The 25th annual Central Districts Fieldays were held at Manfield in Feilding last week. More than 26,000 people passed through the gates and I really enjoyed being there over the course of the three-day event.
It was great to hear from exhibitors and company reps that this year in particular, farmers and visitors were positive and seemed keen to put their hands in their pockets! Organisers reported an increase of more than 14 per cent in spending compared to last year.
Read more: Ian McKelvie: Celebrating our rural heartland
Ian McKelvie: Focus on seniors and veterans
National was well represented with seven MPs making the trip to Feilding, including National Party leader Simon Bridges, Nathan Guy, Nicky Willis, Tim Macindoe and Matt Doocey. We all enjoyed catching up with a wide range of people and hearing their many and varied views about the agri- sector.
I also took the opportunity while I was there to launch a petition concerning the Manawatu Gorge Road. It reads: "That the House of Representatives ensures the New Zealand Transport Agency makes every effort to reopen the Manawatu Gorge during the reconstruction of a new route between the Manawatu and Hawke's Bay/Wairarapa regions."