Central Districts Field Days has something for everyone

More than 26,000 people are expected to flock to Manfeild in Feilding this month for New Zealand’s largest regional agricultural event, Central Districts Field Days.

Now in its 26th year, the 2019 event has plenty to offer all - from farmers and foodies to tech heads and townies.

“We’re really excited about this year’s event,” says Stuff Events & Sponsorship Director David Blackwell. “There are a record number of exhibitors and we have some great new areas and activities that are sure to make this year’s Central Districts Field Days a community event to remember.”

Showcasing everything from international innovators to local growers, the organisers have rejigged the layout at Manfeild to make way for 600+ exhibitors.

Out of the jam-packed line-up, a couple of must-sees this year include Mission Aviation Fellowship’s ZK-MAF aircraft which will be landing on site, and local innovations like the cloud-based automatic Zeddy feeder and the futuristic Halter stock control system that uses a network of advanced technology to revolutionise herd management.

“With a heap of special deals exclusive to the event, plus the chance to have a yarn with sellers and exhibitors, it’s a great time to stock up and stay on top of the latest trends and developments in farming and agriculture,” says Blackwell. “Plus, there’s fun and freebies for the whole family.”

The National Excavator Competition returns to crown New Zealand’s 25th Operator of the Year, along with the ever-popular Central Districts fencing competition. Kiwi Freestyle Motocross (FMX) favourites Franklin Farms are also bringing their daredevil show to Central Districts Field Days for the first time.

“We are practising our Supermans, Tsunami flips and a special jump that takes us 23m from ramp to landing,” says Nick Franklin, Team Director at Franklin Farms.

New this year, event organisers worked closely with Talent Central to put on an exciting Amazing Race styled competition for year 11-13 students. Designed to showcase the range of employment opportunities in the sector, more than 500 lower-North Island students are expected to participate.

“This is a valuable chance for employers to reach students in a fun, interactive way,” says Sonia Griffin, Talent Central’s AgriQuest coordinator.

To top it off, Central Districts Field Days is hosting the final for the AdTech Hackathon on the Saturday. Now in its third year, the Hackathon competition brings together teams of forward-thinking tech talent to create solutions for New Zealand’s primary industries, all in an exciting time-based competition.

“The Hackathon offers a glimpse into what sort of innovations could transform the agricultural industry - and a chance to meet the minds that will make it happen,” says Blackwell.

Event goers can relax and revive in the premium food court, with live music, a selection of delicious local food stalls, and award-winning Palmerston North micro-brewery, Brew Union, at the bar. If that isn’t escape enough, the lifestyle courtyard delivers a change in pace with wellbeing, home & garden, and other specialty stalls.

A brand new Central Districts Field Days digital event guide will help event-goers sort out their itinerary and keep on top of what’s going on. Visitors can even pin where they parked their car on the map and enter competitions to be in to win a share of $20,000 worth of prizes.

Purchase tickets and find out more at www.cdfielddays.co.nz and follow the official Facebook page for the latest updates.

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