Northern Rivers biggest Ag show drew bumper crowds after a long hiatus
Primex has again proven its ability to overcome the adversity of natural disasters and the challenges faced. Read how this popular drawcard bounced back with a near-capacity event.
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The largest rural Field Day and agricultural exhibition in the Northern Rivers, Norco Primex returned with force this year to welcome bumper crowds after an 18-month hiatus due to Covid and historic flooding.
Ahead of the official opening on Thursday November 10, Primex saw a record crowd of an estimated 7,000 arrive keen to see the latest in agribusiness equipment and know-how in action and on display.
Norco Primex Field Days Director Bruce Wright said over 10,000 punters came through the gates over the three-day event this year.
“We are aiming to stage the largest event for our 39th anniversary next year,” Mr Wright said.
“We chose to go ahead late this year to ensure Norco Primex 2022 would deliver for the North Coast regional communities, after a run of years many of us would prefer to forget.
“I’m sure everyone will be looking forward to moving back to May in 2023 when the temperatures will be more comfortable,” Mr Wright said.
An estimated $100 million dollars’ worth of the latest machinery and products on display were put through their paces from 370 local, national and international displays, exhibitors and more than a thousand suppliers.
One equipment display, by Casino’s own Days Machinery is worth more than $5 million alone.
“Primex has faced the same challenges as every other rural enterprise over these past years so we’re looking forward to getting back on schedule in 2023, injecting millions into the economy and again achieving significant sales for our exhibitors and partners,” Mr Wright said.
The event held one minute of silence on Friday to commemorate those men and women who fought and died for Australia for Remembrance Day.
“It’s a privilege to stop and remember where we have come from and the sacrifices that have been made on all our behalf,” Mr Wright said.
Primex hosted an expanded program for their palate to plate arm headed by MasterChef finalist and creative force behind Karkalla Restaurant in Byron Bay, Ms Woods who presented a range of inspirational cooking demonstrations.
Water Industry Operators Association of Australia (WIOA) and Richmond Valley Council also hosted the Ixom 2022 Best Tasting Tap Water in Australia competition.
Current winners, Richmond Valley Council competed against state rivals from Shoalhaven, Mackay, Trility, Fern Tree Tasmania, Wyndham, and Cresswell from Melbourne.
Primex also focused on Education and the next generation of rural agribusiness leaders with the Primary Industry Education Foundation having a strong presence at this year’s event.
“We also placed a big emphasis on fostering our future generation of farmers this year with everyone from the Department of Education through to the local university showing the potential for agribusiness focused education and the opportunities to build a career in the region,” Mr Wright said.
“You don’t have to be a fifth-generation farmer to build yourself an agribusiness career and stay in the regions we all love.”
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