The 2024 Norco Primex gates swing open at Casino today, and more than 25,000 visitors are expected over the next three days to attend the bigger-than-ever rural expo.
Create a free account to read this article
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
This 40th-anniversary event, owned and operated by the Wright family since 1985, is the region's largest agricultural field day and packed this year with more than 400 exhibitors, some 1200 suppliers, 5000 industry delegates, plus the introduction of 10 new specific hubs to complement machinery traders and primary producers' exhibits.
Industry-first equipment, machinery demonstrations and rural industry panel discussions at the Richmond Valley Events Centre are complemented by a range of new technologies on show, regional produce displays, and the latest ideas on regenerative agriculture and agritourism alongside an Education and Careers Hub.
Primex director Bruce Wright says this 2024 event is the zenith of showcasing the region's diverse primary production and industry innovations over 40 years while adding new elements, such as the Health and Well Being Hub, to further support primary producers and rural communities.
"Primex is aimed at informing and educating a wide audience, from farmers to consumers, with a broader than ever line-up of exhibitors," Bruce said. "It covers topics from sustainable agriculture to cooking with local produce to the latest in technical innovations."
The AgTech Alley is organised by NSW DPI, Farms of the Future, the Australian Agtech Association, and Agtech Finder. Federal Agricultural Minister Murray Watt says these expos spotlight the cutting-edge innovations of regional communities and highlight Australia's leadership in innovation, sustainability, and research.
"Agritech events create major opportunities. They bring new products to new markets, elevate value add and sustainability, and foster deeper collaboration between industry players," Mr Watt added.
Other industry hubs for 2024 include the Affordable Housing centre showcasing accommodation options from tiny homes, for rural getaways and agritourism, to temporary structures for big projects. A first here is 3D Printed Housing by Jindi, a 3D-printed building that completes the loop in the circular economy by using recycled plastic as its primary raw materials.
The National Centre for Farmer Health will offer free 20-minute health and lifestyle assessments to all Primex attendees. National Farmers Federation president David Jochinke says while field days have always offered opportunities to see the latest technologies and innovations, today there are lifestyle, social aspects and health services as well.
"That's fantastic because it's probably one of the things that people in agriculture neglect to a degree," David said. "Here, they can take as much time as other people to make time and space for health checks. It's just fantastic at these events as an add-on."
Across the three days there are a number of events and expert panel series from industry experts, associations and partners Norco and Southern Cross University on subjects from mental health to regenerative agriculture to paddock-to-plate marketing of fresh produce.
The NSW Dairy Team will be on hand, talking and listening to dairy farmers, anyone looking for a career in that industry and consumers wanting to know more about dairy farming. There are also milking demonstrations and cheese-making sessions.
Food and drink are among the expo highlights, with a massive Nourish Food and Drink program hosting cooking demos from 'Native Food Queen' Mindy Woods and author and wellness chef Samantha Gowing. There are heaps of local food and drink offerings as well as local produce to taste and buy.
Daily entertainment includes performances from James Blundell, Katie Brooks, Mick Harrington, and others. Educational, fun, and family activities include shows from the Wildlife Twins, Dinky D's train ride, a fishing show, a farm petting zoo, and wood-chopping competitions.
The 2024 Norco Primex Field Days run from May 16-18 and leads into Casino's Beef Week.
Tickets online from $14 per adult, three-day pass is $36; from $18 at the gate, a three-day pass is $45. Student and concession prices are available; children under 12 are free if accompanied by an adult. For the full program, visit: www.primex.net.au
