Just over 500 exhibitors attended the field days and visitor numbers were up on last year. The sun was also shining over Waimumu for the entire 3-day event which added to the positive vibe.
Events at the field days included machinery demonstrations, tractor pulling and the launch of the 2010 Young Farmer of the Year competition. Prime Minister John Key also donned a shiny pair of gumboots and addressed farmers with an uplifting and honest speech. Key spoke of his goals for the agricultural industry including greater investment in water catchments, broadband for all farmers, reformation of the RMA and more free trade agreements. You can view an excerpt from his speech in the video of the event below, or make the time to listen to the Prime Minister's speech in its entirety which will make you proud to be a part of the agricultural industry in New Zealand and will give a bit of hope for the future.
Prime Minister John Key's full speech