Big crowds and sunny conditions has the South Island Agricultural Field Days heading for a record attendance as it inches towards the final day of the three day event.
Close to 25 thousand have already been to see the machinery demonstrations, primary industry trade sites and interactive stalls.
“We’ve had a wonderful few days so far, and the weather is looking great for tomorrow, so all signs are pointing towards another bumper crowd,” said SIAFD Chairperson Michaela McLeod.
“The feedback we’re getting is the exhibitors are really enjoying the positive engagement they’re having with the public, which is a great achievement for our organising committee which is largely made up of volunteers,” McLeod added.
Two-time Rugby World Cup winning All Black Sam Whitelock will be a feature of the Field Days on Friday as he engages with the public as part of his role as a Farmstrong Ambassador.
Over 40 tractors, headers and balers will also be on show tomorrow, which has been a highlight of the demonstrations.
Best overall
Alpine Buildings NZ headed off stiff competition to win the best overall site award at the South Island Agricultural Field Days, taking home the Hamish Reid Memorial Trophy (Former SIAFD Committee Chair).
Judged out of more than 600 sites, Alpine Buildings NZ had erected a 230 square meter clear span shed, clearly demonstrating their ability to cover a large bird proof area with limited footings.
We feel really delighted to win this award, and equally privileged to be able to display our innovative shed amongst all the other innovations that are here at the South Island Agricultural Field Days. Said Alpine Buildings Managing Director
Anthony Brewerton.
Best big site
Polaris picked up the Best Big Site award after wowing the crowds with their off-road vehicles who were put through their paces on their makeshift all terrain course.
The judges said it was hard to go past Polaris who were constantly surrounded by onlookers, who also clearly displayed the vehicle's safety abilities.
Best small site
Christchurch based planning and surveying company Survus Consultants scooped the Best Small Site award, impressing the judges with their striking site and ability to create great conversation and interaction with the public.