Tararua’s businesses shine at the Field Days
Three fine days in marked contrast with last year brought out the crowds to the annual Central Districts Field Days March 16-18 at Manfeild Park, Feilding.
Among the 3500 exhibitors Tararua businesses made a significant showing, displays attracting attention such as Tararua Heliwork’s big chopper dominating the skyline, while inside the Rural Living marquee the Tararua Country exhibit, managed by council staff and councillors, was a contrast to the college exhibits.
By all accounts Tararua businesses did well.
There was demand for information at the TDC Tararua Country site, an interest in leisure activities like walking trails and fishing, keeping councillors and staff constantly on their feet. Tararua District councillor Shirley Hull said Tararua’s image as a recreational option is steadily growing with people in the Manawatu.
Turton Farm Supplies has taken orders which will provide months of work. Ross Turton said his firm already does a lot of work in the Manawatu. “It’s our back yard,” he said. Betacraft was doing a roaring trade despite the sunny weather. Last year with the rain it had to replenish supplies several times from its Pahiatua factory. It was even busier this year with sales blowing away all expectations, according to Director Garth Beatson. He said publicity from sponsoring the Young Farmer Contest has definitely lifted the profile of the company’s products.
With the huge range of farm machinery competition, Lancaster Tractors made an impact, with its McCormick and Landini tractors keenly scrutinised.
Metalform’s Tow and Farm machines sold a number of their machines on the first day and have more orders to be confirmed.
Brett MacDougall was on hand to promote Macdougall’s new machinery to keep milk in cowsheds cool and clean, a milk cooling tower and a Delaval glycok chilling unit providing water for people to use in the hot temperatures.
Jerome Pitt from For Farms reported a rural sale and a client registering to sell on the first day while Steve Jelicich of Tumu Timber Supplies, sharing the same site for 17 years said interest was keen. Hewitt’s Motorcycles shared the Yamaha and Canam franchise sites and reported excellent sales. Sales representative Reagan Gore delivered a bike to a client on the way back from the Field Days.
“Another four are sorting finances and there are lots of lines to follow up on,” he said.