Road to Mystery Creek 2026

Roadto Mystery Creek Mys C

Fieldays® 20 Whattoexpect

JamieMackay– TheCountryRadioHost

Wow!Icanhardlybelieveit’sbeenayearsince weallattendedFieldays2025. IlookedbacktoseewhatI’dwritten,12 monthsago,inthisverypublicationasIcelebrated threedecadesoffrontingupatMysteryCreek: So,30yearson,whatcanweexpect atFieldays2025?

Personally,I’mveryoptimistic.With thenotableexceptionofstrongwooland somehorticultural/arablecrops,returnsforfarmersand growersaregood,withthelikesofdairyandbeefat recordprices.Admittedlythiscomeswiththecaveatof recordpost-covid,on-farmcostinflationbuttimesare gettingbetter,despitethebesteffortsfromtheOrange ManintheWhitehouse.

Farmincomegoingup.Interestratesgoingdown.And hopefullyMotherNatureplayingball?Nowthere’sa goodrecipeforsomestrongtractorsalesatMystery Creek!

So,themorethingschange,themoretheystay thesame!Alotofwaterhaspassedunderthemany bridgesspanningthemightyWaikatoRiversincethis timeayearago.

Forstarters,strongwoolhashadaremarkable renaissance,albeitfromaverylowandunsustainable base.Oneyearago,theStrongWoolIndicator(SWI) wassittingat347centsperkg.Atthetimeofwriting,

it’sleaptto632cents.Afarcryfr lowsof2021whenitwascrashed Mindyou,ifyoulookbackadeca itwasat552cents.So,westillha waytogo.

romth d to16 adeto aveso

Arableandviticulturearestillre struggling.Kiwifruitandredmeat goinggangbusters,anddairyisd verynicely,thanks. Twelvemonthsago,wethough Trumphasdonehisworstwithhi tariffs.Inhindsightwehavefared remarkablywellinthefaceofsuc impositiononfreetrade.Howeve wehaven’tfaredquitesowellwit the2026fuelandfertilisercrisish createdforusintheMiddleEast Onceagainon-farmcostinflatio arealissuefortheprimarysecto

Unlikeayearago,interestrate arenowgoingupbutso,thankfu arefarmincomesformany.Moth Naturehasgenerallyplayedball manyFonterrafarmershaveban sizablecapitalrepaymentfromt theconsumerbrands.

Attheriskofrepeatingmyself 2025,nowthere’sagoodrecipe strongtractorsalesatMysteryC

eally t are doing ht s d chan er, th he’s nis or. es lly, her ,and nked a hesa from forso Creek!

Can’tTellaJohnDeerefromaMasseyFerguson?

Whenyoucan’ttellwhetherit’stheJohnDeere ortheoldMasseyfiringupdowntheroad,there’s afairchancetheearsaren’twhattheyusedtobe.

MostKiwifarmersareprettygoodatlooking afterthestock,keepinganeyeontheweather, andknowingwhenamachinedoesn’tsoundquite right.Buthearing?That’susuallysomewherenear thebottomofthelist,rightnexttoreplacingthat gateyou’vebeenmeaningtofixforthreeyears.

Thethingis,farming’shardonyourears.

Betweentractors,chainsaws,motorbikes,milking sheds,andbarkingdogs,there’splentyofnoise onthejobeveryday.Andhearinglossdoesn’t happenovernighteither.Itcreepsupslowlyuntil you’renoddingalongtoconversationsyoudidn’t actuallyhear,blamingthewindformissinghalf thechat,orturningtheuteradiouploudenough forthewholedistricttoenjoy.

NearlyonemillionKiwisexperiencehearing loss,andplentyofthemareblokeswho’vespent yearsworkingoutdoorsandaroundmachinery. Ifthemissusreckonsyou’regoingdeaf,oryou’re constantlysaying“eh?”attheyards,itmightbe worthtaking15minutesforafreehearingcheckat yourlocalTritonHearingclinic.

AfarmerfromTaumaranuishared:

“Mywifewhoalwayscomplainedaboutmy hearingmademetakethetestandsureenough itshowedproblems.Igotaphonecallreferring meovertotheTritonHearingclinicinTaupoand prettymuchgotitallsorted.Andnowjustwaiting onACCformyhearingaid.Icertainlythinkmywife willbesuperhappy.”

AspartofTritonHearing’s,BetterHearing Guarantee,clientshaveaccesstotheverylatest advancementsinhearingtechnology-ensuring solutionsaretailoredtoindividuallifestyles, environmentsandlevelsofhearingloss.

ForfarmersandruralKiwiswhospendtimein noisysheds,stocksales,communityeventsor aroundmachinery,thePhonakAudéo™Sphereis designedtohelpconversationsstandoutfrom backgroundnoisetomakespeechclearerand

easiertofollow,eveninbusyenvironments*.

Forthoseseekingacustom-madesolution,the PhonakVirto™RInfiniocombinesadvancedsound technologywithanear-budstyledesignthat workswellforactive,hands-onlifestyles.Suitable formildthroughtoprofoundhearingloss,it deliversclear,naturalsoundwithoutgettinginthe wayofday-to-daywork.

Hearingtechnologyhascomealongwayfrom theclunkyoldwhistle-and-feedbackjobspeople remember.Thesedaysthey’resmart,discreetand builttohandlereal-worldenvironments,including windypaddocks,noisymachineryandbusysheds.

AtTritonHearing,there’snosurchargeforACC approvedclientsonselectedhearingaids.Plus Farmlandscardholderscangetanexclusive15% rebate.

Becausebetterhearingisn’tjustabouthearing clearly,it’saboutstayingconnectedtoyourfarm,

yourfamilyandthelifehappeningaroundyou, fromthemilkingshed,tothedinnertable,and everywhereinbetween.

Call0800454549todiscussyourhearing withtheTritonHearingexpertsorbookyourfree hearingcheckonlineattritonhearing.co.nz.

