Primex has wrapped up for another year.
More than 25,000 visitors attended the ag show, with 350 exhibitors displaying a vast array of animals, machinery, produce, and equipment.
TME Systems gave one of the most popular, and quirky, demonstrations of the show, with their dog-like robot interacting with the public.
The robot is most often used in the red meat industry within abattoirs, checking for problems inside the facility. It detects ammonia and gas leaks, as well as detecting hot spots in electrical systems. The robot monitors the work space and automatically reports issues before they become major issues.
The company was a joint winner of Primex's Best Innovation & AgriTech Award for 2023.
Other award winners were:
- Alf Fletcher Memorial Award Spirit of Primex best stand - Days Machinery
- Best Livestock Display - Bizzy & Jomanda Brahmans the Earle Bulmer Memorial Award
- Best Outdoor Commercial - Norco AgriSolutions
- Best Agricultural - RDO Equipment Australia
- Best Heavy Machinery - Earthmoving Equipment Australia
- Nourish Best Paddock to Plate - Critters Distillery
- Best Innovation & AgriTech - TME Systems / Meat and Livestock Australia / Casino Food Coop
The event also featured a variety of speakers, discussions and networking events, hosted by Norco AgriSolutions, Black Dog Institute, Southern Cross University, Regenerative Agriculture Alliance, Business NSW, Sourdough Business Women and Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation
The Southern Cross University Panel talk discussed 'The Future of Carbon Farming in the Northern Rivers: How you benefit from emerging environmental markets', hosted by Lorraine Gordon from the Regenerative Agriculture Alliance.
The panel explored innovation in agriculture, the role of ecosystems and sustainability on farms, horticulture production, soil health and regenerative AgTech for the future. The panel featured some of Australia's leading voices in agriculture, science and industry.
North Coast Local Land Services held talks each day, discussing weeds, pests, pasture issues, and biosecurity risks.
Other sessions addressed health and wellbeing, careers, women in business, and affordable housing.
Friends of the Koala were kept busy over the weekend, talking to the public to raise awareness about issues impacting koalas.
At Primex, the group was selling koala food trees, and they were being snapped up by landholders - from half a dozen to 200 trees at a time.
Nicole Hargrave, from the koala rescue group, said they were grateful to be invited to raise koala awareness.
The Wildlife Twins were also on hand to introduce the public to more of Australia's unique animals, with Barty the wombat a huge hit.
Nourish Food and Drink Fest also delivered interesting presentations, from talks on beef cuts to displays by chefs David Carew, Sam Gowing, and Mindy Woods.
Local producers were also displaying their wares - including Brunswick Oysters, to Winding Road Distilling gin, to Goose on the Loose salami.
Primex has again brought together the latest in machinery, supplies, and produce, as well as bringing together the most innovative ideas to ensure farming has a long and successful future in the region.
Primex 2024 will be held from May 16-18.
