Fieldays wraps up for 2009

Fieldays wraps up for 2009

NZ National Fieldays experienced all seasons on the final day of the annual agricultural event. Regardless of fickle conditions, 25,324 turned out to explore the latest and greatest on offer to the industry.

A number of regular Fieldays sub events also came to a close for the year. The competitions add an entertaining element to the mix and attract a wide range of followers.

Taranaki farmer, Michael Short, took out the Golden Gumboot trophy and title of the 2009 Fieldays Rural Bachelor of the Year. The 25 year old competed in a series of heats throughout Fieldays, championing 7 other bachelor finalists. Michael was rewarded with a suite of prizes valued at over $18,000. These included; a 7 day return trip for two to the Cook Islands staying at Crown Beach Resort, a $10,000 Leisurerite spa pool, one years supply of Waikato Draught, Stihl chainsaw package worth $1,500, and vouchers worth $1000 for Swanndri clothing and $100 from Skellerup.

Crowd favourite, Tim van de Molen took out the Fieldays Rural Bachelor Peoples Choice award. The 25 year old Matamata rural builder received a well deserved bike and accessories valued at $1000 from prize sponsor, Cycle Time.

The Fieldays Wiremark and Cyclone World Fencing Championships experienced a revelation with defending champ and 11 time winner, Paul van Beers, placing third to new Golden Pliers winner, Owen Petersen. A fencing contractor from Taumarunui, Owen first entered the competition in 2001. Owen won the Golden Pliers in 2005 and 2006 and has also placed third in Germany’s World Power Fencing Championships.

The Kiwi’s Best marquee, a showcase of premium New Zealand food and beverage, had no shortage of interest as visitors packed in to get a taste of New Zealand’s best. Stall holders welcomed the flood of sales and enquiry, with demand resulting in many running out of stock. Only into its second year and double the size of 2008, organisers are pleased with the success and look forward to bringing it back in full force for 2010.

Total number through the gate at Fieldays 2009 was precisely 117,000, landing midway of organisers expectations of 115,000 to 120,000. General Manager, Barry Quayle expressed immense satisfaction in the final tally, “It has been a challenging period for the industry and New Zealand as a whole, I suppose Fieldays acts as a yard stick for how the market is reacting. In spite of poor weather and cautious spending, attendance was incredibly encouraging. Exhibitors and visitors put in a tremendous effort to be here and we are positively satisfied with the overall result.”

NZ National Agricultural Fieldays is held at Mystery Creek Events Centre during 10 – 13 June 2009.

ENDS

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