Machinery and marquees have started rolling into the Grasslandz event site. This is the second event of this type in New Zealand, which takes place on 30 – 31 January at Eureka, Waikato.
Those coming along will be able to visit large machinery demonstration plots, where some of the biggest names in farm machinery will be showcasing their gear — not only mowing, baling, chopping, or picking up grass, but plenty of cultivation gear ripping up the ground, drills, seeders, maize planters, and scoops all in full working mode over two days.
Exhibitors have been busy visiting their plots over the past couple of weeks and planning demonstrations. The Grasslandz team has been talking with several exhibitors who have been frantically assembling gear hot off the wharf to get it to the event in time. Andrew Reymer, organiser of Grasslandz, says there are some great new product releases for everyone to see and the live demonstrations will be well worth watching.
He says many exhibitors have stepped up their presence this year after realising from ‘Ag in Action’ (the same event held in 2011) that this is the type of event that brings in serious buyers with their list of machinery requirements for the next two years. Having a dedicated audience at a machinery-focused event makes this the biggest machinery networking and buying show in New Zealand.
As well as machinery demonstrations, visitors can visit the All About Fencing area, where you can see live fencing demonstrations, and get expert advice on the best fencing products in the market. You’ll also see teams go head to head in the new Fairbrother speed-fencing challenge. This event involves teams of two nailing 30 battens on a nine wire fence to set a new world record at Grasslandz.
Other great events include the Farm Trader 2014 Top Tractor Shoot Out, which will be carried out on its two-hectare test field plot. Here you can witness the ‘gun’ test team put the countries best high-end farmer tractors through their paces.
There’ll also be static sites to visit, including AgTrader Alley, where you’ll be able to check out products and equipment that are complimentary to your business, including silage wrap, fuel, ag chemical, and tyres, and Agronomy Avenue, featuring maize trials, grass cultivars, and Brassicas, all grown specifically for the event, with some of New Zealand’s best agronomy experts on hand to discuss your growing needs.
Finally, to conclude Grasslandz 2014, a tractor pulling competition will take place from 5pm on the Friday and is being organised by local YFC clubs. Sponsored by North Fuels, the event will feature the return of Karel Van Loo (Taranaki Tractor Pull) to the New Zealand tractor pulling scene, with his newest weight transfer sledge.
Tickets for Grasslandz will be on sale at the gate, $20 per day, and eftpos is available. The event is located just off SH26, on Platt road. There will be full catering services, refreshments, and a bar on site.
For more information visit grasslandz.co.nz.
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