The Prime Minister is paying tribute to the rural community - as Fieldays kicks off today

The agriculture event near Hamilton drew crowds of more than a hundred-thousand last year, and more than $500-million in sales.

Jacinda Ardern opened the virtual gates to Fieldays, praising the efforts of the primary sector during lockdown.

She says many rural workers carried on to keep New Zealand running through a critical period, and they continue to play an important role as we rebuild together.