*Real-timeAImeansthattheAIDNN(DeepNeutral Network)hasbeentrainedonsoundsamplesto separatespeechfrombackgroundnoisebyprocessing theaudiosignalinreal-time.Thisapproachis fundamentallydifferentfromtheuseofAIforsoundor acousticsceneclassification,whichisusedincurrent hearingaidsinthemarket.Thereal-timeAIsignal processingisperformedbytheDEEPSONIC™chip,which isincludedinthePhonak AudéoSphereInfinio platformtogetherwiththe PhonakERA™chip.

Lookingbackintimeat theFieldays…1989

FieldaysatMysteryCreekfromJune14to 17,1990.

MysteryCreekgoesinternational In1989,articlesbeganemergingabouta majorinternationalexpositionscheduled tobeheldinHamiltonthefollowingyear,as partofNewZealand’scommemorationof 150yearsofnationhood.

TheeventwastobeknownastheWorld AgriculturalExpo90,anditwastobethe focusofthe22ndNewZealandAgricultural

Expo90,withapromotionalbudgetin excessof$700,000,wastofeaturethe WorldAgriculturalForumandtobeheld overthethreedaysprecedingtheFieldays.

ThethemeoftheForumwastobe futuristic,lookingatagriculturetowardsthe year2000,withanemphasisoninternational marketingandthecontinuingimpactofthe EuropeanEconomicCommunity.

Atleast10acknowledgedworld authoritiesonvariousspecialistagricultural areasweretobeinvitedtospeak.

Theforumwasalsotolinkwiththe traditionalNewZealandFarmers Conferenceandopendaysorganisedby theMinistryofAgricultureandFisheries, RuakuraAgriculturalCentre.

NationalFieldaysSocietyPresident ColinGordgesaid,“Itisappropriatethata celebrationofagriculture’simpactonthe nationaleconomyanditscontributionon aninternationalbasisshouldcomeduring animportantmilestoneinNewZealand’s history.

AsreportedbyMrGordge,19countries hadbeeninvitedbytheMinisterof Agriculturetoparticipate,andorganisers

areconfidentthatatleasteightnationswill becomeinvolved.

NewZealandwasexpectedtohavea strongpresenceintheExpoareafrom theNewZealandproducerandmarketing boards,theMinistryofAgricultureand Fisheriesandleadingdairycompanies.

Withanextraexhibitiondayandthe internationalfocus,theorganiserswere stronglypredictingarecord-breaking attendanceofatleast85,000,upfromthe regularFieldayscrowdof65,000.

Withmorethan500NewZealand exhibitors,itisexpectedtobethebiggest eventinthehistoryoftheFieldays.

TheFieldaysnowhasover100,000 visitorsoverthe4-dayeventwithover1200 exhibitors.

Whilepreparationwasinforceforthe WorldAgriculturalExpotobeheldin 1990,thefeatureatthe1989Fieldayswas horsepower.Andbyhorsepower,they meantfocusingonthebloodstockindustry.

Eventhoughthetractorwastobe highlightedinanotherfeaturehappening attheFieldays,100yearsofthetractor, thebloodstockindustrywasthesixth largestexportearner,andorganisersfelt itdeservedtheFieldaysappellation,’The horse1989-IndustriesoftheFuture’

Organisedwereguestappearancesby well-knowngallopers,trotters,andpacers, includingtheirridersanddrivers,aspartof themainfeature.

Alongsidethisfinebloodstockwastobe upto150vintagetractorswhichwereto clankandrattletheirwayfromCambridge toMysteryCreekasanimpressive introductiontothe1989Fieldays,all thankstotheWaikatoVintageTractorand Machineryclub.Thereweretobemodels fromallaroundNewZealand.

OnekeenexhibitorfromNightcapsnear Invercargilldrovehis1944McCormicktractor allthewaytotheFieldays.Nowthatis dedicationforyou!

Bookapersonalisedpropertyappraisalforyourrural,lifestyleor provincialresidentialpropertyduringMay,JuneorJulyandyou willgointhedrawtowinoneoftwoHOOGAoutdoorfireplaces!

ScantheQRcode tobookyour appraisaland enterthedraw.

Full House for Fieldays

Momentum is building for this year’s Fieldays, and preparations are now in full swing for what organisers say is shaping up to be one of the strongest events in recent years.

New Zealand National Fieldays

Society Chief Executive Richard

Lindroos says confidence across the agricultural sector is clearly reflected in the demand for exhibitor space

“If you have been wondering whether Fieldays is shaping up to be a good one the answer is a resounding‘you betcha’,” says Lindroos

More than 1 115 exhibitors across 1 335 sites will take part this year, showcasing everything from cutting-edge agri-tech and heavy farm machinery through to artisan food products rural services and new-tomarket vehicles

According to Brett Beagley General Manager of Commercial and Marketing, the sold-out site map sends a strong signal about the importance of Fieldays within New Zealands primary industries

“To have every available exhibitor site sold underscores that the industry sees Fieldays not only as an essential agricultural event but signals strong confidence from the agricultural sector” he says

For visitors the packed exhibitor lineup means plenty of opportunities to explore new technology, compare products, discover innovations and connect directly with industry experts

But while the event itself spans just four

days the work behind the scenes is a yearround operation

Planning for the next Fieldays begins almost immediately after the previous one ends with organisers undertaking months of coordination logistics and site planning to deliver an event of this scale Exhibitors also invest significant time preparing displays, transporting equipment and building sites designed to showcase their businesses to tens of thousands of visitors

This year sees the return of the Fieldays creative theme, “Your Place” which represents a nod to the strong sense of connection many people associate with the annual event

For many in the rural sector, Fieldays has become more than a business event It is a chance to reconnect with clients suppliers friends and colleagues from across the country while celebrating the industries that help drive New Zealand’s economy

“Fieldays isn’t just an event it’s a national strategic asset that brings together the best of our primary industries in one place, says Lindroos

“If you want to see what drives New Zealand Fieldays is where it happens ”

Tickets for Fieldays are available now through the official Fieldays website

You’ve improved the farm. Now improve how you live on it.

