Fieldays updates its programme for 50th outing

This year New Zealand’s agricultural Fieldays is using the theme, Future of Farming, to celebrate its 50th outing.

While there is plenty of reflection in the events for the milestone year, the focus is on agricultural trends and ideas.

And this year a change is being made to crowd favourite, the Rural Bachelor of the Year.

New Zealand National Fieldays Society chief executive Peter Nation said the aim is to start a conversation on what farming’s future will look like for New Zealand.

‘‘As an event, Fieldays has always looked forward, so the theme was very apt,’’ said Nation.

There will be a focus on food production and nutrition, including ‘‘where food comes from’’.

Nation said Fieldays is committed to ‘‘leading conversations’’ about important issues affecting rural communities and agricultural.

‘‘When we talk about the future of farming, equality and representation is part of it.’’

Nation was referring to the society’s move in revamping the Rural Bachelor of the Year competition.

‘‘Part of changing this competition is us acknowledging that times have changed and it’s important to recognise the role and contribution of rural women.

‘‘This year four women will compete against four men in the Fieldays Rural Catch.’’

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Communities, Damien O’Connor, recently congratulated Fieldays on its 50th anniversary abd praised its role in New Zealand’s primary industry.

‘‘New Zealand’s economic

‘‘Part of changing this competition is us acknowledging that times have changed.’’

future depends on our ability to sustainably produce the finest primary sector products for a growing global population,’’ O’Connor said.

‘‘But we need to move quickly to ensure we are in step with the staggering pace of market and technological change.

‘‘Fieldays is a unique event where we can come together to confront these issues and progress a shared vision for a better New Zealand.’’

Fieldays is now a four-day event. The 50th-anniversary event will also see events happening in Hamilton.

Art lovers can visit the entries in the No.8 Wire National Art Awards at ArtsPost in Hamilton and Waikato Museum will feature a 50th Fieldays-themed exhibition.

Fieldays will celebrate its 50th event from June 13-16 at Mystery Creek.

FIELDAYS/SUPPLIED Rural Bachelor of the Year will include women this year. Queensland’s Gordon (Gordy) Mill with the People’s Choice Award and 2017 Fieldays Rural Bachelor of the Year. Matthew McAtamney of Fairlie won the Golden Gumboot.