A patent application is pending for Bryan Cleland's unique extender which can be fitted to an existing machine. Photo: supplied
New Zealand has a rich history of farming inventions from the milking machine through to electric fencing and aerial topdressing.
Now a Kiwi designed attachable digger arm for construction, horticultural and tree work will be put to the test at the Central Districts Field Days.
The folding excavator accessory will feature at the country's biggest regional agricultural event which opened in Manawatū on Thursday and will run for three days through to Saturday at Manfeild Park in Feilding.
Its creator Bryscorah's Bryan Cleland has a trademark and a patent application pending for the new extender which can be fitted to an existing digger.
He said the folding arm can be attached for use in confined spaces while taking advantage of a far greater reach.
"This means it can be used in tight spaces, such as for demolition or tree arbour work."
He said there were many practical uses such as for cutting a tree from the top down, horticultural hedge trimming, and residential trench work.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon gives a digger a go at last year's event. Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver
"I have used it where a larger machine would not have been able to reach," he said.
The folding arm also made it easier to transport the excavator.
Cutting edge electric machinery and e-trucks will also be on display at the Field Days. A range of precision e-sprayers using the latest technology will also vie for the attention of farmers at the rural expo.
A mix of craft beer, tacos and tractors
Events manager Jonathan Paul said with the dairy sector set for record profits and with red meat exports soaring this year, the mood was positive among exhibitors.
It's more than likely some of the big ticket items like sheds, machinery and outbuildings would sell, he said.
"There is some optimism that we might see some more spending," he said on the eve of the largest regional field days event.
"Farmers are feeling a little bit more positive and things are on the up, they haven't been able to spend much in quite a while.
"Definitely sheds, machinery, fertilisers, through to temporary homes and buildings which we know farmers are also looking at for staff accommodation."
Networking and catching up with friends was another feature of the event which he said had a local feel.
A number of MPs and company representatives will be hoping to talk to farmers.
"Reps and the like are looking to talk to all their clients in one place and get a good sense of how they can further improve their farming operation, whether it be beef or dairy or whatever it might be," he said.
And it will be hungry work looking at close to 500 exhibits at the sprawling 30 hectare site.
Paul said he could highly recommend a favourite snack to refuel.
"Venison burgers always go down a treat," he said.
"They're a gourmet delight I suppose you could say, they're always a must go to spot."
Fencing, woodchopping and the Golden Loader competition will be held at Central Districts Field Days. Photo: supplied
Craft beer will be supplied by Palmerston North's Brew Union Brewing Co.
Several contests have top athletes going head-to-head in sports like fencing, woodchopping and in the Golden Loader competition.
"There will be plenty for everyone across the lifestyle area and for the kids as well," Paul said.
Organisers expect 27,000 people to attend the event showcasing the latest in the primary industries.