The work’s done The view’s earned

Now make it usable, year round.

Archgola outdoor rooms and outdoor blinds are designed to fit your home and handle New Zealand conditions, so you can sit back, whatever rolls in

It works Season after season

Installed by local experts, nationwide

Get in touch for a free consultation

FieldaysFieldsofdreams

wholookeddeeplyinterestedinyournew Claasharvesterprobablyisn’tcomparing horsepoweroraskingtechnicalquestions aboutharvestingefficiency.He’sthere becausesomebodythreesitesoverhanded outfreelolliesandthere’snowarumour circulatingaboutastressballshapedlikea harvester.

AndeveryyearatMysteryCreek,that’s exactlywhathappens.

Theybuildit,andwecome.

WecomefromalloverNewZealand.In Hiluxes,Rangers,Tritons,Navaras,oldfarm utesheldtogetherbybalingtwine,bog,anda fewfadedradiostationstickersfromthe90s. And,withoutalertingDavidHasselhoff,there’s probablyevenasharkortwoquietlycircling theFieldayswaters.

WecomeinSwanndris,RedBands, one-size-toosmallHarlequinShorts, moreSwanndris,andifyou’revisitingfrom Canterbury,R.M.Williamsboots,anAertex shirt,withwhatIassumeissomekindof secretChrist’sCollegehandshake.

Wecomearmedwithfertilisercompany keepcupsfromFieldays2023,backpacks carryingacoupleofhealthysnacksbecause onecannotliveonsausagesizzlesalone,and acarefullymarked-outsitemapthattracks ourintendedjourneyaroundMysteryCreek likeHillary’s1953summitroute.

BecausetheFieldaysisn’tjustanevent.

It’safieldofdreams.

Well,actually,severalfieldsofdreams.

Andthebeautifulthingis,weallcomewitha differentdream,adifferentreason.

Kidscomeforthefreestuff.Sorryto someexhibitors,butthatseven-year-old

Someofuscometobuy.

Somecometosell.

Somecometocompareside-by-side vehicleswiththeseriousnessofinternational tradenegotiations.

Otherscomepurelytocatchupwithpeople theyhaven’tseensincelastyear’sFieldays andsomehowcontinueconversationsexactly wheretheyleftoff,asthoughnotimehas passedatall.Afterall,thisisyourplace.

Andthentherearethepeoplewho’ve watchedClarkson’sFarmanddecidedthis wholefarmingthinglooksquitecharmingand thatperhapsJeremyClarksonorKalebmight appear.

Youcanusuallyspotthesepeoplebecause they’rewearingTommasoloafersandhave slowlyworkedoutthatsuedemightnothave beentherightchoiceforthisparticularevent, andthatperhapstheyshould’vegonewith theboatshoesafterall.

ButmyfavouritepeopleatFieldaysarethe innovators.

Becauseunderneathallthegumboots, coffeecarts,utedeals,andconversations aboutwhetherfogisjustlowcloudorcloudis highfog,theFieldaysisreallyacelebrationof Kiwiingenuity.

Everysecondsitefeelslikeitstartedwith somebodystandinginapaddock,getting

frustrated,andthinking,“Therehastobea betterwaytodothis.”

AndKiwisarebloodygoodatthat.

We’vealwaysbeengoodatit.

Thisisthecountrythathelpedpioneer electricfencingbecauseBillGallagher neededsomethingtostophishorserubbing againstthefamilycar.

Thecountrythatchangedfarmingforever throughrefrigeratedshipping.Thecountry whereSirWilliamHamiltonlookedatshallow riversanddecidedpropellershanging underneathboatsprobablyweren’tideal.

EventheTrekka,NewZealand’sanswer totheLandRover,wasbuiltwiththisexact attitude.Slightlyunderpowered,and possessingalltheaerodynamicqualitiesofa gardenshed,butbecauseitwasKiwi-made, we(me)absolutelylovedit.

Andthat’sthethingIlovemostabout theFieldays.Youwalkaroundlongenough andeventuallyyou’llhearoneofthehighest complimentsaKiwiinventorcanreceive.

“Bugger…that’sactuallyabloodygood idea.”

Becausetheinnovationsyouseeat Fieldaysdon’tcomefromboardroomsor billion-dollarbrainstormingsessions.

Theycomefromfrustration.

Fromnecessity.

That’swhythebestideasatFieldaysoften feelsoobviousafterwards.

Theyusuallycomefromsomebodyfinally gettingsickofdoingsomethingthehardway.

Likestandingintherainwrestlingwith agatethat’sasbentasthesocialcricket bowler’sarm,thinking,“Surelythere’sa betterwaytodothis.”Orspendinghalfthe

afternoontryingtomovestockfromone paddocktoanotherwithadogandthree kids,beforewonderingifsomeonecould inventasmartcollarsystemforchildrento ‘halter’thechaos.

Andeveryyearthere’salwayssomething. Somecleverbitofkityouwalkpast,stop, andthink,“Bugger…that’sactuallyabloody goodidea.”

Usuallyit’ssomethingsimple.Atoolthat replacesthreeothers.Agatesystemthat saveshalfanhouraday.Orapieceof machinerythatlookslikeitwasdesignedbya NASAengineer,butwasactuallydreamedup byakiwistandinginamuddypaddock Andthisyearwillbenodifferent.These greatinventorsandtheirinventionswillbeout inforce.

I’dpersonallylovetoseetheTrekka2.0. Mindyou,totrulyhonourtheoriginalTrekka,it wouldprobablyneedtorustslightlywhenever moistureappearsandbeawkwardly underpoweredformosttasks.

