Norco Primex has welcomed back bumper crowds after the event was put on hold last year because of covid restrictions.

“We have beaten the odds,” Primex director Bruce Wright said.

Like almost every event in 2020, it was the first time since 1985 that the primary industries expo had not gone ahead in Casino.

Richmond Valley mayor Robert Mustow said you could tell by the turnout that people wanted to get out and about.

There were plenty of tractors, farm equipment, cows and bulls to see.

Kyogle CWA and Casino Lions Club were thronged with hungry visitors and both stands were kept busy throughout the three days.

There were many standouts at this year’s Primex. One of the highlights was Darren Robertson, celebrity chef from Three Blue Ducks at The Farm, who held cooking demonstrations each day.

“Primex is more important than ever before, especially for anybody involved in the food industry,” he said.

Overall Primex will result in about $50 million in sales and an injection of about $5 million into the local economy through accommodation and meals, according to Mr Wright.

“It is great to be back.”

This article appeared in the Richmond River Independent, 26 May 2021.