It's that time of year again. As we have done for a number of years, we are setting off up north to the 42nd National Field days. Our site is in the Premiere area in the main pavilion (Site PF26).
We've had field days since the beginning of agriculture in this country and it's interesting that the basic format, from what I've read and observed over time, hasn't changed much. The content has but not the basic format. For something to have survived for so long means that someone must have got it right all those years ago or alternatively, we are still farming and doing things with a nineteenth century mind set. I prefer the former explanation. I love field days, meeting people and chewing the fat. Net working and dreaming of what might have been. There's a social benefit that isn't calculable. It was none-the -less interesting to read the KPMG Agribusiness Agenda report which suggested farming in New Zealand was based on "Outdated" Agricultural Science dating back to the 1960s and 70s. It also included a suggestion that if we don't pull up our farm socks, we could be overtaken and left behind agriculturally by other fast developing countries. That's a bit of a worry!
As much as I hate the thought, it could be time to have an in-depth look at Field days and Agricultural Shows to assess their worth and explore the possibilities of a 21st Century way of accomplishing the same objectives.
Any Suggestions?
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