Andsurelysomebodyhascreatedapair ofRedBandsintheSwanndricheck.Note:if thishasn’talreadybeenpatented,I’dlikethe recordtoshowI’mclaimingitnow.

So,asIsaidatthestart,formetheFieldays reallyarefieldsofdreams.Theybuildit,and wecome.

Andwecomeformanyreasons.

Butforme,IcometoseeKiwiinnovation. TowanderaroundMysteryCreeklookingat ideasborninworkshops,woolsheds,garages, andmuddypaddocks,andthink,“Bugger… we’reacleverbunch.”

Andtowalkawaysmiling,knowingfarming isinprettygoodhands.

PoweringruralNZ fromspace

UnlocksmarterfarmingwithOneNewZealand’s satellitemobileandIoT.

OnfarmsacrossAotearoa,staying connectedmatters.Forsafety, productivity,andkeepingthings runningdaytoday.

Yetfordecades,largepockets ofruralNewZealandhave operatedbeyondthe reachoftraditional mobilenetworks, with40%of Aotearoa’s landmass without celltower coverage. Servicehas beenpatchyat best(ifavailable atall),resultingin limitedvisibilityof stock,delayeddecisionmaking,andincreasedrisk whenworkinginisolatedlocations. Butnotanymore.

OneNZ’ssatellitemobileandIoT solutionsarechangingthewayKiwi live,work,andplayonthefarm.

UsingOneNZSatellite,farmers cannowTXTanduseselectmobile appsanywheretheyhavealineof sighttothesky-notowersrequired. Nigglyjobslikeroundinguplivestock ontheloose,dealingwith breakdownsinthefurthest paddocks,orsending wordofarepairjob thatneedstobe sortedurgently arenowa loteasierto manage.

Butthe biggershiftfor farmersisusing thatconnectivity totransformhow theyoperatewith satelliteIoTsolutionslike virtualfencingcollarsforcattle (inpartnershipwithHalter),nextgenerationassetmanagement,and satellite-enabledwatersensors. Solar-poweredsmartcollarsfrom HalterarenowconnectedtoOneNZ

Satellite,allowingfarmerstomanage cattlewithoutphysicalfencesor on-farmnetworkinfrastructure.A truegamechangerforbeeffarmers workingacrosslarge,ruggedor remoteland!

Insteadofbuildingandmaintaining extensivefencingorinstalling multipletowers,farmerscanguide andcontaincattlevirtually.Grazing canbeoptimisedinrealtime, unlockingpreviouslydifficult-tomanageareasofthefarm.And somestationswillbeabletoreplace dozensoftowerswithasingle, seamlesssolution.It’sano-brainer: betterlanduse,reducedfencing infrastructure,andincreasedaccess toreal-timeinsightsintolivestock healthandwellbeing. Elsewhereonthefarm,satelliteenabledsensorsprovidereal-time monitoringoftanklevels,andnextgenerationassetmanagement helpsfarmerslocatetheirequipment usingsatellite-connectedasset trackers.

Thesearejustafewexamplesof satelliteconnectivityandIoTcoming togethertodeliverrealvalue.More thanbasicconnectivity,it’sabout usingworld-leadingtechnologyto powerpracticalsolutionsthathelp ruralKiwibecomemoreefficient andresilient,eveninthemost remoteconditions.

Thefutureofruralconnectivityis here,andOneNZcanhelpyouget themostfromit. Visittheirteam atFieldays(sitePE50intheMain Pavilion)tolearnmore. one.nz/satellite

Terms:OneNZSatellite:TXT/MMSinminutesanduse dataonselectapps.Requireseligiblephone/deviceand plan/IoTplan.Requireslineofsighttothesky.Limited appfeatures.PaidAdd-Onmayapply.Terms,fairuse, standardMMSchargesandcapacitycontrolapplies.

Why more kiwi farmers are switching to solar

Reduced power bills. Energy independence. Protection when storms hit. Edward and Angeline Hardies’ Far North dairy farm shows what on-farm solar can really do

For many kiwi farmers solar energy has shifted from a cur osity to a genuine business decision and the numbers are making that conversation easier every year Edward and Angeline Hardie who run Orcada, a 700-cow dairy operation outside Kaeo n North and made the sw tch to solar at the beginning of 2026 Their farm is now running on predo solar energy monthly costs are down 80% a on a c ear summer’s day they are generating close to everything they need Thats what solar done well looks like ACCESS TO CAPITAL HAS NEVER BEEN EASIER

The core financ al cas for on-farm solar has n been stronger From bank-lending products designed specifically for farmers, to the Government’s Investment Boost scheme which provides a 20% tax deduction on new assets, the options have widened Not to forget the proceeds from a timely Dairy co-op payout But Hardies story goes beyond the economics

RESILIENCE FOR WHEN THE GRID FAILS

This is the benefit that doesn’t show up in a payback spreadsheet Northland farmers know what it means to lose power for days after extreme weather events, l ke cyc ones and floods Hardie’s farm was experiencing up to three outages a year before the nstallation Each one created real risk

ern: uncontrolled vat ratures lack of wash wn capability and yg ene issues and most critica ly, 700 lactating cows that needed milking regardless of what the grid was doing

“You can claim nsurance on m lk

But if you ve got 700 cows that are actating and you n’t mi k them that’s ma welfare N Energy system combining rooftop panels ground-mount arrays and a Pylontech

A100 battery (the first installed in New Zealand) changed that calculus entire y

When the grid goes down, Orcada keeps running The battery stores enough charge to power at least one full milk ng, with the panels topp ng it up from first light The cows get

milked The r sk is m tigated

A SYSTEM BUILT AROUND YOUR FARM

What matters is des gning a system around how a farm’s operation actually works when farmers use energy how reliable the grid connection is, and what they are actual y trying to achieve

