The history of the Central Districts Field Days
CD Field Days has been a part of the rural calendar for 32 years. Now wellestablished and the largest regional field days in New Zealand, generating over $50 million dollars in sales revenue, its roots stretch back to 1993 when it was introduced by Don Eade as an annual event.
If you visited CD Field Days during any one of its 32 years, you’re bound to find that a number of things don’t change:
• Its location at Manfeild, compelling a transformation from a paddock to a mini town over a matter of days
• The presence of farm machinery and tractors, hallmarks of the industry and the people who come to see them
• The thousands of visitors and hundreds of exhibitors, united in their passion for a thriving agricultural community Equally, there are many ways you can see how the three-day event has grown up over time. Central Districts Field Days started with 230 sites occupied by exhibitors and has now grown to more than 600. The appetite from businesses to be a part of the event has only increased as word spread about the success exhibitors were having.
Among the highlights this year
There are highlights in abundance this year and there is such a range of new and exciting products on display that there is something for everyone.
The Taranaki Manawatū Regional Final of the FMG Young Farmer of the Year will be held on March 15 & 16 and will be the fourth of seven regional competitions. The top contestants will qualify for a spot in the Grand Final, set to take place in Hamilton in July. This year’s contest has much to offer spectators. Contestants compete side-by-side to finish a range of tasks within a 30-minute time limit, with challenges that involve big machinery, fencing, livestock and more. Primary school students, some as young as 5, enter the AgriKidsNZ contest, while high school students, working in teams of two, are eligible for the FMG Junior Young Farmer of the Year competition.
If you are looking for new innovative ideas, then you will want to check out the site of Palmerston North-based Ensol, which is launching New Zealand’s first tandem trailer with a hybrid/ combination of diesel and ad blu, with a petrol-powered diesel pump and solar panel to pump the ad blu .
“It is possibly the single most important idea for reducing farm emissions. The idea came about from Central Districts Field Days last year, as ad blu trailers were one of our most requested items,” reveals Shane Parlato, general manager of Ensol, a Palmerston North business with an 18-year pedigree.
“International ones have made an appearance, but were non-compliant, so we designed this hybrid, and we also have a completely ad blu trailer. Everything we do is made in Palmerston North. It’s going to solve fuelling solutions for farmers. It’s a clever time-saver and cost-saver.”
BA Pumps & Sprayers will unveil its groundbreaking LM Linkage Sprayer range with fully hydraulic M-fold boom, describing it as an all-new spraying solution that is a game changer offering unparalleled efficiency, safety, and productivity for Kiwi farmers, operating in almost any terrain.
Mark Harris, general manager of BA Pumps & Sprayers, says, “We believe this innovative solution will set a new benchmark for pasture and crop spraying for farmers, providing them with a tool to get the job done quicker, easier, and safely.”
The unique T-shaped tank reduces mud and debris collecting on controls and access areas, operator safety features ensure the pump and lines are easy to clean, and the threesection in-cab electric control enables on/off and pressure adjustment on the move, providing flexibility and control for the operator.
“It’s a world-first design, uniquely crafted in New Zealand for New Zealand’s local conditions, prioritising safety, efficiency, and extreme durability. We believe we are offering something so unique to the market that we are currently in the process of patenting many features of this product – meaning you won’t find anything else like it.
“Field Days are a great way to connect with farmers and we’re excited that we can take our product out to market for a grand unveiling.”
Looking to replace your quad? Impact Off Road will be showing its new SHERP N 1200, 4WD quad. The 2.8m high by 2.5m wide and 4m long quad is actually a six-wheeler with minimal ground pressure that can transport six people. It can reach 40km/h (or 6km/h in water or swamp land) and runs with an eco-friendly diesel engine.
“It’s low centre of gravity decreases roll-over risk, and the all-terrain vehicle is equipped with a universal cargo trailer that can float on water,” says Impact Off Road, Chris McPhail.
Battens are something that always seem to have to be replaced. Repost will be show casing for the first time, affordable battens for farmers on a budget.
“Farmers are struggling and every dollar counts, so we are proud we will be showcasing this new low-cost recycled product, made from viticulture waste for the first time ever at CD Field Days,” says Dansy Coppell, of Repost, the winner of Beef and Lamb Awards 2023’ Gallagher Innovation Award
“Repost have saved over 540,000 posts from landfill to date, and helped farmers continue on-farm fence work.”
Advantage Plastics offers storage and handling equipment for bulk products on farm, such as wheats, meals, and fertilisers. The company saw a gap in the market with calf meal troughs, and recently released “the most ultimate, superior and robust range of troughs” which will be on display for the first time at the Central Districts Field Days.
Fenix UAS will be offering drone training and who doesn’t need drone training! They will be available to assist operators to get their Remote and Advanced Pilot Certificates. The New Zealand International Commercial Pilot Academy will be offering opportunities to experience its VR flight simulator, as well you can test your strength at the Manawatū Strongman site, and there will be ride-on lawnmower races.
The national finals of the Excavator Operator competitions will be held across three days. This is always a crowd-pleaser as finalists from 11 regional heats put their skills are put to the test.
Aerolab will be flying the latest XAG P100pro spray drone, capable of carrying 50L, offering visitors “a chance to see the future of aerial spraying in action”.
CLAAS is marking its milestones of 20 years of CLAAS Tractors and 50 years of CLAAS JAGUAR (forage harvesters) with deals available at Field Days – including 0% finance on its base model tractor, CLAAS ARION 410 CIS and 430 CIS and a bundle deal with the front loader. And there will be free tractor rides for children too.
Downsizing? Looking for a multi-generational living solution? One of New Zealand’s most-affordable tiny homes will be on display. The 12.5m X 3.6m deluxe two-bedroom $138,000 tiny home is House Me’s largest unit, with extra width meaning additional space across all living spaces, and at 42.5 square metres, this tiny home is not so tiny.
Bioptron will offer complimentary treatments using its Zepter cutting-edge medical light therapy device, built on Nobel Prize-winning technology. It promises to elevate your well-being with non-invasive, accelerated healing and prevention for a diverse range of conditions, such as acne, skin wounds, sports injuries, anti-aging, arthritis, pain relief, headaches, sleep issues and more.
Wools of New Zealand will be displaying their newly developed first commercial 100% wool tile produced with an acoustic recyclable backing for the New Zealand flooring market, “a premium product that doesn’t cost the earth”.
Robertson Prestige will have its electric Audi on-site – one with two wheels. The electric mountain bike boasts a design inspired by the Audi RS Q e-tron Dakar Rally and a range of 150km. It has an aluminium frame with carbon seat stays for a “superior riding experience.”
This is just a teaser of what is going to be on show. Make sure you come along to the Central Districts Field Days; it will be a wonderful day out.