Thursdays are generally the quietest day each year for Norco Primex, but when you add in rainfall, the 2025 year got off to a slower start than normal.

That didn't deter a positive attitude from exhibitors and the owner/organiser of Primex, Bruce Wright, who described this year's exhibitors as the most dedicated to the region.

"I think there was a lot that came in and got sort of turned away from the rain that the region copped last year. And as soon as there's a chance of rain coming again, they're not as dedicated, necessarily, than the ones we've got here this year.

"For the conditions we've had, this exhibitor list of 300 odd exhibitors has been very easy to deal with, in what you could call challenging for everybody. But it's a testament to them, as far as them just going, this is what we're dealing with every day, not just three days of Primex. This is the stuff that the region has had to deal with 365 days a year for nearly four years.

"There's adjustments that we've had to make with the site to accommodate it, because there's issues such as the north there that we've had to fiddle with to make sure we can accommodate and give exhibitors a better option here, and we've done everything we can to make it as a positive experience for them, and it's been reflected in the attitudes that they've come up with."

Bruce Wright was well aware that the crowds would more than likely arrive at the Richmond Valley Events Centre in Casino as the weather clears. He wants to remind people that there is still plenty to see and do at Primex 2025.

"It's not like you can't get around. It's not like you can't engage with exhibitors, and you can't enjoy all the features that are here. There's the train, or the animal nursery or the live entertainment. There's the Paddock to Plate with Darren putting on demonstrations over the next two days, and all that. So, there's a huge amount to see and do.

(Dressed for the conditions at Primex yesterday, Jess and son Achilles)

"We're only on for three days in the year, and we can't determine the weather. But we can certainly determine the whole group of, I describe it as local, national, international brands and exhibitors coming in. That's the reason people should come, because we are here with the community to try and showcase and celebrate our region and its agriculture.

"So, for the three days in the year that it's on rain, hail or shine, that you come out and support the exhibitors that have traveled and spent a lot of money to be here, and we're doing the best we can to make sure that we can connect them with our farmers in our rural communities."

As for the exhibitors yesterday, the always-smiling Ken Jolley, representing the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, received a very generous $250 donation from Hawkins Fire of Lismore.

North Lismore's AJ Magnay attends Primex every year and hopes to make thousands over the three days.

"I'm a little bit concerned about the weather. It is a little bit wet underfoot, but there's plenty of exhibitors here and there's plenty of things to look at. Just bring your boots, be prepared, and turn up and have a look."

Matt from Lismore Toyota has a lot of cars on display and is looking forward to meeting people he wouldn't normally meet at the dealership in South Lismore.

"It's a good event, and it's good interaction with the locals. The weather hasn't been kind, but it will fine up a little bit and there will be a few more people kicking around."

Captain Phil from the Northern Rivers Salvation Army has been another regular at Norco Primex for the last five years.

"The Salvation Army has got a long history of support of our farmers and those on the land in many different spaces that have been through droughts and floods and all those things. So, just having a presence out here gives us an opportunity to connect to those in our community.

"We're out here, obviously promoting the work that we do in the Northern Rivers. We've got our catering truck on site, so people can come and have something to eat or have a tea or coffee because we've always got the billy on.

"We've had quite a number of school students today come through and have a look at what we do there, and it's good to chat to some of the others around the region. There may be some who want to put their hand up and volunteer with us when we get deployed in a disaster.

"We've got a dry spot under our marquees, we've got the Billy on, and it's just a nice spot for people to come and relax from wandering around the site and put their feet up for a few minutes."

One exhibitor hit the nail on the head with his thoughts: "You make money from mud, not dust."

The gates open again at 9am and close at 4pm on Friday and Saturday.

The program for Friday is below, but note that the Working Dog Trials have been cancelled today.