Organising committee chairwoman Michaela McLeod, of Tai Tapu, said the biennial event will boast the largest working machinery display of any field days in the country.
“This is something that really sets us apart from other field days and is a wonderful drawcard for intending purchasers to be able to see a large range of equipment in action,” McLeod said.
The focus on machinery continues to this day, and exhibitors from all over New Zealand will showcase their latest big-ticket items on paddocks of barley, lucerne and other crops.
They will have a big audience, with thousands expected through the gates over the three days.
Christchurch Helicopters’ spraying and spreading operation will take to the skies. It will also have its Guimbal Cabri G2 training aircraft on hand for those thinking about getting into the aviation industry.
Kiwi rally ace Hayden Paddon’s 400kW rally monster will add appeal to the Gravity NZ site on opening day today, before moving over to the Hyundai site tomorrow and Friday.
One of the events she was looking forward to seeing was the country women competition. Entrants will undertake challenges such as milking a fake cow and backing a trailer on a quad bike.
McLeod is the first woman to hold the chairperson position. The mother of two runs an independent agricultural research business with husband Ben. She first joined the field days organising committee in 2011.
“This will be our fourth event at our permanent home in Kirwee. The last year has seen us in unprecedented times with a global pandemic and, thankfully, agriculture has been recognised as the shining light that we all know it to be,” she said.
