New Zealand’s oldest Field Days will go ahead

The South Island’s largest field days, the South Island Agricultural Field Days, will run from 30 March – 1 April, 2011 at Lincoln.

Hamish Maginness, the chairman of the organising committee said Lincoln is relatively unaffected by last month’s Christchurch earthquake.

“The farming community has not been too badly impacted by this earthquake – Although our hearts go out to those who have lost family members and friends.

“Our decision to go ahead with Field Days was to bring a bit of normality back to rural life. Only one exhibitor has pulled out, due to their commitment to cleaning up Christchurch, however the remaining 380 odd exhibitors will all be there.

“Hopefully we can bring a bit of cheer to farmers after what’s been an awful year.

“Last year Central Canterbury farmers had to deal with the aftermath of the Darfield quake that left homes, plant and paddocks damaged, soon afterwards Southland farmers had their worst winter storm in decades that led to massive stock losses, West Coast farmers then had to deal with the Pike River Mine disaster – few West Coast families were left unscathed and Golden Bay farmers then had to deal with unprecedented flooding.”

Due to the devastation caused by Christchurch earthquake accommodation is at a premium, however Hamish Maginness says the committee is in negotiations with Rural Women to organise a billeting system with farmers in Canterbury.

“After seeing first hand the massive effort farmers have put into cleaning up Christchurch, I’m certain we can work together to provide accommodation for farming families from throughout the South Island if needed,” he said.

SIAFD, which is held every second year, was first held in Motukarara in 1951, it was a one-day event that attracted around 1,000 people. SIAFD, now held on the Lincoln University Farm, has grown into a three-day event that is attended by over 25,000 South Island farmers.

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