Ruralco

We are excited to announce the first winner of our Spend for Your Schools programme - Mayfield School! 🥳 On Friday we had the pleasure of presenting Mayfield School with $500 after they were nominated as recipients by Ruralco members Rob and Lois Orchard. Their grandson, who attends Mayfield School, was very excited to help receive the prize. Do you want to win* $500 for a primary school of your choice? We have $500 to give away every month! Simply spend at any business with your Ruralco card and each month we'll draw a new winner to nominate a school. Find out more at https://lnkd.in/gx2DRPwP *Terms and conditions apply. #ruralconz #ruralcocountry #obsessedwithagriculture #Canterburynz #shoplocalnz #spendforyourschool #Ashburtonnz

After 20 years with Ruralco, Lester Chambers has recently stepped into a new role as the co-operative's On-Farm Sales Manager. “There’s a lot of competition out there now compared to when I was doing this before,” Lester says, claiming that excellent customer service is key in a competitive market. “Looking after our farmers is paramount as we look ahead.” Read more about Lester's new role in the Autumn edition of Real Farmer, or online at https://lnkd.in/gKaCD9U3 #ruralconz #nzfarming #realfarmer #obsessedwithagriculture #realfarmermagazine #agriculture #Canterburynz #Farming #dairynz #Ashburtonnz

“It’s been very stressful. We didn’t have anyone to copy, so we had to do a lot of research, come up with our ideas and bring it all together. There was no plan to build to,” says former contract milker Michael Schat. Now rearing Red Wagyu beef, in partnership with Southern Stations Wagyu, Michael is part-owner and operator of the company’s first Canterbury-based state-of-the-art wagyu composting finishing barn. Find more about Michael's career change in the autumn edition of Real Farmer, or read online at https://lnkd.in/gQXFyaYF #ruralconz #nzfarming #ruralcocountry #realfarmer #obsessedwithagriculture #realfarmermagazine #Canterburynz #Farming #agriculture

"The ups and downs of a particularly tumultuous year have finally started to make themselves clearer as crops are sold, herds start to be dried off, and the last of the season’s lambs are sold. Depending on what side of the fence your farm business is in, the outcomes for farm profit and loss are likely to be quite varied." In this article reflecting on the past year, we delve into what business has looked like for various operations. Read more in the autumn edition of Real Farmer, or read online today at https://lnkd.in/gY3hMzjQ #Ruralco #ruralconz #nzfarming #realfarmer #realfarmermagazine #agriculture #Farming #obsessedwithagriculture

"I am continually impressed by the efforts of farmers putting good wintering practices in place, ensuring they care for their animals no matter the conditions. There is good work happening on farm," writes DairyNZ Lead Advisor, Justin Kitto. In the autumn issue of Real Farmer, Justin reflects on the practices of dairy farmers last winter and shares ideas on options that farmers should consider when preparing for the approaching winter. Read more online at https://lnkd.in/gyzRfRY2 #Ruralco #ruralconz #nzfarming #realfarmer #realfarmermagazine #obsessedwithagriculture #agriculture #shoplocalnz #Farming #Canterburynz #dairynz *Article and images supplied by DairyNZ

“Our purpose is to keep local farmers thriving for generations to come by offering real value with the latest innovation in farm supplies, services, and expert advice. Mid Canterbury is at the heart of our homeland, so it is logical we retain our focus locally,” says Ruralco CEO, Tony Aitken. Find out more about Ruralco's shift of strategy in our latest business update, available to read online at https://lnkd.in/gXJxSScT #Ruralco #ruralconz #nzfarming #ruralcocountry #obsessedwithagriculture #focuslocal #shoplocalnz #Canterburynz #Farming #Local #ShopLocal #Agribusiness #Ashburtonnz

"We're not just farming, we're transforming lives. Many of our workers discover a newfound passion for agriculture, paving the way for successful reintegration into society" says Principal Instructor Warren Chilton at the Christchurch Men's Prison Piggery. Read more from NZPork in the latest issue of Real Farmer: https://lnkd.in/gZ9E5NsN #nzpork #pigfarming #nzfarming #agricultureNZ #RealFarmermagazine #digitalmagazine

🌱📈 In 2022/23, Foundation for Arable Research (FAR) investigated the viability of sowing legumes into ryegrass re-growth to, A) extend the value of the crop by providing high quality feed, and B) reduce the N fertiliser spend for the next year (nitrogen fertiliser costs frequently make up more than half of farm expenses). Read more online at https://lnkd.in/gsUAADjD *This feature was supplied by Abie Horrocks, Foundation for Arable Research. #ruralconz #nzfarming #obsessedwithagriculture #agriculture #crops #arablefarming #farmingnz #foundationforarableresearch #arable #FAR

We're working for you this dairy season, so it's time to meet the dairy experts who can help get your dairy operations on the path to success. 🐮 We did a Q&A with On-Farm Account Manager Rebekah Walker, to find out how she can help you this coming dairy season. Q: How long have you been working for Ruralco? A: About 18 months. Q: What lead you to your current role? A: I have a background in agricultural R&D, but wanted to have more direct impact on farmers day to day. Being a Ruralco On-Farm Account Manager provided that opportunity. Q: What is your history with dairy farming? A: I worked on dairy farms while I was studying and have conducted many trials on dairy farms and on topics that impact the industry. Q: What is one thing you think is important for dairy farmers to be mindful of this dairy season, and how can you help them? A: Profitability, making wise choices about spending where the benefits will outweigh the costs. I help guide dairy farmers into choosing the option that best fits their system. Q: What is a fun fact about yourself? A: Growing up I always wanted to be a vet! 🐮 If you want to talk to Rebekah about your dairy needs, get in touch today on 0800 787 256 or email Rebekah.Walker@ruralco.co.nz #Ruralco #ruralconz #nzfarming #ruralcocountry #obsessedwithagriculture #farmingnz #canterburynz #agriculture #nzdairy #dairynz #dairyfarming

Unsightly piles of used tyres may become a thing of the past once New Zealand's new Tyrewise Scheme rolls out. "This makes everyone more responsible for the tyres they are buying and using and eventually disposing of", says Emma Hintz of Neumanns Tyres. Read more about this initiative in the Autumn issue of Real Farmer magazine: https://lnkd.in/gBUVvd4c #tyrewisenz #Environmentnz #sustainablefarming #sustainability #RealFarmer #ruralco #ruralconz #nzfarming #ruralcocountry #obsessedwithagriculture #agriculturenz #nzfarming