteD70atFieldays,with eightparticipatingstands:Federated FarmersNZ,FarmersWeekly, CampaignforWool,FutureFarmers, RuralWomen,Groundswell,Waikato FederatedFarmersandDairyNZ. Deliveringmessages Recognisingthedraw-powerof theRuralAdvocacyHub,andthe platformitprovidestopitchmessages totheruralsector,politiciansfrom acrosstheHousearesignallingan intentiontoattendandspeak. Thoughthey’reonlypencilledin atthisstage,asotherunforeseen commitmentmaycropupinthe interim,speakersincludeAgriculture MinisterToddMcClay,Leaderof theOppositionChrisHipkins, Labourspokespersononagriculture JoLuxton,SteveAbleoftheGreens, MinisterforClimateChangeand LocalGovernmentSimonWatts, MinisterforRuralCommunities MarkPatterson,andBiosecurity MinisterAndrewHoggard.
EuropeanautosteernowinNZ
Aninnovativeautosteersystem isnowavailableforthefirsttime inNewZealand,givingdairy, grassland,andcroppingfarmers asmarterwaytowork.
agoodpricepoint,makingitacosteffectivepieceoftechforfarmers withsmallerpropertieswhowantto worksmarter.”
•PerfectGPSSystemforSpreading, Spraying&Seedingonfarm.
•CreateABlines,Curves,Headland Patterns,Boundarieswitheasy.
•Logcoveredarea,Proofofplacement.
•Minimizeoverlapsandskips.
•RTKCapableandupgradableto ISOBUS.
•FullAutoSteerKitwithAndroidTablet from$9,800+GSTplusinstallcosts.
•Fitsawiderangeoftractors.
PowerSteerbyFieldBeeisan affordable,ultra-reliableretrofit autosteeringsystemdesignedto boostprecisionandproductivity. Itdelivers±2.5cmaccuracyandis compatiblewithallfront-wheelsteer tractormodels.Keyfeaturesinclude thePowerWheelwhichreplacesthe standardsteeringwheelandanall-inoneelectroniccontroller.It’soperated fromaneasy-to-useAndroidappon asuppliedtablet.
“Essentially,it’sthetechnologythat makesyourtractorrunbetter,”says UnearthAgownerMatthewGray, t the only FieldBee stockist in New this
PowerSteersupportsstraight lines,curves,headlands,andsaved patterns.Itcanalsomapfields,detect obstacles,andgeneratefieldwork reportsinPDFandExcelformats. Installationissimple,takingless thananhourwithoutcomplex calibrationorequipmentupgrades.It alsoallowsfarmerstosetupmultiple vehicleprofiles,makingiteasyto switchbetweentractors.
FieldBeePowerSteercomeswitha two-yearwarranty,offeringpeaceof mindalongwithafastreturn oninvestment.
MatthewGraywillbeatFieldays. Formoreinformation,seeUnearth Ag’sadvertonthispage.
FederatedFarmersNZpresidentWayneLangford.
Photo/Supplied
QualityhomesdeliveredacrosstheNorthIsland
AdvantageDesignerHomes specialiseindeliveringhighquality,architecturallydesigned transportablehomestoclients throughouttheNorthIsland.
AsRegisteredMasterBuilders, theycombinecraftsmanshipwith efficiencytoofferstylish,modern homesthatsuitawiderangeof lifestyles–fromgrowingfamiliesto retireesandeveryoneinbetween.
“Ourhomesrangingfromtwotosix bedrooms,arethoughtfullycraftedatour purpose-builtyardinHorotiu,Waikato,” saysanADHspokesperson.
“Eachoneisbuilttocompletion beforebeingtransportedtoyoursite, whereit’sinstalledonstandardpiled foundations–ensuringafast,efficient, andstress-freeprocess.”
Withtheabilitytoconstructmultiple homesatonce,theexperiencedteam maintainsastrongfocusonquality withoutcompromisingtimelines.
“Whetheryou’rechoosingfrom ourprovenstandardplansor developingacustomdesign,we makethebuildingexperience straightforwardandrewarding.
“FromWaikatoandManawatūto Hawke’sBayandbeyond,ourhomesare
builttostandthetestoftime comfort,style,andfunctiona whereverthey’replaced.
