Norco Primex: Bustling Casino agricultural expo celebrating 40 years as event continues to grow

Primex, one of the biggest agricultural expos in the country, is marking a 40 year milestone as more than 25,000 people are expected through the gates for its opening alone.

The event is one of the biggest agricultural expos in Australia. Picture: Supplied

Norco Primex, one of the biggest agricultural expos in the country, is marking a four decades milestone as more than 25,000 people are expected through the gates for its opening alone.

The Casino event, owned and operated by the Wright family since 1985, has grown to boast more than 400 exhibitors, 1200 suppliers and 5000 industry delegates on its 32 hectare site.

Primex, which opened Thursday, has also introduced 10 new event hubs to complement machinery traders and primary producer exhibits.

The expo includes produce displays, equipment and machinery demonstrations, as well as rural industry panel discussions at the onsite Richmond Valley Events Centre.

Regenerative agriculture and agritourism is also on the agenda and there’s also an education and careers hub.

Primex connects global brands and suppliers to those working in agriculture, forestry, fishing and natural resources.

The sectors have a gross regional productivity of about $1.54 million and an economic contribution to the region of $2.78 million.

Case Tractors and (left) Primex director Bruce Wright.

Primex director Bruce Wright said this year’s event is a showcase of the region’s best production and industry innovations.

He mentioned new elements including a health and wellbeing Hub, to further support producers and drawing more diverse attendees.

“Primex is aimed at informing and educating a wide audience, from farmers to consumers, with a broader than ever line-up of exhibitors,” Mr Wright said.

“It covers topics from sustainable agriculture to cooking with local produce to the latest in technical innovations.”

Primex from the air. Picture: Supplied.

Agtech Alley at Primex is organised by the NSW Department of Primary Industries, Farms of the Future, the Australian Agtech Association, and Agtech Finder.

Federal Agricultural Minister Murray Watt said Primex and events like it highlight the cutting-edge innovations emerging in regional communities.

“Agritech events create major opportunities. They bring new products to new markets, elevate value add and sustainability, and foster deeper collaboration between industry players,” he said.

Another addition this year is the affordable housing centre demonstrating varied options, including tiny homes

One innovation at that hub is the 3D Printed Housing by Jindi, which uses recycled plastic as its primary raw material.

A whopping 25,000 people are expected on the opening day alone. Picture: Supplied

Meanwhile, the National Centre for Farmer Health is offering free 20-minute health and lifestyle assessments to all Primex attendees.

National Farmers Federation president David Jochinke said the new hubs were a “fantastic add-on” to an already packed expo, particularly those focused on health and wellbeing.

“That’s fantastic because it’s probably one of the things that people in agriculture neglect to a degree,” he said.

He expected many farmers would spare a convenient moment at the expo “to make time and space for health checks”.

Primex includes a variety of educational shows. Picture: Supplied

Experts on hand at Primex will be covering a range of issues, from producer mental health to regenerative agriculture and paddock-to-plate marketing.

Other expo highlights include milking and cheesemaking demonstrations, as well as food and drink.

‘Native Food Queen’ Mindy Woods and author and wellness chef Samantha Gowing are hosting cooking demos, while entertainment includes performances from James Blundell, Katie Brooks, Mick Harrington and more.

There’s also the woodchopping and family-oriented activities including shows by the Wildlife Twins, a fishing show, farm animal petting zoo and Dinky D’s train ride

Norco Primex runs from Thursday, May 16 to Saturday, May 18 at Casino. Tickets can be bought at the gate, or online.