But the event started without a hitch.
Ground conditions were dry and organising committee member Justine Williams says 763 exhibitors were on show – a similar number to the last time Gore hosted the event in 2018.
However, attendance was down slightly on the first day, most likely caused by farmers tidying up following the flooding or taking advantage of a hot day to catch up on work.
There appeared to be more people around on Thursday, attracted by a rugby match between a Southland XV and a team from Fiji on an adjacent farm paddock developed into a rugby pitch in 2018.
Committee chairman Warren Ross says preparing the grounds after the flooding was difficult but achieved because of the efforts of many people.
“I drove around last night (Tuesday) and wondered how it all came together.”
The atmosphere among exhibitors and the public was positive and he says exhibitors he has spoken seemed happy.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern attended the event on Thursday.