“We’reproudtoprovideas tobuild,helpingmoreKiwis theylove.Readytobuildyou yourway?”
Formoreinformation,seeA DesignerHomesadvertonthpg
EnjoyawinningdayatFieldays
HeadingtoFieldaysthisJune?
VisitRedbackAgriatsiteC21and enterthedrawtowina$1000 RedbackAgrivoucher.
Whileyou’rethere,grabsomefree merch,checkouttheirproductsup close,andtalktotheteamaboutwhat’s rightforyourfarmorblock.
“RedbackAgrihasbeensupporting NewZealandfarmersformore than30yearswithfarmmachinery that’spractical,reliable,andbuiltto handlereal-worldconditions,”saysa spokespersonforRedbackAgri.
“DesignedandmadeinNZ,our equipmentreflectsdecadesoffeedback fromlocalfarmersandlandowners.
“Weofferafullrangeofproventools, includingpastureharrows,cultivation harrows,arenagroomersandrakes,and
theRedbackWeedwiper.Whetheryoure improvingpasture,maintaininganarena, orcontrollingweeds,RedbackAgri makesthejobeasierandmoreeffective.”
Thespokespersonsaystheirgearismade tolast,supportedbyfastdelivery,expert advice,andongoingserviceyoucantrust. Thatmeanslessdowntimeandmoretime gettingthingsdone.
KeepaneyeonourFacebookand InstagrampagesforFieldaysupdates, behind-the-scenescontent,andspecial offersthroughouttheevent.
“AtFieldays,we’llbeshowcasingour mostpopularmodelsandoffering Fieldays-onlydealsyouwon’twantto miss.”Formoreinformation,seeRedback Agri’sadvertonthefrontpage.
OneofthemanyproductsRedbackAgrihastosupportfarmers.
Revvingthroughthedecades
ThisJune,FieldaysTractorPull roarsbacktoMysteryCreek tomarkamajormilestone–50yearsofhorsepowerand crowd-thrillingcompetition. Whatbeganasamodestcontest in1975withtwo-wheeldrive tractorsandmanualgearboxes hasbecomeoneofFieldays’most belovedattractions,drawingcrowds tocatchthecompetitionriverside. Amongthemostpassionate
participantsislong-time competitorandorganiserDaniel Reymer,whohasbeeninvolvedin thisFieldayscompetitionformore thanadecade.ForReymer,Tractor Pullismorethanasport–it’sa familytradition.TheFieldays TractorPullrunsfromJune11-14, atMysteryCreekinHamilton, withheatstakingplaceWednesday throughtoFriday.Theevent culminatesinthegrandfinalon Saturday,from8am-1.30pm.
KingfisherTinyHomesbenefitfromthe manyyearsofbuildingexperienceof ownerRossRidley.
ThesecompacthomesaremadeforNew Zealandconditionsusingtraditionalconstruction methods,meaningnocornersarecut.
TheconstructionmaterialsaretoNewZealand standards,givingyoualong-lastinghomeyou willlove.Thepriceincludesplans,Waikato councilconsentandCodeofCompliance completedatKingfisher’syard.Thehomehasthe plumbing,internetandelectricityconnections readytohookuptotheservicesonyoursite.
The10mby3.8msinglebedroomhousehas theonebedroom,anensuite,alivingarea andafullkitchen.Doubleglazedwindows, airconditioning,wall,ceilingandunderfloor insulationpluscarpetandlinoalladdtothe comfortandcosinessofthehouse.
Thislittlegemisaestheticallypleasing withCOLORSTEELroofing,and COLORSTEELcladdingontheexternal walls,alongwithtanalisedradiatapineaccents aroundtheranchsliders.
Thefullkitchenhasatiledsplashback, melaminecabinets,rangehood,gashob,califont, dishwasherandelectricoven.
Yourresponsibilitiesincludesiteworks,piles andfoundations,transport,connectionto servicesonsite,consentandCodeofCompliance tomovethetinyhometoyourland.Kingfisher canadviseandquotefortheseservices. Onceinplaceonyourproperty,theoptionsfor customisingyourKingfisherTinyHomeabound. Decking,verandahs,stepsandlandscaping offerthatsoughtafterindoor/outdoorflow andsomewheretoenjoythoseNewZealand barbecues.Formoreinformation,seeKingfisher TinyHomes'advertonthispage.
