Farmers nationwide are invited to the NZ Effluent Expo Event this month – offering almost 100 exhibitors that specialise in intensive farm systems, effluent, its design, management and application from all over the country in one spot for two days – and free entry.

Taking shape under new management, the event, from 8.30am-4pm on November 27-28, is going national this year, promising a comprehensive look at all aspects of effluent management.

NZ Effluent Expo event coordinator Amanda Hodgson says the event will cover education around effluent and its management, access to regional rules and regulations, how to futureproof farm systems, plus representatives from a range of service providers, the dairy industry and regional authorities will be on-site.

“We’re absolutely passionate about our industry and seeing people doing things right and taking the industry forward. There are some awesome-yet-simple systems going in out there.

“So we encourage farmers to come and learn how to de-risk their current effluent system from labour, weather events, compliance and the consumer.”

Along with exhibitors and experts onsite, there’s a full-day seminar programme running both days, and a guest speaker Q&A session with Agricultural Minister Damien O’Connor and Rabobank dairy analyst Emma Higgins on the topic: ‘Who’s driving regulation – The consumer or the regulator?’

“The same seminars run both days so attendees can see seminars and peruse exhibitors without missing out,” says Amanda.

Another ‘first’ this year is a social function on the Tuesday afternoon, November 27, starting 4.30pm to encourage networking and collaboration between exhibitors and farmers alike.

“Often a farm solution requires more than one company to fulfil the whole project so networking is essential and we just don’t do it enough,” says Amanda.

“With this function being at the same venue we can all go in our gumboots and attend a fun, low-key event to get everyone together because we’ve got a real focus on everyone collaborating.”

Amanda says farmers nationwide can access the new venue, Mystery Creek near Hamilton, by road, bus or air – and take the full two days to attend seminars and talk with all exhibitors.

“So please lock the NZ Effluent Expo in to your dairies – as this is an event not to be missed on the rural calendar.

“If you’re looking at starting, upgrading/modifying or futureproofing your farm effluent system, then this is the event for you.”

To register to attend the FREE NZ Effluent Expo, see: www.effluentexpo.co.nz