Meant to last for one hour, the convoys of tractors were still edging their way up or down Devon St at 2pm. The protestors are calling for a halt on new government regulations affecting agriculture including the “ute tax", new freshwater regulations, winter grazing rules and indigenous biodiversity regulations. Organisers argue the regulations are strangling the rural sector, making the industry unworkable and adding further costs to a way of life already struggling to survive. ANDY JACKSON/Stuff “We don’t feel there is any support to do with the government," Thomas says. Thomas works for Westown Agriculture, a family owned and operated farming business and on Friday the business was in town in force. Behind his blue tractor were many more.