Our10mx3.8m,onebedroom/ensuite,full kitchenandwhitewaretinyhome,isforsale. Ourhomesarebuiltthroughtraditional constructionmethods,meaningnocornerscut andalong-lastinghomeyouwilllove.
•PlansandWaikatoCouncilConsent +COCdoneoncompletedhouseatouryard.
•Plumbing,internetandelectricalconnections included
TECHNICAL: 190x45H3MSG8bearers, floorjoists20mmstrandboardflooring90mm Steelwallframingand250mmSteelrafters@ 600c/sBRACEDtoveryhighwindzones .44mmCOLORSTEEL®claddingtoroof,.55mm coloursteeltowalls.H3.2clearsRadvertical boardtofrontofhousearoundranchsliders Allflashingstowindowsandextcornersof buildingtoformweathertightjoints.9mmplain MDFceilingsheetswith9mmgroovedsheets towalls250mmbattsinsulationtoroofspace with100mminsulationtowalls100mmExpol underfloorinsulation.
FEATURES: Heatedtowelrail,vanityand shower.Doubleglazedwindowsandranch sliders.Fullkitchenwithgashob,calaphont, electricoven,rangehood,painting,tiled splashbackCarpet+linoAirConditioning MelaminekitchenOnewardrobeSmoke detectorsBracingtoveryhighwinzone. AllfixingsandLabour.
YOURRESPONSIBILITY: Siteworks AdditionalappliancesDecks,stepsetc TransportPilefoundationConsent/COC forrelocationtoyourlandConnections toservices(i.e.electrical,plumbing, drainage).
Wearehappytoadvise,assistand quoteontheaboveifrequired.
QUESTIONS?
CallRossRidley- 0223676183 oremail ross.ridley@hotmail.com
TheinterioroftheKingfisher10mx3.8mtinyhomeusingdigitalstagingtosuggestfurnishingoptions. Photo/CatherineFry
Kiwiinnovatorfron
LivestockfarmersheadingtoFieldaysareexpectedtomake abeelineforthePGGWrightsonmarquee,whereAgritrade isshowcasingVetmed’sanimalhealthrange.
Vetmedwasfoundedin2011 byNewZealandersDoug Halligan,JohnPetherick,and GaryHarrisoninresponseto globalcompaniesacquiring localmanufacturersandshifting R&Doffshore.
“Nothingwasbeingmadeto meetthespecificchallenges offarminglivestockinNew Zealand,”saysGarry.“Weknew wecoulddobetter.”
Theywereright.Vetmed’s firsthit,atickcontrolproduct, wasinsuchdemandthatextra activeingredientshadtobe flowninmid-season.
Now,theirinnovation
continueswiththelaunchof CervidaeOral,NewZealand’s firsttriple-activeoraldrenchfor deer.Developedinconjunction withDeerIndustryNZ,it boasts98.5%efficacyagainst gastrointestinalparasitesand a28-daymeatwithholding period.It’sgame-changingfor deerfarmers.
“Vetmed’sfocusisfirmlyon Kiwiconditions,”saysAlana DickeyfromAgritrade.
“Theirproductsaredesigned, testedandmanufacturedhere tosuitourfarmingsystems.”
TheirTriplemaxrangeoffers targetedoraldrenchesforcattle
andsheep,includingTriplemax iTape;alambdrenchwith micronisedpraziquantelfor tapewormandbroad-spectrum parasitecontrol. Withongoingtrials, innovativeformulations,and agrowingproductrange, Vetmed’scommitmentto farmersisclear. “TalktoyourlocalPGG Wrightsonreporpopin toseeusatSiteE73&E75 inthePGGWrightson MarqueeatFieldays,” saysAlana. Formoreinformation,see theiradvertonthispage.
Alana key.
MPIbackingtheprimarysectorto
TheMinistryforPrimary Industrieswillbefocusedon agriculturalscienceandpractical helpforfarmersandgrowersat Fieldays2025.
Acrossseveralsites,theMPIis highlightingtheworkhappening acrossbiosecurity,agriculture,science, forestry,trade,careers,andmore. Theministrysaysfarmers,growers andproducerswillfindplentyof practicalsupportandusefulideas, andMPIstaffwillbeonhandto talkthroughthewiderangeof servicesavailable.
