20th April 2010

New Zealand’s oldest Field Days marks its 60th year

The South Island’s largest field days, the South Island Agricultural Field Days (SIAFD), is calling on former committee members to make themselves known ahead of next year’s 60th anniversary event which next year runs from 30 March – 1 April, 2011.

When SIAFD, which is held every second year, was first held in Motukarara in 1951, it was a one-day wonder that attracted around 1,000 people. By 2009 SIAFD, now held on the Lincoln University Farm, had grown into a three-day event attended by over 25,000 South Island farmers.

To mark such a significant anniversary this year’s committee has hired historian Roger Gilbert to write a commemorative book. New chairman of the organising committee, Killinchy farmer Hamish Maginness, is calling on past committee members to please make contact and is particularly keen to locate pictures of previous events. Those who can help are urged to contact Errol Costello at Lincoln University’s Professional Development Group on (03) 325 3832 or email errol.costello@lincoln.ac.nz.

Hamish says he’s proud previous SIAFD committees have stuck to their roots over the years. “Our aim with field days has always been to promote ingenuity and innovation, and provide farmers with the opportunity to view side-by-side demonstrations so they can make informed choices before purchasing machinery and equipment.”

The 36 year-old became involved with SIAFD as an 18 year-old when, as a member of the Dunsandel Young Farmers' Club, he volunteered to act as a security guard overnight. He has previously represented the Tasman District in the Young Farmer of the Year competitions in 1998 and in 2004.

Hamish is married to Taryn and they have a 1 year-old daughter Kate. The Maginness’ 216 hectare farm has 900 breeding ewes and they grow cereals and small seeds.

For further information contact:

Hamish Maginness
South Island Agricultural Field Days Society chairman
(03) 324 3995
027 346 1584

Or

Errol Costello
Professional Development Group
Lincoln University
(03) 325 3832 or 0274 362 066
errol.costello @lincoln.ac.nz

Editor’s notes

The main aim of the South Island Agricultural Field Days is to give farmers and others in the rural sector the opportunity to see the latest in agricultural machinery and services that are available on the market, particularly home grown products.

Field Days is the only agricultural show in New Zealand to feature side-by-side demonstrations, with 80 - 100 tractors, headers, mowers, seed drills and other machines being put through their paces each day.

With over 330 exhibitors over 7 hectares it is the largest broadacre machinery exhibition in New Zealand. In 2011, SIAFD will be held at Lincoln University Farm from 30 March to 1 April 2010.

The event has been running every second year since 1951 when it was held at Motukarara. SIAFD attracts between 20,000 and 25,000 visitors over the course of three days.

The Agri-Innovation Awards are held at the event. There are three classes:

• Kiwi made farm equipment
• Imported farm equipment
• Farm aids/tools and farm inventions.

A $250 monetary prize is given to the best large exhibit and the best small exhibit.

SIAFD also gives experience in leadership and managerial skills to senior members of Young Farmers in the Christchurch District.

The committee, chaired by Hamish Maginness, has 26 members and is an incorporated society. All funds generated are used for educational scholarships for young farmers plus a donation to Young Farmers national office.

The Field Days theme is Farming for the Future. Farming began 23,000 years ago during the Stone-Age and it now sustains a world population of over 6 and a half billion people. Field Day exhibitors provide the latest research and information so agri-businesses can continue to sustain the world’s growing population while reducing their environmental footprint.