That’s the approach ZEN Energy took with Hard e Before recommending anything, ZEN spent time understand ng the shape of the farm’s energy demand: the early-morning milking spike the seasonal variation the resilience requirements

They were wil ing to take time answering my questions and personalising the solution for our farm ”

The result is a system that Hardie actively manages through an app: monitoring generation storage and consumption in rea time and adjusting how much he stores versus sells depending on the weather forecast It’s solar that works with a farming mindset not against it Surplus generat on doesn t go to waste e ther Any energy Hardie’s farm doesn’t use gets sold back to the grid, turning a cost centre into a partial revenue stream

THE RIGHT TIME TO MAKE THE MOVE Hard e had been think ng about alternative

SOLAR AND BATTERY FOR YOUR FARM

energy since they bought the farm n 2011

What changed wasn t his interest it was the economics

For farmers still weighing it up his advice is straightforward, look at your own situat on, work out what you’re trying to achieve and then find the system that fits The pr cing is compel ing The resilience s real And the technology, properly designed, will outlast the next decade of whatever the New Zealand climate has n store ”

FIND OUT WHAT SOLAR COULD DO FOR YOUR FARM

ZEN Energy offers a free so ar feasibi ity assessment for farms across New Zealand including generation potent al, storage siz ng, and payback modelling zenenergy co nz | 0800 936 695

Come & see us at PE4 in the Pavilion

Thecrocodile pitcouldbethe makingof thesestudents

StPaul’sCollegiateSchool,Hamilton,wasoneofthefirstschoolsin NewZealandtoofferAgribusinessasasecondaryschoolsubject andcontinuestoplayaleadingroleintheprogrammenationally.

KemOrmond

Developedinpartnershipwith organisationsincludingDairyNZ andBeef+LambNewZealand, thisprogrammepreparesstudentsfor futurepathwaysacrossprimaryindustries, business,science,andinnovationsectors.

TheAnnualCrocodilePitissimilartothe showTheDragon’sDen,andeachyear,Year 13studentsdevelopandpresentinnovative businessideasthroughtheCrocodilePit competition,supportedbyRabobank.

Thecompetitionchallengesstudents toapplytheiragribusinessknowledgeina practicalsettingandpresenttheirideasto anindependentpanelofindustryjudges.

Thisyear’sjudgeswereCarlaMuller,Bob Weir,AndyMacLeod,AlastairGriggandDr JulieMcDade.

Threeteamswintheopportunitytoput theirinnovativeideastoateamatthe Fieldays,andfromthere,eitheroneorall threearechosentobeintheInnovationTent forfourdaysattheFieldays.

“Inthepast,StPaul’sstudentshave achievednationalsuccessthroughthe programme,includingYoungInnovatorof theYearawards.Somehaveevenhadtheir inventionpurchased,”saysKerryAllen,Head ofAgribusinessatStPaul’s.

Thethreewinningentriesthatwillbeon showattheFieldaysareSmoothSIp,Tractor ArmourandPigprop.

SmoothSip–LottieHarrison,Graciela NealQuinn,andKateHicks.

WinnersofFirstPrize,$400,andanentry intotheNationalFieldaysInnovations Competition!

SmoothSip isaproductthatallowscalves todrinkwithoutworryingaboutgetting amouthfulofpowderwhiledrinkingtheir milk.Thisproductisanextenderwitha built-inmeshplatemadeforacalfeteriaor penfeeder.Itisanattachmentforfeeding

clean,filtered,non-clumpedmilktocalves. TheobjectiveatSmoothSipistoprovide ahigh-qualityproductthatreducesmilk powderwastage,supportscalfhealthand wellbeing,achievessteadysalesgrowth, ensurescustomersatisfaction,andoperates sustainablyandresponsibly.

2ndPlaceinCrocodilePit2026

TractorArmour– AngusWeir,Lachie Young,JamesVerry,andLucyMcLeanBluck.Winnersof$300andyouwillseethem attheFieldays.

TractorArmourisaheavy-dutysteel guardfittedtothefrontofatractorto protectthebonnet,grill,radiator,andengine compartmentfromdamage.Itisespecially usefulinorchardenvironments,wheretight rowsandlowbranchescandentorbreak keycomponentsofthetractor.Theguard ismadefromstrongperforatedsteelrods andmesh,whichprovidessolidprotection whilenotdisruptingairflow.Thedesignis durable,practical,andbuilttohandletough agriculturalandhorticulturalconditions. TractorArmourhelpsreducerepaircosts, preventdowntime,andextendtractorlife.

3rdPlaceintheCrocodilePit

PigProp– MaxClausen,HughTrower, HazelChurch,andOliviaWaddell.Winners of$200andaplaceintheNationalFieldays Innovationscompetition.

Alightweightmetalrackdesignedto convenientlytransportandstorepigtails, whichcanattachtoamotorbikeor 4-wheeler.Itisshapedlikeanupside-down Vwithbracketsonthesides,withstrapsthat allowthepigtailstobetransportedsafely lengthwisewithouttheriskofthemfallingoff ormoving.

So,ifattendingFieldays,theInnovation Tentistheplacetoheadfor.StPaul’s CollegiateSchoolalsohasastandinthe Pavilionforpast,presentandfuturefamilies tovisit.Site55.

Seewhatourfutureagriculturalleaders haveinstoreforyouacrossbothexhibits.

TheForestryHubisbackatFieldaysthisJune,bringingtogether thepeople,technologyandideasshapingthefutureof NewZealandforestryandwoodprocessing.

ReturningforitsfifthyearatMystery Creek,Hamilton,thehubwill featureinteractiveexhibits,live demonstrationsandhands-onactivities, givingvisitorsafirsthandexperienceofone ofNewZealand’slargestprimaryindustries.

Visitorswillgetanup-closelookat thetechnologydrivingmodernforestry operations,withtheopportunitytotry harvestingusingavirtualrealitysimulator –orcanseeourtechinactionthroughlive dronedemonstrations.