ThisincludesOnFarmSupport, farmandforestryadvisoryservices, animalwelfareguidance,Māori agribusinesssupport,andinformation onstockassessmentsandon-farm verification.
TheScienceforFarmersHubis returningFieldays2025,connecting farmersandgrowerswithsome ofNewZealand’sleadingscience andinnovationtohelpboost on-farmprofitabilityandimprove environmentaloutcomes.
Asciencedrive Followingasuccessfullaunchin 2024,theMPIspokespersonsaysthe sitereturnsthisyearwithanexpanded groupofsectorpartnersshowcasing thesciencedrivingmoresustainable andproductivefarmingacross NewZealand.
TheScienceforFarmersHubwill featuretools,research,andinsights thatcanhelpreduceemissions,
manageenvironmentalpressures,and improveon-farmproductivity.
MPI’schiefscienceadviser,DrJohn Roche,saystheinitiativewillgive farmersandgrowerstheopportunity toengagedirectlywithexperts, explorenewinnovations,andleave withactionableideastoimplementon theirownfarms.
“Theinteractivesiteaimstobridge thegapbetweenscientificresearch andon-farmapplication,withexciting newexhibitsfocusedonimproving freshwaterqualityandon-farm performancefeaturedthisyear.
“Oneareaofresearchwillfocus ongenetictechnologiesdesigned toenhanceon-farmefficiencyand productivity,whileanotherwill explorestrategiesforfarmerstoadapt toachangingclimate.
“Thisincludesstudiesondiverse pastures,heat-tolerantlivestock geneticsliketheSlickgene,andthe developmentofclimatemodelling toolstohelpsupportfuture-focused decisions.We’llalsobehighlighting thelatesttoolsandresearchtohelp reducegreenhousegasemissions, alongwithinnovationsandfuture investmentpathways.”
Johnsaysanotherimportant featureofthesitewillbedaily presentationsfromfarmersand industryexperts,offeringpractical insightstohelpfarmersbuildmore future-readybusinesses.
VisitorstoFieldayscanalsocatch upwithMPI’sOnFarmSupport team,whoworkdirectlywithfarmers andgrowersacrossthecountryto
helpbetterunderstandreggulations, changes,andconnectwith h fundin fitsyourbusiness.
Biosecurity
Beyondthefarmgate,vissitors sitewillgetalookintoNewZe biosecuritysystemandmeeetthe teamsworkingeverydayto o kee fromharmfulpestsanddisseases “Visitorscanlearnmoreabout biosecuritysystemandthe e proc safeguardournaturalenvirronm ourmultibillion-dollarprimmary saystheministry.Theministry’s beonhandintheAgricultturalP tailoredadviceonrequiremments, howtogrowyouragribusiness.
YoungFarmersgearupfor atFieldays
Thecreamofthecropof NZYoungFarmerswillbe spreadacrossMystery CreekatFieldays.
FMGYoungFarmerofthe Yeargrandfinalistsarevisiting sponsors’Fieldays’sitesacross threedays.
Invercargillishostingthis year’sgrandfinalfromJuly3-5, withfinalistsasfollows:
JustinRuygrok (FranklinYoung FarmersClubrepresentingthe Northernregion)
HughJackson (HamiltonCity YoungFarmersClubrepresenting Waikato-BayofPlenty)
JockBourke (MasseyYoung FarmersClubrepresenting Taranaki-Manawatu)
JamesRobbie (PuketoiYoung FarmersClubrepresentingEast Coast)
GeorgeLetham (Banks PeninsulaYoungFarmersClub representingTasman)
GarethMcKerchar (Pleasant PointYoungFarmersClub representingtheAorangi)
CamSmith (ThornburyYoung FarmersClubrepresenting Otago-Southland)
Inits57thyear,theflagship contestseriesstartedwith districtcompetitionsinOctober, witharound200youngfarmers battlingitoutforashotat ruralstardom.
NZYoungFarmers’chief executiveLyndaCoppersmith saysthe2025grandfinalisthe culminationofmanymonths’ hardworkforNewZealand’s risingstarsofagriculture.
