Featuring special events the Southern Man Competition, Innovation Awards, Fencing Competition, Tractor Pull, and the second Farmlands Cup rugby game with the mighty Highlanders vs Crusaders on Thursday night, 6pm. See below for details on each.
Over $45,000 is poured into local community groups that help with the likes of parking and security.
Te Tipua School co-ordinate the homestays for out-of-town exhibitors.
There's a Tug of War Challenge each day, 1pm at the FMG site 238. FMG, Federated Farmers and Young Farmers will battle it out. Nigel Woodhead and Katie Milne featuring.
For 11yrs, Northern Southland College has been tasked with the catering in the main food tent. The PTA raised around $20k from the three days. Money from this year will go toward a new multi-purpose sports turf. Core team of 10 involved, with 20 at the school helping in preparation and 20-30 at the SFD. One of the biggest assets bought in the past the school van. Also supported by Jimmy's Pies. Find great food and coffee next to the main office.
9am-5pm each day, $20 at the gate or pre-purchase from your nearest Farmlands store. Students and kids are free.
For more click here.
NEED TO KNOW
Purchase your tickets beforehand either at one of the ticketing booths onsite, or at any Farmlands store (this is to speed up queues).
No dogs.
Field Days tickets DO NOT get you entry to the Farmlands Cup - this event requires separate passes.
No BYO into Farmlands Cup.
Cash only at Farmlands Cup - no EFTPOS.
Buses running for Farmlands Cup - $5 from Gore, $10 Invercargill. Book at your local Farmlands store.
Gore Council has roading plans in place. Find the full details at www.goredc.govt.nz.
Southern Man Competition
First held 2016 - Luke from Hokonui gave it a nudge alongside 8 local lads.
Need to be 18yrs+.
This year condensed into the one day on WED, competitors will test their skills in 7 separate heats each played out at sponsors sites.
Last time involved pushing lawn mowers, stacking salt blocks, putting a chain on a chainsaw and more.
Register now via the SFD website.
Speed Shears
Inaugural Speed Shears held at the 2016 event.
Featuring again the "Celebrity Shear Off" with Jamie Mackay from The Country vs Former Prime Minister Bill English. Jamie stands 1-0.
Former shearing world champion Sir David Fagan will be the judge.
Open section and senior section. Two contestants go head to head, but instead of a straight knock out, the fastest competitors will continue past the heats and progress to the semifinals and finals.
Shearing begins 2:30pm on FRI, outside the MLT Booth.
BIG money up for grabs for the top 6.
Entries needed by TUES 13 FEB to Jude McNab on 027 279 9446.
Golden Pliers Fencing Competition and Young Farmers Fencing Competition
Comprising of Otago/Sth Young Farmers Fencing competition - To enter, competitors must be a current NZYF member, and contact Alan Harvey on 021 256 9951. The winners will secure the right to head to nationals later in the year.
The South Island Doubles Fencing competition - two man team event run by NZ Fencing Competitions. Entrants from across the South Island.
Fencing crew set-up the area on WED, with hammering and boring from 9am-2pm THURS.
MC is Craig Wiggins.
Prize is all expenses paid trip to National Field Days to compete, or $1000 cash.
This year's competition line would include Goldpine strainers used in a box stay assembly and Superposts as intermediate posts on half the line. First time in a fencing competition that two fenceline types are being used.
To register - call Debbie White on 09 292 8064 or visit here.
Tractor Pull
Southern Tractor Pulling and Tractor Pull NZ run the competition, running all 3 days of the event. Heats Wed + Thurs, for finals on Fri.
Tractors pull a computerized weight-transfer tractor pull sled, which has been a feature for many years.
This year limited entries, with a cut off of about 80. Categories include modified, pre-1985 and standard.
First prize sponsored by Diesel Performance Solutions, free map up.
One machine to look out for = 1800hp super-modified tractor from McNab.
Pre-registrations being taken here.
SRL Innovation Awards
Two categories - open and primary school. Winner of the open section receives $200, second prize is $200. School winner receives $50 for them and $50 for the school.
Three judges will interview entrants at the innovation site in the AgriCentre on WED morning.
Past winners have included: Zeroharmfarm, a self-priming siphon, a wheelie bin mover and portable test bucket. Past school victors include hen feeder, safety helmet and hunting scope.
Get in touch by emailing innovation@southernfielddays.co.nz or download an entry form from the website.
Best Site Award
Back up for grabs - The Gallagher Group Best Site award and Bowmar Trophy for Best Machinery Site. Awarded to sites that attract large numbers of genuine inquiries, and are active with stands and demonstrations. Also have to be tidy and staffed efficiently.
Award winners get $500 off their next SFD site fees.
Last year Regional Ford won the Best Site, and Advancequip won Best Machinery Site.
Winners will be presented at noon on FRI by Hokonui Breakfast Host, Luke Howden.
Farmlands Cup - Highlanders v Crusaders
6pm kick-off at Fred Booth Park, Waimumu (opposite the Field Days grounds).
Second running of the event, second pre-season fixture for both sides (excluding the Brisbane Tens).
Expect to see some high-profile players like Ben Smith making an appearance.
Tickets are SOLD OUT. Crowd in excess of 10,000 expected.
