TOP LINE-UP: Alan Irwin gives a working dog training demo at the 2021 Expo. Picture supplied
THE ethos for the team behind the popular East Coast Farming Expo have always focused on bringing the best of innovation to the coast.
It is held mid-week (February 23-24, 2022) to make it easier for sheep and beef farmers from the East Coast and Hawke's Bay to take the time out and chat one on one with industry leaders.
There are demonstrations, displays and seminars, each one carefully selected to ensure it is relevant, cutting edge and innovative.
Event manager Sue Wilson says everyone is looking forward to the 2022 Expo.
“If there is one thing we can all take out of lockdown is the value of having mates around and the Expo is a place where you can have a good yarn,” she says.
“This is all about farmers connecting with agribusiness and innovators.”
Planning for the 2022 event is well under way with a number of new exhibitors already registered, strategic sponsors Property Brokers, Hawke's Bay Regional Council and Rural News Group on board, and exciting seminar presenters locked in.
An exciting addition to the line-up is the Wednesday morning trade breakfast featuring St John Craner from Agrarian who will give valuable insight into how to make more rural sales.
Wairoa Community Development Trust chairperson Sefton Alexander says in such challenging Covid-affected times, it is becoming harder and harder to have face-to-face conversations.
“The Expo is where that can happen,” he says.
“It is a place where farmers can comfortably talk to people who bring a lot to the industry.”
The Expo is owned by the Wairoa Community Development Trust who see it as a perfect fit for their drivers, which include enhancing the social, economic, cultural and environmental development to benefit the Wairoa region.
“We are about creating opportunities to connect rural communities and working together to leave a legacy for the next generation,” Mr Alexander says.
Mike Heard, Property Brokers rural and lifestyle area manager for Hawke's Bay and Gisborne, said their support of the Expo is an easy one.
“We believe in the rural sector as the heart and soul of our region.”
“The opportunity to sponsor this event is a privilege as it sits within our family values as a company.”
For Mr Heard, the coming together of farmers, rural experts and support networks is a highlight, and one he and his team look forward to.
“The sheep and beef industry on the East Coast has a huge financial and holistic impact on our region and needs to be supported. The need for innovation and support in an ever-changing world is paramount to the ongoing success of meat and figure production not only in our region, but across the nation.”
Peter Manson, Hawke's Bay Regional Council, Wairoa team lead, says the best thing about the Expo is its scale and the drawcard it is for people.
“Farmers from throughout the East Coast and Hawke's Bay come to the Expo because it has a friendly, easy-going atmosphere with many of the advantages of a national event.
“The personal touch is well suited to sheep and beef farmers' needs and the Expo is a great opportunity to catch up with the community.”
With the cancellation of many A&P Shows, the Expo becomes even more important for the farming community, manager Ms Wilson says.
“It could well be the largest agricultural event on the East Coast this season.”
Anyone interested in having a trade exhibit at the Expo should contact Ms Wilson by heading to www.eastcoastexpo.co.nz