Primex cancels due to persistent wet weather

The Northern Rivers biggest agriculture expo has been rescheduled.

Primex announces new dates for 2022.

The Northern Rivers biggest agricultural expo has cancelled its May date due to flooding and persistent wet weather.

Director of Primex Bruce Wright said the call to postpone the multimillion-dollar expo took into account the needs of exhibitors and stakeholders, many of who travel interstate for the three day event.

Originally scheduled for May 19-21 Primex will now be held November 10-12.

“We have taken the time to seek advice about suitable dates with a broad section of our stakeholders and also sought feedback to maximise the opportunities and benefits the event and its exhibitors can provide,” Mr Wright said.

“The indication from stakeholders suggests there are no other events that would be directly affected by this decision, and that the region would benefit from the additional visitors travelling here for Primex.”

Primex director Bruce Wright said he can’t wait to bring farmers, business owners and our community together at the Casino site. Picture Jackie Munro

Over 400-plus businesses benefit from Primex each year.

Mr Wright said his goal is to achieve full capacity and end 2022 with an event that will showcase and support the local community and its primary industries.

“Almost $5 million will be injected immediately into the region’s economy, and we expect more than $47 million in sales generated by the event over the three days.

With the extra few months until Primex opens in November, Mr Wright is looking forward to improved weather conditions.

He said the time will allow for an “enhanced development of the event programs” and expand on exhibitor participation.

Primex announces new dates for 2022.

Southern Cross University has also partnered with Primex.

Southern Cross University’s Vice President (Engagement), Ben Roche, said they were looking forward to supporting Norco Primex in line with the newly announced dates.

“At Southern Cross, collaboration is at the heart of how we create impact,” Mr Roche said.

Mr Roche said that Primex is an exciting opportunity to grow awareness of new “smart farming” methods.

“The opportunity to partner with Primex provides an important opportunity of the new and exciting opportunities emerging in agriculture as the sector and nation grapple with smarter farming and how we develop greater resilience to drought and flood – the realities of a changing climate,” Mr Roche said.

Norco’s General Manager Rural Agriculture, Adrian Reck, said they supported the decision to postpone the 2022 event.

“Primex is an integral part of our community, in Norco’s heartland,” he said.

“This event provides, not just economic and educational opportunities in primary industries and agribusiness, but brings the community together in mateship.

Mr Reck said the recent weather have tested the community’s resolve.

“We are working with Primex to bring this iconic field event to life at a later date and look forward to celebrating the best our region has to offer in sustainable Australian primary production and food,” Mr Reck said.

One of the event’s major exhibitors, Dan Hoppy from Days Machinery, said he was supportive of a change to Primex’s schedule given the recent catastrophic weather events.

“Primex Field Days have always been a quality rural event for everyone,” Mr Hoppy said.

“We look forward to exhibiting at the rescheduled event date.”

With over 30,000 people expected at Primex, over half attend are there to see developments in agricultural machinery.

The expo also provides for those interested in home, lifestyle and travel, and livestock.