Some exhibitors kindly donated their fee and sponsorship from the cancelled 2023 expo, which expo backers Wairoa Community Development Trust used to run the Backyard BBQ post-cyclone farmers support initiative.
Mrs Wilson extended a huge thanks to those businesses and said they would be recognised during the expo.
Among the items on a long list at the 2024 expo will be agricultural drone spraying, the latest technology from Gallagher, examples of limitless rotational grazing for the dairy and beef industries, advice on how to unlock precision pasture management and Halter guidance on a drive to more profitable farms.
“Farmers will hear the facts that are backed by the science,” she said.
“The past couple of years of extreme weather have been very challenging for us all and this is an opportunity to talk to people who can help them build back to smarter. It is all about innovation.”
Gallagher Animal Management are first-time exhibitors at the expo and for sales and marketing coordinator Sydney Richardson it will be a chance to connect directly with local farmers.
“It’s more than just business for us,” she said.
“It is a chance to better understand their unique needs and tailor our solutions accordingly.”
It was also an opportunity for the Gallagher team to gain insights from customers and understand the pain points inside the farm gate, she said.
“That knowledge contributes to delivering product solutions through the voice of customer feedback.
“We have launched some exciting new products throughout the year which we believe can add real value on-farm, so we are excited to present these to our East Coast customers. We are about finding solutions to real problems to make life easier and more productive.”
Ms Richardson said Gallagher understood the urgency of rebuilding infrastructure from the impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle.
“First and foremost, our attendance is about showing our support,” she said. “It is all about looking out for one another. We want to contribute to the wellbeing of farmers, their animals and their land for future generations.”
The expo will once again be a hub for solutions, a place to exchange ideas and a platform to showcase innovations that directly benefit the local agricultural landscape.
Ovis Management has been a regular at the expo.
“We partner with meat companies and farmers to raise awareness and encourage control of sheep measles as a subsidiary of the meat association industry,” Ovis project manager Michelle Simpson said.
“We value the opportunity to discuss the impact of sheep measles with all dog owners to ensure that New Zealand provides the best quality sheep meat to our markets.
“The expo is a critical event for us to be able to do this.”
Kelso Genetics’ Matt Holden said the social value of the Expo was huge for them, especially given the events of 2023.
“Getting off-farm and hearing from motivational and innovative speakers, along with rubbing shoulders with fellow farmers and rural providers, is invaluable,” Mr Holden said.
Kelso Genetics will have rams on display and their team will be available to chat with clients and interested farmers about their ram-breeding programme and how the company supports their community.
“The expo brings out the amazing spirit that flows through our rural community,” Mrs Wilson said
“The social aspect is massive for family, friends, neighbours and work associates. Never underestimate a day off the farm at an event like this. It is educational, social and refreshing for our wellbeing.”
Last year’s cyclone forced the expo to be moved to the Wairoa racecourse.
Mrs Wilson said support continued to be huge for the popular event.
