The Fieldays website describes the annual event as the Southern Hemisphere’s largest agricultural event and the ultimate launch platform for cutting edge technology and innovation.

It provides a great platform, too, for Government ministers to make a pitch for farmers’ votes.

Farmers who turned up on the  opening today were treated to news of a bundle of governmental goodies.

Scientist might pick up some of the crumbs – if not plums – from what was announced.

• Partnership approach to FMD signed and sealed

Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard announced a new agreement between the Government and key livestock industry groups which he described as a major milestone in New Zealand’s readiness for a potential foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreak.

The Foot and Mouth Disease Operational Agreement confirms how Government and industry would jointly prepare for, and respond to, a possible outbreak – including how costs would be shared, Mr Hoggard said.

Six industry organisations – DairyNZ, the Dairy Companies Association, Beef + Lamb New Zealand, NZPork, Deer Industry New Zealand, and the Meat Industry Association – have signed the agreement with MPI, which takes effect from 1 July for five years.

An outbreak could cost up to $3 billion to eradicate, Mr Hoggard said, “but doing nothing would be far worse – potentially slashing export values by $14.3 billion per year until it’s controlled.”

Industry will contribute 40% of readiness costs and 15% of response costs – capped at $450 million. In return, they will have a formal seat at the decision-making table.

Mr Hoggard says the agreement reflects years of work and a shared commitment to protecting New Zealand’s vital livestock sector.

“This is a significant and practical step forward for our national biosecurity system.”

• New Zealand Grass-Fed certification to take on global competitors

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced a new Grass-Fed certification scheme to help red meat and dairy producers go head-to-head with competitors in premium international markets.

The voluntary scheme, developed in partnership between the Primary Sector and the Ministry for Primary Industries, sets a clear definition for grass-fed products. Producers who meet the standard can be assessed and display the trusted Grass-Fed certification on their products and market them to the world.

“International consumers are increasingly willing to pay more for high-quality grass-fed food—and New Zealand intends to lead that space, not follow it,” Mr McClay says.

“This new standard puts a clear, trusted stamp on what our farmers have always done best—producing high-quality, safe pasture-raised meat and dairy.”

“In key markets, we’re up against countries that claim grass-fed credentials but feed their animals grain part of the year or keep them indoors for long periods. New Zealand’s system is different—our livestock on grass, year-round, in the world’s best farming conditions.”

The standard for dairy defines grass-fed as meaning animals have a diet comprised of at least 90 percent of the qualifying grass-fed feed types and are on pasture or forage crops, 340 days per year.

For red meat, the animals must be predominantly fed grass-fed feed types and be permitted to graze outdoors on pasture or forage crops year-round.

“This is about more than a label—it’s a commercial tool to push into premium segments and stay ahead of competitors. We’re relentlessly focused on improving the value of our exports and backing farmers,” Mr McClay says.

“This is another step in making New Zealand farming the global benchmark for high-quality, safe, sustainable production—and ensuring our exporters have every advantage in the fight for premium shelf space.”

More information and assessment details are available on the MPI website.

• Solar on Farms: Unlocking farm cost saving