Rural economy has turned a corner for the best

Rural economy has turned a corner for the best

Feedback from exhibitors at the South Island Agricultural Field Days indicates a positive outlook for the South Island rural economy.

Hamish Maginness, the chairman of the organising committee, said exhibitors he’s spoken to made more sales than in 2009 which is indicative of the good dairy, beef, lamb and wool prices. Around 21,000 people attended the event which boasted fine weather, over 350 exhibitors and up to 80 demonstrations a day.

“It’s been a real boost for Christchurch and Canterbury,” said Mr Maginness. “Sixty per cent of Christchurch's GDP is from the rural sector – it’s comforting to see that it is in good health following recent events,” he said.

CRT general manager operations Guy Taylor said they had over 30 different companies in the CRT Village including Ballantynes and Hammils whose shops in Christchurch’s CBD are out of action. “We’ve exceeded our sales targets across the board – it’s really positive.”

Gold Pine’s Canterbury area manager Andrew Thoms said the great thing about the 2011 field days is people were buying. “We’re very pleased sales wise, it’s above expectations – the rural economy has a reasonably positive outlook.”

Pat Hayde of Blackwells Sockburn said sales were up on the previous field days. “We’ve made a number of sales of cars, trucks and commercial vehicles. We have a few prospects to chase up and there was a strong demand for quotes – The rural market has turned for the better.”

Fonterra was pleased with the high level of farmer engagement during the field days with shareholders and also the public using the opportunity to taste some of the finished fruits of their labour – the new Mammoth Supply Company yoghurts, Kapiti gourmet yoghurts and award-winning Kapiti Kikorangi blue cheese.

The Agri Innovation Award winners:
Class 3 Merit Award Barry Simmonds Supa Dupa Scoopa

Class 2 Winner AB Annand Jangler Bird Scarer
Class 2 Second Perm Brand Mobile Herringbone Vet Race
Class 2 Merit Award Robert McCarthy Vee Rake Modification
Class 2 Merit Award Rotahold Automatic Crutching Device

Class 1 Winner David Short Hand-piece Battery

Best site awards

Rural News Large Group site:
1st Goldpine Industries Ltd site 806
2nd Landpower NZ site 206
3rd WaterForce Ltd site 517

South Island Agricultural Field Days Committee Small site
1st StructureWise Ltd site 704
2nd Lockwood Homes Ltd site C11
3rd Garden Markers Ltd site 914

The South Island Field Day organising committee would like to thank all volunteers, exhibitors and visitors for making the 2011 event a success.

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