There’splentyforfamiliestoo,from treeidentificationchallenges,stepping intosafetygearandexploringtheon-site creativetimberinnovationslikewooden surfboardsandacustom-builtcabinmade fromarangeofNewZealand-growntree species.

Aseriesofforums,talksandQ&Asessions willrunthroughouttheweekforthewider agri-community,coveringtopicssuchas biomassenergy,theEmissionsTrading Schemeandnativetreegrowing.

ForestGrowersLevyTrustchiefexecutive DrElizabethHeegsaystheForestryHub isaboutgivingpeopleacloserlookata primaryindustrythatmanymaynotfully understand.

“Forestrytodayisprobablynotwhat peoplepictureintheirminds,”shesays. “Fieldaysgivesusthechancetoshowwhat modernforestryactuallylookslikebehind

ThankstoNewZealand’ssustainableforests, woodplaysakeypartintheeverydaythingswerelyon. Thepageyou’reholdingstartedinaforesttoo.

Discovermoreat:

the‘wallofgreen’andhowmuchthesector hasevolved-fromadvancedtechnology andhighlyskilledoperatorsthroughto newandinnovativewoodproductsand manufacturingtechniques.

“It’salsoanopportunitytotakepeople onajourneyastohowintegralproduction forestsaretoeverydaylife.Ourforests supportaround40,000jobsacrossthemotu andsupplymaterialsweallrelyon–from homesandfurnituretopaperproducts, packagingandvalue-addedproductslike pharmaceuticals.

“Forestsplayanimportantrolein supportingcleanair,waterquality, biodiversityandbroaderenvironmental wellbeing,too.

“Visitorswillbeabletoexplorethesemany facetsofoursector,includingthediversity offorestownershipacrossAotearoaNew Zealand-Māorilandownerswithsignificant forestryinterestsandintergenerational approachestothestewardshipofwhenua, throughtofarmforesterswhointegrate treesintowiderfarming systems.”

VisittheForestryHub atSiteG80,Mystery CreekEventsCentre, Hamiltonfrom10-13 June.

Savingforyourfirsthomeorplanning forretirement?KiwiSaverisapowerful waytogrowyourmoney,but34%of membershavelessthan$10,000saved.* Bookano-obligation15minutecheck-in withoneofouradvisersabouthow FisherFundscanhelpyoumakethe mostofyourmoney.

fisherfunds.co.nz/checkin

ABOVE:PedigreeregisteredBrahmanbullBalooandJessHoggardatHorseshoe Lane.BELOWLEFT:JamieHoggard&5FTFARMERSALBERT(Bulls4schoolsComriepark)BELOWRIGHT:FreyaAnnHoggard(4yrs)sittingon5FTFARMERS “HEARTSSTOLEN

CharolaisandBrahmancattle

Intheir20s,yetfirmlyfocusedonthefuture,sistersJamieandJess HoggardaresteadilybuildinganameforthemselvesinNorthland’s cattleindustry.

KemOrmond

BasedinWhangārei,thepairsharea clearambition,toestablishapedigree CharolaisandBrahmanstuddefined byqualitybreedingandstrongstockmanship. Althoughtheirpersonalitiesdiffer,with Jamiepreferringworkingbehindthe sceneswhileJessismorecomfortableas thespokesperson,thesistersareunitedin purpose.Theirapproachisdeliberateand disciplined,prioritisinggeneticqualityover herdsize.

Jamie,28,initiallypursueddairyfarming beforedecidingitwasnottherightlong-term fit.In2023,shebeganbreedingCharolais cattleonhergrandmother’spropertyin Whangārei,alongsideasmallflockofselfsheddingsheep.Havingachievedhergoals withthesheep,sheshiftedherfocusfullyto cattle.

Today,Jamiemanagesaround50headof Charolaisacrosstwoproperties:thehome blockandagrazingblockatRiponui,arural localityapproximately25minutesaway.While theRiponuiblockhaslimitedinfrastructure, consistinglargelyofanoldcowshed,Jamie viewsthechallengeaspartofthejourney.

“IamsogladthatIhavequietcattle becausethereiscertainlyalackof infrastructure,”shesays.“Wemanage,andas theysay,Romewasn’tbuiltinaday.”

SisterJess,23,haslonghadanaffinityfor Brahmancattle.Earlierthisyear,shejoined Jamieinanewventure,withthesisters

becomingco-ownersofaBrahmanherd. “Weweresoluckythatalocalcattle breeder,JoannaTaylorfromLonghillFarms inKawakawa,Northland,knewaBrahman cross-bredcattlebreederfromKerikeri,and sheintroducedustohim,”theysaid.

Thisledthemtopurchasecrossbredheifers andinvestinimportedembryostostrengthen theirgenetics.

TheyhavenowsecuredalltheBrahman cattlesementheyrequirefromAustraliaand arecurrentlyselectingwhichcowinAustralia toflushfrom.

Presently,theyarerunningfivecrossbred Brahmanheifersalongsideapedigree Brahmanbull,withplanstoexpandthrough breedinginthecomingseasons.Thesisters areparticularlyoptimisticaboutspring, whentheyexpecttoseetheresultsoftheir breedingprogrammebegintotakeshape.

Theyhaveplansfortheirfirstpedigree saleinSeptember,andthiswillbeheldatthe Maungakarameasalesyard.

Lookingahead,theHoggardsistersare preparingtohighlighttheircattleatthe WhangāreiA&PShowinDecember,where theyplantopresentatamedBrahmancross. “Wewantpeopletoenjoyinteractingwith themandtoseejusthowcalmandwellnaturedtheseanimalscanbe,”saysJess.

Withaclearvision,practicalexperience, andgrowingindustrysupport,thesistersare wellontheirwaytoachievingtheirlong-term goalofestablishingarespectedpedigree stud.

andchippersandgetadealonarangeof

SmartExhangeTradedFunds(ETFs)give youasimplewaytoacessNewZealand andglobalinvestments.

