Expo a chance to ‘fill one’s cup’

Lincoln adjunct professor Dr Jaquelin Rowarth says now more than ever, the world needs more sustainably produced animal protein, and New Zealand has a big part to play in that.

There’s an air of anticipation and excitement around February’s East Coast Farming Expo and especially with the announcement of the speakers.

The Expo will run at the Wairoa Racecourse this time, from February 21-22.

“Post Cyclone Gabrielle, farmers are really wanting to get together and just reconnect,” said event organiser Sue Wilson.

“We’ve got quite the line-up of speakers coming over the two days.”

Included in the line-up is television personality and mental wellbeing exponent Matt Chisholm alongside the former head of analytics for the NZX Julia Jones, Craigs financial chick Fleur Gardiner, Lincoln University adjunct professor Dr Jaquelin Rowarth, and John Roche, the chief science advisor at Ministry for Primary Industries.

All are excited to be back in the rural sector sharing their knowledge, and reconnecting with people.

Dr Rowarth is very much focused on the vibrant future ahead.

“Reading, listening or watching any of the news you would be forgiven for thinking the world population is becoming vegan, embracing plant-based food from vertical farms and cultured protein from vats while relegating animals to the role of pets,” she said.

“In fact, the world needs sustainably produced animal protein more than ever and New Zealand is leading the way in showing how what is needed can be achieved.

“The key is to consider the essential amino acids that make meat and milk such efficient deliverers of what human physiology requires.”

Former head of analytics for the NZX Julia Jones said she’ll be drilling down on what is happening around the world, including protectionism, geopolitical issues, climate resilience, the need to drive hope and focus on what can be controlled while not wasting energy on what cannot.

“As an export-led economy our revenues are dependent on what is happening globally,” said Ms Jones.

“So it is important we understand and have perspective on what is happening.

“It is a massive privilege to be invited to a community and learn from them, especially one as tight-knit who have been through so much.”

For Ms Gardiner the Expo is a chance to encourage people to plan and consider their options and investment dos and don’ts, and she’ll have case studies to show how investing off-farm can provide an alternative income stream and help with succession planning.

All agree events like the Expo are crucial to wider community wellbeing.

“These give a moment of positive, shared experience and support, and the opportunity to gain new information and see new technologies,” said Dr Rowarth.

“That combination can lead to new thinking and opportunities. For speakers it is a chance to see and hear what has been endured and achieved by the local community and take that to other parts of the country.”

Ms Jones said such connection is like oxygen.

“We need it but we don’t always appreciate that,” she said.

“It’s the laughs, smiles and hugs that fill people’s cups.”

Mrs Wilson said the Expo always pushes to raise the bar and meet what they know the farming community wants to see and hear.

“We are all really excited to be bringing the 2024 Expo to our region once again.”