The wheels will be turning, and the diesel will be burning as the South Island Agricultural Field Days (SIAFD) return to Kirwee for 2025, putting machinery in the spotlight once again.

"Our big thing is always our demonstrations so that people can see machines in action," SIAFD chairperson and North Canterbury dairy farmer Andrew Stewart says.

"We are the only field days that run demonstrations."

The event will run for three days from March 26-28, and is one of the longest-standing events of its kind, having been established in 1951.

After outgrowing the previous site in Lincoln, the SIAFD moved to Kirwee in 2015.

"We are lucky we own the land; it means we can expand the site as needed."

This year, the SIAFD will feature an arena dedicated to machinery demonstrations, giving farmers better access and the opportunity to "get under the hood" before the equipment is put through its paces.

"People can have a good look at the machine before or after it does its demonstration."

On-site crops will be harvested using the latest farm machinery, which will then be cultivated, providing a firsthand look at the equipment in action.

Another highlight will be the Top Tractor Shootout, where the newest model tractors and telehandlers go head-to-head.

"They will perform tasks and jobs that people would do with that tractor day to day on the farm.

"The tractors are judged on which performs best and ranked at the end."

A new KidsZone will keep children occupied while parents explore the sites, and an agri-kids challenge will allow children to show off their farming skills.

But it's not just tractors for the adults—there's also a cowboy challenge, a fencing competition, food trucks, a bar, and retail stalls to explore.

"There is a big lifestyle section with clothing and equestrian supplies.

"There is something for everyone."

Following a wet event in 2023, the site has had extra gravel laid on the walking tracks to make access to over 600 exhibitor sites easier in bad weather.

But Stewart is hopeful for better weather this time around.

"Last year, the weather was a bit average, and we struggled for a couple of days. Hopefully, we'll have a good run this year.

"We've got a simple layout, so it'll be easy for people to find their way around."

This year, technology has taken a step up, too.

"We're using a programme called Map My Show, which is a live app on the internet. People can look it up, see what they want to visit, and find exactly where the sites are."

The event is powered by a dedicated committee of around 30 volunteers, a group Stewart describes as "a good bunch" and key to the event's success.

"Everyone has normal jobs and lives, and then we all just come together to make the event run," Stewart said.

"It's a big undertaking, but we make it work."

With an expected 30,000 attendees, Stewart says exhibitor bookings are strong, reflecting a sense of confidence across the sector.

"On the whole, the milk price is good, the grain price is good, the meat price is good. It's still tough for some, but I don't think it will be a bad turnout."

By Claire Inkson