Afterprovingthemselvesata districtlevel,contestantsthen wenthead-to-headagainstthe
bestintheirregion,shesays. “Justmakingittothegrand finalisanenormousfeat,with onlysevennationalfinalists selectedfromacrossthecountry.”
Broadknowledge
“Ittakesalotofpreparation, madeharderbythefactthat thechallengesarekepttop secretuntilthedayoftheevent, soouryoungfarmersreally havetoworkhardtosharpen theirskillsandimprovetheir farmingknowledgeasbroadlyas possible,”saysLynda.
“It’saquestfortheultimate farmingall-rounder.”
Waikato-BayofPlentywinner HughJacksonwillbehavinga secondcrackatthenationaltitle afterplacingthirdin
after placing third in 2023.
The27-year-old claimedthetop spotintheregional
atWaerengaSchool,tacklinga seriesofpracticalandtheoretical challenges.
“I’mstokedtogetanothershot atthegrandfinal,”saysHugh. “Gettingbackthereisnever guaranteed,andI’mlooking forwardtogivingiteverything.”
Participantsenteredoneof threecategoriesbasedonage, rangingfromtheAgriKidsNZ competitionforprimaryschool pupils;FMGJuniorYoung FarmeroftheYearforsecondary schoolstudents,andthetightly foughtFMGYoungFarmerof theYearcategory,wherejust eightcontestantsbattleditout forthetopspot.
Hughedgedhiswaytovictory byclockingupthemostpoints hddffll
numberofindividual challengesthrowntheir wayincludingahead-tohead,generalknowledge ‘buzzer-style’quizand sponsor-ledmodules, contestantsweretestedon abroadrangeofpractical skills,technicalknowhow,andtheirabilityto copeunderpressure.
NZYoungFarmers’ chiefexecutive LyndaCoppersmith. Photo/Supplied
connect,shareknowledge,and supportoneanother.
onthe day, defeating fellow HamiltonYoungFarmersClub memberStephenBrunskill. WillEvans,fromPiarere YoungFarmersClub,secured
TheAgriKidsNZ competitionwasanother crowdfavourite.Aftera busymorningbeingchallengedon theirindustryknow-how,Heidi Morris,AngusGregory,Harrison GregoryfromElstow-Waihou SchoolemergedasWaikato-Bayof Plentywinners. JacobBolt,IsaacWilson,John Woodward,fromOtewaSchooland Homeschooled,placedsecond,just aheadofschoolmatesBrearnaBolt, SamBluettandJackWoodward. BenEdeandStephenEdefrom CambridgeHighSchooltookoutthe titleofWaikatoBayofPlentyFMG JuniorYoungFarmersoftheYear, aheadofGraceDawsonandEvelyn RueggerfromMatamataCollege. AlongwithHughJackson,thetop 21AgriKidsNZand14FMGJunior YoungFarmers’teamswillcompete inthegrandfinal.
NZYFhistory
NewZealandYoungFarmers (NZYF)wasestablishedin1927, originatingasawayforyoung peopleinruralcommunitiesto
LyndaCoppersmithsayswhat beganasafewsmallclubsquickly grewintoanationwidenetwork thathasplayedakeyroleinthe developmentofNewZealand’sfood andfibresector.
“Overtheyears,NZYFhas nurturedgenerationsofruralleaders, fromfarmersandresearchersto agribusinessprofessionals.
“Theorganisationcontinuesto evolve,championingamodern, inclusiveapproachtosupportyoung peopleacrosstheagricultureand foodproductionindustries.”
NewZealandYoungFarmers operatesasagrassroots,member-led organisationwithastrongnational framework.
Lyndasaystheorganisationis committedtogrowingfutureleaders, buildingstrongruralcommunities, andcelebratingthepeoplewho powerthefoodandfibresector.
POWERTARPSARE NEWZEALAND’SLEADING RETRACTABLETARPSUPPLIER
Wespecialiseinhighquality,meshand PVCcoverstosuittrucks,trailersand farmbunkers.Allofourcoverscanbe easilyoperatedfromthegroundusinga silkysmoothcablesystem,eliminating healthandsafetyrisks.
