'Fantastic event': Farm Expo ticks all the right boxes for organisers, attendees

The team of Brent Gallagher, Kingi Winiata, and George Geary from Whakaki Blocks won the Beef+Lamb NZ Station Challenge at the East Coast Farm Expo at the Wairoa racecourse on Thursday. In second place were the B+LNZ Farmer Council team of Tim Jefferd, Sam O’Fee and Sam Gammie, and third were the Panekiri Station team of Arran Hislop, Zac Mitchell and Mitch Steed-Bell. Team Gallagher were pictured with Mark Harris from Beef + Lamb NZ (right). Picture supplied

It’s hard for event organiser Sue Wilson to pick a highlight from the two-day East Coast Farming Expo last week, aside from saying it was a fantastic success.

Nearly 900 people came through the gates at the Wairoa Racecourse over the two days, all keen to see new products, hear about the latest research, watch the leaders of tomorrow in action, and listen to inspiring, informed speakers.

“The Wairoa Community Development Trust who own the event  have focused on connecting rural communities during the past couple of years, and we definitely ticked that box,” Mrs Wilson said.

“There is so much value in getting everyone together like this.

“It’s two days off the farm where they can just connect with old mates, suppliers and businesses and learn about the latest across all aspects of sheep and beef farming.”

The two challenges had proved winners for participants and spectators alike, the Growing Future Farmers riding off with the Rural News Cadet Challenge, which was styled on a rustic Master Chef-esque competition.

The Beef+Lamb New Zealand Station Challenge was won by Whakaki Blocks team who excelled in their drafting of 10 sheep, condition scoring, setting up the Gallagher weigh unit, weighing and crutching tasks.

The rolling seminars were very popular, with keynote speaker Matt Chisholm again fully engaging a very attentive crowd.

Long-time journalist Hamish McKay who spoke at the sell-out Property Brokers Muster connected with the crowd, talking about rural issues, his role in media and with plenty of great banter.

“Hamish was punchy, pithy and to the point,” said Mrs Wilson.

Other speakers included Hereheretau Station shepherds Brody Taylor, Jack Leef and Will Collier with manager Dick Finnie who gave valuable insight into the team culture at the 2022 Ahuwhenua Trophy finalist’s operation.

The chat was held just before the station challenge so attracted plenty of shepherds and employers.

Farm management adviser Hilton Collier was very engaging while Julia Jones brought her breath of fresh air to the podium in the AGMARDT Seminar Marquee.

“Julia is always one to think about the positives.”

Georgia Massie, territory manager for Agricom, talked about different pasture options to revegetate damaged pastures and her talk was filled with useful information for East Coast hill country farmers.

Long-time supporter of the Expo, Lincoln University adjunct professor Dr Jacqueline Rowarth, delivered her usual powerful message, really connecting with the audience.

Trade sites were at a record high, with a number already committing to the 2025 Expo.

“We have had so much incredible feedback,” Mrs Wilson said.

“People have gone away feeling happy and energised after meeting with industry partners, existing and potential clients and saying how much they themselves have gotten out of the Expo.

“It’s great to hear.”