Primex, the only family-owned agricultural field day in Australia, is in countdown mode, with five weeks to go until 30,000 visitors stream through the gates in its 41st-year of showcasing produce, machinery and services.

For 2025, the focus is on the Future of Farming across the Northern Rivers. This area and its rich soils host a diversity of agriculture, from beef production to berry farming, from timber production to dairy produce, with a farm gate valued in excess of $1 billion per annum, according to the NSW DPI.

Machinery exhibits at Norco Primex from May 15-17 will be complemented across the 32-hectare site by a range of agricultural businesses and suppliers alongside services from the likes of the NSW DPI and NSW Health with these field days generating between $45-70 million in sales each year annum and injecting an estimated $2.5-3.5 million into the region. Close to 50 per cent of visitors are primary producers from industries ranging from beef production to macadamia nut growers.

The Casino field days were originally formulated as the Eastern Coast Rural Trade Expo by John Wright in 1985 and was one of his 1980s’ concepts _ including the inaugural Ballina Boat Show _ to supplement down times for the family’s Wright Hire company on the Gold Coast and at Alstonville in northern New South Wales.

That first expo featured primarily farm machinery traders and attracted some 3000 visitors. Over 40 years the original horse paddock was transformed, with earthworks and infrastructure, into the Wright family’s Richmond Valley Events Centre, this year looking to host 1200 companies and more than 30,000 visitors.

Norco AgriSolutions general manager Luke Couch says the company is immensely proud of its roots and commitment to serving Australian farmers. “Primex has been instrumental in supporting these values and has become the highlight of the year for us and our customers alike. It’s where we come together to celebrate innovation, share knowledge, and forge deeper connections with those we serve.”

Norco Primex is now run by John’s son Bruce and his family from a Gold Coast office.  Bruce, after a stint at university, was 21 when first involved in helping organise the Casino event.

“I was thrown in the deep end in a lot of ways. It’s been an interesting ride but I’m proud of how it’s developed as a showcase for agribusiness and the Northern Rivers,” Bruce said. Today he is a staunch advocate for the area’s agricultural industries and its communities.

After his father John stepped away from the business Bruce took over ownership in 2017. Today Bruce’s son Tyler and daughter Makayli work from the Wright’s office in Southport alongside his wife Jan. It’s a small team until closer to the event when some 30 staff are on hand.

The 2025 Norco Primex opens 9am to 4pm on Thursday, May 15, Friday, May 16 and Saturday, May 17. Tickets can be bought online _ for a 30 percent discount _ or at the gates. One-day pass $20; three-day pass $45. Children under 12 free; 12-17 day pass $10 + three-day pass $20. Student/pensioner: one-day pass $10; three-day pass $20.

For more information, check www.primex.net.au.