There will be plenty for farmers to listen to and learn from at the East Coast Farming Expo in Wairoa mid-February.
There will be plenty for farmers to listen to and learn from at the East Coast Farming Expo in Wairoa mid-February.
Succession, financial guidance, innovation, youth, wellness and the coming together of tikanga and science will be among the topics covered by speakers at the 2026 East Coast Farming Expo.
The event runs on February 18 and 19 at the Wairoa Racecourse.
In announcing the seminar schedule for the gathering, eventmanager Sue Wilson said it was always an exciting time bringing together relevant and informative talent for sheep and beef farmers.
The Day 1 schedule includes Farm Fit’s Kane Briscoe, whose honest, lived experiences and tales have resonated with thousands over the years.
“While my Farm Fit messaging hasn’t changed, a much wider and diverse audience is now being reached,” he said.
“The challenges for most are building resilient and efficient teams, navigating the ever-changing regulations and having a sustainable, profitable business in a shifting market.
“If I had a magic wand, I would love to insert some logic into the government space. As farmers, we need some challenges to help drive us forward, but we also need people who are in behind us to help push through with the right leaders to focus the direction.
“At the heart of it all are people ... those with boots on the ground doing the hard work deserve the most help and rewards.”
Whāngārā Farms business manager Ray Leach will speak about He Rau Ake Ake, the farm’s 100-year Whenua Optimisation Plan.
It was rolled out in partnership in conjunction with the Ministry for Primary Industries.
“It brings tikanga and science together to guide sustainable land use for the next century,” Leach said.
“There are more than 200 initiatives planned through to 2125 on how biodiversity, productivity, emissions reduction, climate resilience and cultural heritage will work in unison to create a sustainable legacy for future generations.”
Lincoln University professor and soil scientist Dr Jacqueline Rowarth is one of the seminar speakers at the 2026 East Coast Farming Expo.
Over his half a century in agribusiness, specialist farm accountant Pita Alexander, ONZM, has experienced the boom and bust cycles of farming and is happy to share his extensive knowledge.
He has spoken at conferences and seminars across New Zealand, Australia and Britain.
“Agriculture has been good to me and I want to inject back into it as best I can.”
In other seminar presentations, the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council will delve into what the latest science means, including results from its most recent state of the environment report.
Beef + Lamb NZ representatives will speak about the Eliminating Facial Eczema Impacts Programme.
The Prime Minister’s chief science adviser, Dr John Roche, will present on the role of science and innovation in New Zealand’s prosperity.
Thursday’s programme includes Lincoln University professor and soil scientist Dr Jacqueline Rowarth, who will talk about free lunches and nitrogen, among other topics.
A panel discussion with Farmer Time’s Marie Burke, Napier Boys’ High School’s Rex Newman, Kiwi Country Kids owner Sally Newall and Growing Future Farmers will follow a similar theme.