Phone: 0210417052
sales@powertarps.co.nz
SteveEdwards
Waikato-BayofPlentyYoungFarmeroftheYear andnationalfinalistHughJackson. Photo/Supplied
50yearsofresilienceand
Whatbeganasahumble saddlerybusinessin1975 hasgrownintoanindustryleadingwet-weatherclothing manufacturer,thanks tosheerdetermination, innovation.
Fromitsearlydaysin Dargavilletobecoming agloballyrecognised brand,KaiwakaClothing’s journeyisoneofresilience, adaptability,andanunwavering commitmenttoquality.
Kaiwaka’sstorybeganwhen
itsfoundertookaboldleap offaith,purchasingasmall saddlerybusinessdespitehaving nopriorexperienceinsewing. Anintensivesix-weekcrash courseensued,where,underthe guidanceofapatientteacher, thefoundationsforthenext 50yearsandtheprinciple of‘designedbyfarmers,for farmers’werefirmlyestablished.
MuchofKaiwaka’ssuccessis attributedtoitsfounder,Ross Stewart–affectionatelyknown bymanyas“Mr.Ross”. Describedascheerful,largehearted,anddeeplycaring,
innovation
hehadapresencethatdrew peoplein.Thoughnotalways outspoken,hiswarmthand quirkinessmadealasting impressiononthosewho workedwithhim.
GeneralmanagerTyronBarker saystheserviceisn’tjustabout mendinggarments;it’sabout lookingafterthepeoplewho relyonKaiwakageareveryday.
“Itwasthefamily’sway ofshowingcareforfarmers andworkers,reinforcingthe company’sdeepalignmentwith itsvalues–reliability,resilience, andrespectforthoseputtingin
thehardwork,”saysTyron. With2025markingKaiwaka’s 50thanniversary,theorganisationis lookingtothefuturewithrenewed energy–embracingarebranding, whileexpandingitsglobalreachand investingfurtherininnovation.
“The50thanniversaryisabout settingthebusinessforwardintoa newera,”Tyronsays.
“It’sachancetorespectand cultivateeverythingKaiwakahas beeninthepastwithwherewewant togointhefuture.”
Thesignificanceof50yearsin business,Tyronsays,hadbeenlikened
to200seasonsofcaringforfarmers.
“Whenyouthinkofitinfarming terms,ayearismorethanjust365 days–or12months.It’salsofour verydistinctseasons,withdifferent weatherpatternsandchallenges.
“AtKaiwaka,weareincredibly proudthateverythingweproduce isdesignedtoperformandmade tooutlastanythingelseonoffer –andtonowhavedonethatfor 200seasons,reallyputsthatinto perspective.”
Theteamwillbeshowcasingtheir clothingatthePGGWrightson standatFieldaysinHamilton.
CertifiedOrganic Ag
PertainingtoCarbon
ThroughtheLiving>>Biotic<<
•Mustmeetallstandardfoodproduction &safetylaw.
•Internationalthird-partyvalidationand principles.
•80+yearssinceneedidentified.
•Regulationsbasedonbiological/natural systems.
•Regulations/productionstandardsalways available.
•Practisebasedoncarboncycleviathe living.
•Diverseplantssupportbroadeco-system.
•Validationofinputs..ifitdidn’tgo in>>>>>>
•Nobroadacreherbicide.
•Natural,targetspecificbiocides.
•Establishedunder-suppliedmarkets.
IntegrityThrough
Re-GenAg
>Organics< withChemicals
•Mustmeetallstandardfoodproduction& safetylaw.
•Arangeofmarketingcodesofwithvarying productionpractise.
•Guidelinesbasedonbiologicalsystemswith chemicalmanagement.
•Guidelines/productionstandardsnotalways available.
•Diverseplants(treatedseeds)support eco-system,inpart.
•Practisebasedonloweringcarbon footprint.
•Validationofresiduelevels-ifwecannot detectit>>>>great!
•Broadacreherbicideisused.
•Allbiocidescanbeused.
•AllAginputscanbeused.
•Developingmarketswithbigpartners… Syngenta,Bayer,&more.
DisclosureofPractiseNon-Consistent
ConventionalAg
AppliedChemistry
•Mustmeetallstandardfoodproduction &safetylaw.
•Openmethodsadopted.
•Canusechemicalripening/topping.
•Treatedseeds,widerangeofinputs.
•Generalknowledgeofsystemsby market.
•Greatforbulkcheapfoodproduction.
