While the Norco Primex field days are a showcase of all facets of agriculture, the livestock section and cattle in particular are popular among exhibitors and visitors alike.
A number of new features have been added to this year’s event, including a hands-on approach to immersing young people in beef production with a “city slickers challenge”.
George and Foreman’s Darren Perkins is also Primex’s livestock co-ordinator and said the challenge gave kids from the city a chance to get a feel for what it’s like to live on the land.
“It is a paraders class for kids from coastal areas to lead cattle that have been very generously donated by exhibitors,” Mr Perkins said.
“It is not so much a competition but a chance for kids with absolutely no experience to turn up, lead some cattle in the ring. A judge will give them some comments on how to improve and we hope this will prompt further interest and involvement.”
Mr Perkins said he felt similar initiatives should be expanded across the nation.
“Many kids are very passionate about agriculture but simply have no access to it. We already have a few kids coming up from Byron Bay that are champing at the bit,” he said.
“It doesn’t matter that they have no rural experience. It’s about promoting what we do in a fun, hands-on way where kids have the opportunity to do what rural kids do on a daily basis.”
The bull and heifer classic will again feature at this year’s expo in a judged showcase pitting all breeds against each other in their relevant age groups.
Mr Perkins said there would be two additional sales at Primex 2018, as well as the long-running commercial heifer sale held on the Saturday. Medlyn Angus will offer 30 Angus bulls for buyer competition while Calmview Charolais will present 12 Charolais bulls and eight calved and PTIC heifers for sale.
Primex director Bruce Wright said the field days’ affiliation with various grower and producer groups, not only in beef, ensured Primex catered to all needs within agricultural production.
“Our livestock section celebrates the beef industry, a major player in our area, while our connection with horticulture and other sectors offers benefits to those in those industries,” Mr Wright said. “Getting Meat and Livestock Australia on board this year was significant. With that affiliation comes a double pass for beef, sheep and goat levy payers to attend the event.”
Mr Wright said Primex aimed first and foremost to work with producer groups to find out what was most relevant or pressing for members and to program that within the field days.