Media Release 2026 #1

Media Releases

For release 04.12.2025

Grassroots Dairy Event Returns to Matamata with 180 Exhibitors Focused on Productivity and Practical Solutions

NZ Dairy Expo – 18 & 19 February 2026, Bedford Park, Matamata

The NZ Dairy Expo is back this February, and while it isn’t designed to be a massive, multi-day Fieldays-style event, organisers say farmers should still allow at least three to four hours to make the most of what’s on offer. Designed to fit between milkings (8.30am–3pm), the Expo brings together 180 dairy focused businesses, each tied directly to dairy farming and on-farm productivity. The event continues to grow while staying true to its “no bull” grassroots ethos.

Run by a small, literally a couple of passionate organisers who also run their own rural business, the NZ Dairy Expo is an industry-good event that remains free for farmers and operates purely as a break-even, non-sponsored show. There are no naming rights or corporate strings attached; it’s simply a whole lot of mucking in and hard work.

Organisers say they don’t believe sponsorship drives productivity, it can often create unnecessary pressure and demands. Instead, staying completely neutral within the sector allows the Expo to focus on what matters: creating value for farmers and businesses, with no hidden agendas. The team is committed to giving every exhibitor the same level of visibility, supporting businesses coming through the ranks and keeping all companies on an even keel.

“We do this because the NZ dairy sector is our livelihood,” says organiser Amanda Hodgson. “This Expo is about creating value for both farmers and businesses. If it didn’t deliver that, we’d just be another field days and theres already enough of them and that’s not who we are or why we want to do this. That would be a waste of time and energy.”

A&P show feel, with businesses focused on on-farm productivity and production

Despite its growth, the Expo still feels like a classic rural A&P show friendly, practical, low-key, and built around having only the best people on the ground. Exhibitor numbers have expanded again this year, prompting some site reshuffling simply part of the natural evolution of a growing grassroots event.

To make things easy for farmers, all exhibitors have been grouped into clear, farmer-friendly categories:

  • Animal Fertility Management
  • Animal Health & Nutrition
  • Automation, Technology & Innovation
  • Dairy Hygiene
  • Plant & Equipment
  • Effluent & Irrigation
  • Machinery
  • On-Farm Infrastructure
  • Pasture & Soil
  • People & Staff Support
  • Rural & Industry Professionals
  • Sustainability

“Everything we do is about being accommodating and making things happen,” says Hodgson. “We’re not fancy, we’re not corporate we’re just a couple of hard working good buggers running a big event because it’s great for the dairy sector. It’s something different from our day-to-day and it’s actually pretty fun getting it sorted, I am into a bit of organised chaos!"

Quality over quantity – Smaller crowds work way better

Unlike major field days where tens of thousands pour through the gates, the NZ Dairy Expo is intentionally smaller.

A successful event, Hodgson says, is around 1,000 farmers each day.

“These farmers are the motivated ones,” she says. “They’re proactive. They’re coming because they want to upskill, learn, purchase, and do business. For most exhibitors, having 20 to 30 good conversations with switched-on farmers in a day is bloody awesome and you actually can’t handle too many more if you really want to take the time to talk and understand what they’re trying to achieve.”

To help exhibitors measure engagement, farmers will still need to present a free ticket at the gate. This keeps entry flowing smoothly and allows organisers to report accurate attendance figures.

Expert talks, Q&A sessions and roving MC Julia Jones

This year the Expo welcomes well-known agri-commentator Julia Jones as MC across both days. Each morning she’ll host a 30-40-minute Q&A session on cow wearables, joined by veterinarian Kirsty Ashcroft from Anexa Veterinary Services, Morrinsville.

The session covers collars, ear tags, boluses, system integration, practical tips, and what’s coming next in dairy technology.

In the afternoons, attention shifts to breeding for the modern farming environment, led by Mark Benns from Wingman. He’ll explore why breeding decisions need to be made years ahead of infrastructure changes and how strategic planning supports herd efficiency and sustainability.

Jones will also be roving the grounds and is available to visit exhibitor sites for a chat.

Food, cuppas and a cold beer at knock-off time

Farmers can expect a good selection of food and coffee carts throughout the grounds. And for anyone keen on a casual beer at the end of the day, the UMS Clubrooms will be open on Wednesday from 3.30pm to 6.30pm. Cash bar and EFTPOS will be available.

Matamata – The perfect central, grassroots location

Organisers say Matamata is the ideal home for the Expo: central, easy to get to, and proudly rural.

“Matamata is grassroots just like we are,” says Hodgson. “It’s the perfect place to bring farmers and the industry together.”

Key Event Information: