Fieldays goes after the next generation

Encouraging Kiwi youth to choose a career in agriculture is a key theme of next month's Fieldays trade show near Hamilton - the largest agricultural show in the Southern Hemisphere.

New Zealand National Fieldays general manager Barry Quayle says new blood is important to an industry that is the backbone of the economy.

"Farming as a career should be an option, not an option of last resort, but one that can be considered as a first-line genuine career path."

Quayle estimated between 12 per cent and 18 per cent of the 120,000 visitors expected to attend the show would be under 20.

He said showing New Zealand as a world leader in technology and innovation was an opportunity to "create a spark" in the next generation.

The show's theme of "people on farms" also covers managing the workplace, employment relations, promotion of the rural community, education and training, workplace safety and finance.

About 900 exhibitors covering 40ha are expected to improve on last year's sales total of $219.7 million.

A waiting list of more than 60 exhibitors, and possibly another 100 that did not bother signing up to wait, will result in an even bigger show next year.

Representatives from more than 40 countries will give the event a strong international feel.

Quayle said more than 70 British companies would attend, having identified Fieldays as a major access route to the South Pacific.

The show also acted as a barometer for the health of the industry.

"A lot of economists want to hear day by day what is happening at the event.

"It gives a pointer to where the industry is at and where it is going."

Fieldays 37th annual show will be held from June 15-18 at the Mystery Creek Events Centre, Hamilton.

In the field

* Roadkill fashion show: Possum fur fashion design award.
* Rural bachelor of the year: Heats include drive a digger and fastest fencer.
* National tractor pull competition: Tractor drivers perform straight weight drags, slalom and see-saw balancing.