WhenyouinvestinaSmartETF,you’re buyingabasketofinvestments-suchas shares,bondsorotherassets.Allinone fund.InNZD

Experiencedinvestorsoftensay‘Don’t lookfortheneedle.Justbuytheentire haystack’.

VolunteerstheDriving ForceBehind58Years ofFieldays

Behindthecrowds,innovationandexcitementofFieldaysisa dedicatedteamofvolunteerswhohelpkeepthecountry’slargest agriculturaleventrunningyearafteryear.

Lastyearalone,151volunteers contributedtheirtimeacrossa widerangeofroles,helpingsupport everythingfromparkingandticketing tocustomerengagementandexhibitor services.

AccordingtoBethJobin,People&Culture ExecutivefortheNewZealandNational FieldaysSociety,volunteersremainatthe heartoftheevent’slong-standingsuccess.

“Ourvolunteersarethereasonwe havereached58years,”shesays.“Their commitmentandpassionarewhatkeep thetraditionalive.Everyyear,welookfor newfacestojoinusandbecomepartof somethingtrulyspecial.”

Likemanymajorcommunityevents, Fieldaysreliesonaconstantflowofnew volunteersaslong-servingsupportersretire, relocateorstepbackafteryearsofservice.

ForretiredseedindustryspecialistPeter Fisher,volunteeringatFieldayshasbecome bothrewardingandsocial.Fisherfirstsigned upduringtheevent’s50thanniversaryin 2018andnowhelpsmanagethemobility parkingarea.

“IhadalwaysenjoyedcomingtoFieldays duringmyworkinglifeandwondered whatitwouldbeliketovolunteer,”hesays. “Volunteeringisagoodsocialthingtodo,

enablingyoutogivebacktothecommunity. Youmakelifelongfriends.”

Long-timevolunteerAnitavanBeek hasalsoexperiencedthestrongsense ofcamaraderiethatcomeswithhelping behindthescenes.Herinvolvementwith Fieldaysbeganintheearly2000sthrough NZYoungFarmersbeforeofficiallyjoining theSocietyasavolunteerin2014.

Overtheyearsshehasworkedacross severalareas,includingsiteservices, exhibitorsupport,trafficmanagementand visitorshuttledriving.

“WhatIlovemostisthesenseofteam unity,”saysvanBeek.“It’sincredibly satisfyingtobepartofsomethingso dynamicandtointeractwithsuchawide varietyofpeople.”

Newervolunteersarealsomakingtheir mark.KeithFlockhartjoinedtheteamin 2024andwasrecognisedwiththeSociety’s VolunteerRookieoftheYearAwardafter assistingwithpre-eventsignageinstallation andongoingweedcontrolworkthroughout theyear.

Jobinsaysvolunteersplayavitalrole notonlyindeliveringFieldays,butalsoin supportingtheSociety’swidermissionof advancingagricultureinNewZealand.

The forest came with the ute

He took on the big boys and is still here to tell the tale

Kem Ormond reflects on and catches up with a local wool broker taking on the big boys.

Kem Ormond

It takes a lot of grit and determination to take on the big boys, as Richard Kells of Kells Wool did when he came down our metal road

His timing was perfect and having felt a little disgruntled with our wool buyer at the time we thought why not give this local wool broker our wool clip and see what he could do with it

You could tell he enjoyed the banter with the farmers, and he loved wool, and now 40 years later, nothing has changed Still enjoying the positivity of Hawke’s Bay farmers and the love of wool, maybe even stronger

Richard Kells is now the only remaining wool broker selling by auction in Napier His family-owned and operated business, Kells Wool has been headquartered in Hawke’s Bay for the past 40 years and takes pride in the fact that they reliably shepherd highquality wool through the sales process and achieve good prices

The founder and company director says Kells Wool remains committed to Napier, in spite of the fact that two of the biggest wool brokers in the country have departed, centralising their operations in the South Island It’s what both the buyers and growers want, he says – their support providing a mandate to continue delivering a focused service from a Hawkes Bay base

still be home for d nner says Richard At their first auction as the sole Hawke’s Bay broker, held a few weeks ago at the Hawke’s Bay Club the mood was buoyant with multiple buyers expressing their gratitude that Kells Wool had stood its ground and remained in the region At the May event Kells’ auctioneer achieved a price increase of 19 cents clean, or 279% above the national auction held the week before in Christchurch “Exporters showed their support and the biggest and best lot achieved the highest clean price of 619 cents Full credit goes to the grower elect ng to shear two months early to reduce weather damage – his average return per bale was $857”

Lambswool sold well too with longer lots above 75mm attracting the best prices We had a full bench of buyers and some determined bidding which delivered prices at the top levels of the wool market recovery we’re experiencing this year” Richard goes on It gives confidence that a small independent catalogue can achieve the best results in the market ”

“I think the future of wool is good; the farmers are no longer losing money when they shear and there is every chance of finally making progress

There needs to be some serious discussions on how New Zealand wool is promoted, and I would like to see that happen sooner rather than later” says Kells Kells Wool isn t resting on its laurels, however and Richard says he and his team will continue to innovate They re already utilising video technology to reach a wider audience We re planning several improvements to our warehouse in Pandora and an investment in labour-saving plant and technology There will also be an expansion into wool product development, marketing and retail

“At first I was thinking I’d follow along and move south, says Richard It seemed that was where the market would be But it was the buyers who helped me change my mind ” Richard’s customers shared his concerns about how expensive operating out of Christchurch would be for both broker and buyer The cost of freight via the Cook Strait ferry had climbed more than 60% due to fuel prices and transit times for samples to be shipped from Napier to Christchurch were three days if there were no ferry disruptions ballooning out to two weeks when capacity was tight “Whereas we were able to pick up a clip off some trading lambs on a Thursday morning, have it in the Monday catalogue and se l on Tuesday”