•Marketing:increasinglyrebranding, grassfed,NZFAP,animalwelfarecodes.
•Urea,super-phosphate,highinputs.
•AllAginputscanbeused.
•Allbiocidescanbeused.
Farmers -themostfarmedanimalinNZ
KaiwakaClothingisknownforitsresilienceandadaptability.
Usingprobioticstoboostfeedingrates
MattCollierofProbiotic Revolutionstrongly supportspairingprobiotics withhighermilk feedingrates.
“Thisapproachprevents nutritionalanddiseasescours, andboostsintakeofmeal,hay, andgrass.Theresultisfaster growth–calvesarereaching targetweaningweights11days earlier,”hesays.
Mattsharestheexampleofa StratfordfarmerwhousedCalf Xtremetoshiftfromfeeding 2Ltwicedailyto7-8Loncea-daybyday10.“Normally calvescan’thandlethatvolume
withoutscours,butCalf Xtremehelpsachievethis.With highermilkintake,betterudder tissueislaiddowninthefirst fiveweeks.Greatermealand grassintakesupportsstronger post-weaninggrowth.These heifers’milkproductionrose from74%to86%ofmixed-age cowoutput–aliftof50kgmilk solidsperheifer.”
Diseaseresilienceisalsoa keybenefit.BrookeandBlair McKenzierear800calves annuallyinKapuka.Last spring,theylostonlytwocalves afterleavingtherearingshed. Despitevaccinatingcows, rotaviruschallengespersist. Byincreasingdosesthreeto
Aftersuccessfullyrunninganadagency, JohnHerricksoughtanewchallenge. Withanengineeringbackgroundand entrepreneurialmindset,heaimedtobring innovationtoanindustry–andunexpectedly foundinspirationinGermany.
fourfoldduringoutbreaks, they’vebeenabletomaint highmilkrates.
“FollowingMatt’sadvice, nowfeed7-8Lofmilkonc dailybyday10insteadof twicedaily,”Brookeexplai “Hayconsumptionincreas andwithfastergrowthand strongerimmunity,ourcal handlerotavirusbetter.”
“ProbioticRevolutionis committedtopromotingC Xtremewithhighmilkrat raisestronger,higher-prod heifers,”Mattconcludes.
, a , ce 3 ins. sed, d lves Calf testo ducing
CheckthemoutatFieldays thismonth,fromJune11-14, orseetheiradvertonthispage formoreinformation.
Visitingafriend,hediscoveredasmall conservatoryprotectingawinterveggiegarden. Itwasn’tglassbutauniquepolycarbonate material,sparkinganidea.
AsJohntravelled,henoticedgreenhouses hadstagnated,unchangedfordecades.After consideringdifferentproductideas,hisfocus shiftedtomodulargreenhousekits–versatile spacesforgrowingfoodandrelaxation. ReturningtoNewZealand,hesetoutto revolutionisetheindustry.
“After12monthsofresearchanddevelopment, thefirstWinterGardenzgreenhousewas produced,”saysJohn.
“ProudlymadeinNewZealand,these greenhousesarecraftedbyKiwis,forKiwis–designedtothriveinlocalconditionswhile providingtheperfectspacetogrowandenjoy.”
Sincethen,JohnsaysWinterGardenzhas expandedintolargercommercialstructures, architecturalprojectsandspecialisedranges inquarantine,research,andautomation, “continuouslyevolvingitsproductrange whilestayingcommittedtoquality”.Formore informationaboutWinterGardenz,seetheir advertonthispage.
“Weusedtofeedourcalves2Ltwiceadayandnowwe’re7-8L onceaday.Ourheifersarenowdoing87%oftheproductionof mixedagecows.That’sanincreaseof12.1%or50kgmsbecause ofthechangeswehavemadetoourcalfrearing. John,Taranaki
"We’veslashedourcalfillnessanddeathsusingCalfXtreme.Just 212insickpensandonly8lossesoutof7,000calveslastyear. Thisyearisshapinguptobesimilar." Chris,Okoroire
StratfordfarmerJohnWeirwith heifersonhighonce-a-daymilkrates.
A12ftby20ftglasshouseinWarkworth.
Left:JohnHerrick.
GreenhousescraftedbyKiwisforKiwis
