'Best days off farm' are back again

A moveable handler for sheep was demonstrated at the 2013 Central Districts Field Days. PHOTO/ FILE

Farmers and others who visit the Central Districts Field Days next week will be treated to dog shows, tractor pulls and an aerial display - as well as information about the land.

The field days are on Thursday, Friday and Saturday , at Manfeild Park in Feilding. There will be 550 agribusinesses and organisations showing what they do, and 30,000 visitors are expected.

The days are in their 24th year. A new addition this year is the ASB Innovation Zone, where there will be talks and demonstrations of new technology. These include two free workshops on stock water reticulation in hill country.

The workshops are part of the Accelerate25 action plan for regional economic growth, and happen at 10.45am on Thursday and 1pm on Friday. They'll show farmers how replacing streams and dams with tanks, pumps, pipes and troughs can be economical, as well as being better for livestock and the environment.

The workshops are part of Horizons Regional Council's input. The council will have an overall focus on water at the field days, with staff available to talk about floodgates, fish passes, swimmability, the Sustainable Land Use Initiative and counting native fish.

They will also be on hand for information on other matters - such as rates increases, biodiversity, consents and pest plants and animals.

The Innovation Zone is to feature Sheep Milk NZ, showing how sheep milk can be used to make yoghurt, cheese, ice cream and milk powder.

All kinds of machinery will be demonstrated, and there will be competitions, including a tractor pull and a cup of tea precisely poured by heavy machinery.

There's a dog show every day, and the New Zealand Air Force gives an aerial display around midday on Saturday.

++ The field days open at 9am each day, and close at 4.30pm on Thursday and Friday, and 4pm on Saturday. The cost is $15 per person, $13 for seniors and people under 16 are free.