The rural economy is currently booming thanks to strong export returns in dairy, red meat, horticulture and wool

8 minutes ago

People spoken to by RNZ say they are looking to make purchases at the event this year.

Photo: RNZ/Nick Monro

The Southern Hemisphere's largest agricultural showcase Field Days has kicked off in Mystery Creek, with thousands of people streaming through the gates.

Over the next 4 days over 1100 exhibitors and vendors will showcase products to the public, ranging from drones and solar panels to steak knives and organic biodegradable plant pots.

People spoken to by RNZ on the way in to the event said they were feeling positive and were looking to make purchases.

The event comes at time when the rural economy is booming thanks to strong export returns in dairy, red meat, horticulture and wool.

President of the Tractor and Machinery Association Jaiden Drought said there would be plenty of top of the range tractors and harvesters for sale this year with some valued at as much as $1 million.

MPs from across the political spectrum are set to speak at a special politician's advocacy hub that's been set up at Field Days.

Photo: RNZ/Nick Monro

However, he said while there was no doubt the rural sector was doing well thanks to the booming export prices, farmers were so far still remaining cautious about making big tractor purchases.

Meanwhile, MPs from across the political spectrum were set to speak at a special politician's advocacy hub that's been set up at Field Days.

This includes the Prime Minister Christopher Luxon - who is due to speak on Wednesday afternoon.

It's likely there will be a number of political announcement's throughout the week, with Labour's leader Chris Hipkins due to attend on Thursday.

Field Days opened on Wednesday.

Photo: RNZ/Nick Monro

People lining up top enter Field Days 2026.

Photo: RNZ/Nick Monro

Field Days in Mystery Creek.

Photo: RNZ/Nick Monro

Photo: RNZ/Nick Monro

Photo: RNZ/Nick Monro

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