Primex director Bruce Wright believes it is time Northern River’s communities and farmers united with one voice for the future of the region’s agriculture.

“There’s been too much talk of late about resilience, recovery and reconstruction,” Mr Wright said. “We need get back to normal and make time to develop a cohesive voice, and strategies, for an area under pressures from man and nature.

“There’s too much fragmentation of ideas and policies with seven local councils, any number of local authorities and associations plus a variety of agricultural interests. It’s largely disenfranchised by Sydney and, while there are synergies with Queensland, there’s a border.” 

Mr Wright, while Queensland-based, has long been a passionate advocate of the Northern Rivers of New South Wales, its people and its produce. Among his concerns are that, without due consideration and proactive planning, the area’s fertile farmlands could become residential acreages and hobby farms with vacant land lords.

On the eve of the 41st Norco Primex agricultural expo at Casino in May, Mr Wright is making a concerted effort to gather producers, suppliers and researchers together for better understandings of the current needs of an area running from the Queensland border south to Coffs Harbour and west to the New England region. 

“Norco Primex has gone back to grassroots this year with the theme ‘Our Future in Farming’ _ sounds simple perhaps but covers a host of topics from ag technology to future planning on agricultural land,” Mr Wright said. “And it’s a call to action. Primex 2025 is the right place and right time to gather all agricultural interests for a united front.”

Among innovations formulated by Mr Wright and industry stakeholders is the Young Aggies, a community-based platform to act as a central resource for all agricultural-related information, such as jobs, education, upskilling, social events and business connections.  The goal is to build an influential group that can provide perspective and leadership towards a new generation of innovation and help shape the future of the region’s primary production.

The 2025 event also celebrates 130 years of dairy industry stalwart Norco, a Primex partner for more than ten years, "Underscoring the strength and heritage of both brands in the Australian agricultural industry", says Norco’s Luke Couch.

“At Norco, we are immensely proud of our roots and our commitment to serving Australian farmers, and our partnership with Primex has been instrumental in supporting these values,” Mr Couch said. “Primex 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.”

Among 2025 highlights, both before and during the three days of Norco Primex at the Richmond Valley Events Centre, are a series of breakfasts, lunches and dinners for specific industries and businesses from canegrowers to beef and berry farmers. These include a forestry and timber industry dinner, a Lismore Chamber of Business networking event, plus a NSW Cane Growers Industry Day.

A host of agricultural and heavy earth-moving equipment on show at Primex will be complemented by the likes of new ag technology, drone workshops, the latest in farm vehicles, working dog trials plus services and advisors ranging from Local Land Services to NSW Health and DPI. Work wear, food and drink outlets, entertainment and helicopter rides will also be on hand.

Primex is Australia’s largest coastal-based agricultural field day and one of the only events of its kind to be family-owned. Since 1985, Primex has evolved to cater for what is considered one of the most diverse primary production regions, with a farm gate estimate in excess of $2 billion per annum. More than 30,000 visitors to Norco Primex in 2025 are expected to spend up to $70 million at the field days and from deals researched on site.

Primex visitors are often taken with the amount and variety of exhibits showcased in a relaxed atmosphere. In 2024, Tenterfield’s Barry Bicknell appreciated the chance to research machinery for working his property. “You can talk to people in a very non-threatening environment,” Mr Bicknell said.

“It’s not like walking into a showroom where sometimes you feel compelled to buy or have to plan your retreat. Here you’ve shown interest, but what you’re doing is research, and while it’s a lot more relaxed atmosphere, the information flow is just as good, maybe better. And how often would you see a 30-tonne excavator?”

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.