Tractors, trucks and cranes have rolled into Manfeild Park in Feilding as the 21st annual Central Districts Field Days (CDFD) kicked off today.
With more than 540 exhibitors showcasing new and innovative products to the farming sector, this year's 21st anniversary of the CDFD promises to be bigger and better than ever.
"We have a fantastic line-up of exhibitors, competitions and displays so no doubt there will something for everyone. We call it the best day off the farm all year as farmers do put it on their calendars to come, check out new inventions and make their purchases," says event manager Cheryl Riddell.
Riddell says this year the field days in Feilding will boast 542 sites - a record.
"We are the biggest regional field day in the country. The South Island is different in that it has bigger gear, but we are the largest."
While exhibitor and visitor numbers have steadily increased over the years, it is still possible to get around the sites in one day.
That's a real bonus, says Riddell. It means people can see everything on offer and hunt for bargains. She says around 35,000 adults come to the Manfeild site every year from Horowhenua, Rangitīkei and Manawatū as further afield as Lower Hutt, Hawke's Day and Taranaki.
"Last year we had more from Lower Hutt and the Kāpiti Coast. But people come from about two hours away - Hawke's Bay and Taranaki."
Blockaholics will be in for a treat with popular television personalities Pete and Andy Walker from The Block NZ making an appearance. The Bulls-based brothers will be onsite on Saturday performing demonstrations at the National Excavator site. Along with Pete and Andy, all the favourites are returning this year along with several new exhibitors. A variety of competitions including the Norwood Farm Machinery Centre Tractor Pull Competition, Husqvarna Woodchopping and National Excavator competition will be sure to provide plenty of entertainment for the crowd.
Chainsaw carvers will turn ordinary blocks of wood into works of art, the RNZAF will be doing an aerial display over the CDFD on Saturday afternoon at 2pm, Chelsea Marriner will be holding dog shows at 11am and 1pm each day on the Hynds Pipes site and the Taste of Central Districts is sure to get the taste buds tingling.
Plunket will be holding their blue bear appeal and there will also be an opportunity for children to show off their skills in a mini junior tractor pull competition.
While the men check out the latest and greatest products for the farm, there is plenty to keep the ladies entertained says Riddell.
"We have everything from underwear to outdoor furniture to teapots so there is bound to be something to entice the ladies to sneak away and do some shopping of their own."
New sponsors Massey University and Bayleys Coast to Coast have come aboard to sponsor the Massey University Agricultural Pavilion and the Bayleys Rural Lifestyle Pavilion.
"We are very grateful organisations such as Massey University and Bayleys have come on board to sponsor the various pavilions and activities. Without their support, we would not be able to run the Central Districts Field Days in its current format," Riddell said.
Eleven months of planning and hard work has gone into the organisation of the CDFD and Riddell said it is great to see it all come together.
"It began in 1984, but then there was a period of time when the field days were not held. But in 1993 the event returned permanently," said Riddell.
The Central Districts Field Days will be held at Manfeild Park in Feilding from March 13 – 15 2014. The main entrance to the field days is from South Street with two more entrances off Kawakawa Road. Gates open at 8.30am each day until 4.30pm on Thursday and Friday. Gates will close at 4pm on Saturday. For more information on the Central Districts Field Days go to www.cdfielddays.co.nz.
Source: Press Release - Central Districts Field Days and Manawatū Standard
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