Expo event still expanding after five years

The ground-breaking Waikato Effluent Expo at the Mystery Creek events centre turns five on St Patrick’s Day, and is likely to be bigger than ever.

At least 50 exhibitors are due at the March 17 event near Hamilton and it is hoped attendance will top last year’s figure of 650.

The expo – organised by Waikato Regional Council and sponsored by DairyNZ – is designed to be a one stop shop to support farmers wanting to upgrade their effluent systems or catch up on the latest advice. It is the only effluent-specific event in New Zealand.

‘‘Good systems help protect waterways, but they also help farmers maximise profits by making efficient use of the nutrients available,’’ expo organiser Electra Kalaugher said.

‘‘The expo is a great chance to make sure you’re up on the latest developments and advice from industry and plan improvements, even if you can’t afford to spend up large this year.’’

About half the expo’s visitors last year were farm owners who are responsible for major investment decisions regarding effluent systems.

‘‘We’ve had a great response to the expo from farmers, industry organisations and private sector suppliers over the years.’’

This year the Mystery Creek exhibition hall and outdoor area will host companies displaying specialist machinery and equipment, infrastructure, and design and consultation services focused on effluent management.

There will also be a range of seminars within the exhibition hall with more time for questions and discussion this year.

Indoor seminars will include effluent storage options and nutrients by DairyNZ, a seminar from Waikato Regional Council on effluent system monitoring, and a more interactive discussion session with Fonterra and DairyNZ on system upgrades in tight times. A small outdoor grandstand will allow people to watch demonstrations of irrigation systems during outdoor seminars from AgVice. Along with the usual inside cafe area, a food area will also be available outside this year with picnic tables, Fritz Wiener hotdogs and a coffee cart.

Besides sponsorship from DairyNZ, Ms Kalaugher said Federated Farmers and milk companies were supporting the expo.