Because Kells Wools catalogue is small “out of towners can fly up from Christchurch or drive from Wellington, view the wool in the morning buy at auction that afternoon and

“We are continually evolving, innovating and always putting the wool growers interests first, while still giving the buyers a fair shake We know wool auctions afford the best prices and we believe it’s to the growers advantage to have easy access to them ”

With the ability to source wool from a larger segment of the North Island and local wool grower support, we will maintain regular Napier auctions indefinitely”

FromDruryto MysteryCreek: Showcasingthe futureofflexible housing

InterestisgrowingaroundNew Zealand’srecentlyintroduced consent-freegrannyflatregulations andKeithHayHomesispreparingto unveilanexcitingnewadditiontotheir transportablehousingrangeatthisyear’s Fieldays.

Forthefirsttimeinseveralyears,the companywillbringaphysicalhometo theevent,givingvisitorstheopportunity towalkthroughoneofsevennewplans beingreleasedaspartofKeithHay Homes’upcoming70m2MinorDwelling range.

Designedwithflexibilityinmind,thenew rangerespondstoagrowingdemand fromruralandlifestylepropertyowners seekingpractical,adaptablehousing options.Whetherit’saccommodationfor extendedfamily,independentlivingfor olderparents,housingforfarmworkers, downsizing,orcreatinganadditional incomestream,compacthomesare

increasinglysoughtafteracrossrural communities.

ThehomeshowcasedatMysteryCreek hasbeenconstructedatthecompany’s Drurymanufacturingyardandwillbe transportedtothesiteaheadofthe event,showcasingtheefficiencyofKeith HayHomes’off-siteconstructionmodel.

Buildinghomesinacontrolled manufacturingenvironmentallows fortighterqualitycontrol,improved workflowefficiency,andgreater consistencythroughoutthebuild process.Italsoenablesmultipletrades andsupplierstoworkcollaboratively inonelocation,helpingstreamline timelineswhilemaintainingastrong focusonworkmanshipandfinish. Theapproachcanalsosignificantly reduceenvironmentalimpact,withless constructionwastethroughshareduseof materialsacrossprojects,fewerindividual vehicletripstobuildingsites,combined

materialdeliveries,andsharedresources suchasrecyclingfacilities,binsandsite amenities.

Theprojecthasinvolvedmonthsof planningandcoordinationbehindthe scenes,withtrustedsuppliersandlongstandingindustrypartnersplayingan importantroleinbringingthedisplay hometogetherintimeforFieldays.

Thedisplaymarksasignificant milestoneaheadoftheofficiallaunch ofthenewrangeandreflectsthe company’songoingfocusonpractical housingsolutionsthatsuitthechanging needsofKiwipropertyowners.

ForvisitorsattendingFieldays,the opportunitytophysicallyexperiencethe layout,proportionsandfinishofthenew homeisexpectedtobeakeydrawcard. TheKeithHayHomesteamwillalsobe on-sitetodiscussthegrannyflatrule changes,explainhowtheymayapply todifferentproperties,andhelppeople betterunderstandwhatmaybepossible ontheirownland.VisitorstotheKeith HayHomessitewillalsobeabletolearn moreaboutspecialFieldaysoffersand event-onlydeals.

Findoutmoreat www.keithhayhomes.co.nz

Sustainability Takes Centre Stage at Fieldays

This year’s Fieldays is giving both visitors and exhibitors practical ways to engage with new sustainability ideas, technologies and everyday changes that can make a real difference on the farm and beyond

As one of New Zealand’s leading large-scale events, F eldays has been working towards sustainable event management for more than a decade

Since 2012 the event has partnered with sustainability reporting company Instep and holds certification for sustainable event management

Accord ng to Janine Frohlich-Monk, Community & Sustainability Executive at the New Zealand National Fieldays Society, the

event provides an important platform for shar ng innovation and encouraging practical change across the rural sector

“We recognise the unique p atform we have to not only lead by example by incorporat ng sustainable init atives into our four-day event, but we can also integrate nsights and innovations of our exhibitors and their learnings ” she says

For visitors keen to explore sustainability in a practical way the popular Fieldays Tent Talks run in association with the University of

Waikato, will feature short drop-in sessions covering topics such as regenerative farming, solar energy, and sustainability within the food and fibre sector

Meanwhile, the Fieldays Rural Advocacy Hub, delivered alongside Federated Farmers, offers farmers a place to discuss regulations, industry concerns and the future direction of rura policy

Visitors are also being encouraged to make sustainable transport choices by taking advantage of the free bus and Park & Ride services operating throughout the four-day event Organisers say reducing congestion and vehicle emissions is another important part of the wider sustainabi ity focus

For exhibitors, the Fieldays Sustainability Awards (presented in association with Instep) continue to highlight businesses making meaningful improvements onsite

The awards include categories for both sma l and large businesses and are supported by a Sustainable Exhibitor Framework that helps entrants identify pract cal ways to improve areas such as waste reduction, transport, materials and site design

Froh ich-Monk says the framework is designed to encourage real-world behaviour change, with some exhibitors already introducing initiatives like reusable cutlery onsite before adopting similar practices across their wider businesses

Scienceworking forNewZealand 100yearsandcounting

Findouthow:

VisitusatFieldaysintheScienceforFarmerstent(E38) andtheForestryHub(G80).Orexplore bioeconomyscience.co.nz/100years

Powerofpedigree

Geneticgainshaveledto healthier,fastergrowingand tastierlivestock

Fuellingthefire

Understandinghowwildfires behavetokeeppeoplesafe

Goldenage ofkiwifruit

Eatenbymillionsglobally, andearning$billionsforNZ

Stopping hitchhikers

Helpingpreventpests,weedsand pathogensfromenteringNZ