Sheepvention Rural Expo will be back in 2021 but in a new format

The expo is run by the Hamilton Pastoral and Agricultural Society and has traditionally been held in the first week of August at the Hamilton showgrounds.

Sheepvention features multiple events including a sheep show and ram sale, farm dogs competitions and trade exhibitions.

But coronavirus has forced a major change to that format this year.

Sheepvention president Kathryn Robertson said the committee had decided restructure the event this year into multiple, smaller events.

"The current proposed events will be a sheep-focused event in August and a broader ag event in October," she said.

"The first event in August will include a ram sale and trade exhibitions at this stage.

"The October event is also expected to include trade exhibitions and machinery demonstrations.

"The reason we have decided to run more than one event is due to number restrictions and (cvowd) density limits in place because of COVID.

"We hope to look at more events including some of our agricultural competitions and shows and something for our general indoor and food and wine traders later in the year.

"We had to find combinations of our Sheepvention product that would work together and could fit within our existing buildings so we weren't risking the outlay for marquees,." she said.

"We look forward to providing our region with events again and we will endeavour to bring our original Sheepvention format back as soon as COVID restrictions allow."