Ruralco

👋 Meet the Team – Andrea Smith, Trainee Agronomist From learning the ropes in agronomy to helping farmers on the ground, Andrea’s role is all about growth - both hers and theirs. Since joining Ruralco in 2023, she’s moved through various roles and recently stepped into her newest challenge as part of our On-Farm Team. We caught up with Andrea for a quick Q&A to get to know her better - from netball to mocha orders, here’s what she shared. What’s your role at Ruralco? “I’m a Trainee Agronomist. No two days are the same—some days I’m supporting our team, other days I’m learning on-farm. Things change quickly, and that’s what keeps it exciting.” What’s one thing people might not realise about your job? “I’ve recently joined the On-Farm Team, so I’m not in store every day anymore. But I’m still always happy to help!” What do you love most about your job? “The challenge of learning new skills across all parts of the agriculture sector that help farmers.” What have you learned from working with farmers? “That no two operations are the same. Farmers are also really open to sharing knowledge and celebrating success together.” Share a memorable moment from your time at Ruralco: “Heading up to Mystery Creek as Dealer Staff with Gallagher—and taking out top sales for the week!” What do you enjoy outside of work? “Playing netball for Southern, catching up with friends and family, and heading back to the Maniototo when I can.” Fun fact: “I’d never played netball before moving to Ashburton - I was always a hockey girl growing up.” Go-to coffee order? Mocha Favourite song to listen in the ute? 1, 2 Many – Luke Combs Favourite local spot? Triangle Café Piece of advice you live by? “From small acorns, big oak trees grow.” Quickfire round: Gumboots over sneakers | Dogs over cats | Sunrises over sunsets | BBQ over roast | Spring over any other season Keep an eye out for Andrea on-farm or around the community—she’s always happy to lend a hand and have a yarn. #MeetTheRuralcoTeam #RuralcoNZ #CanterburyNZ #FarmLife #NZFarming

🚜 Agritechnica 2025: Germany’s Global Ag Machinery Showcase Held every two years in Hannover, Agritechnica is the world’s largest agricultural machinery exhibition, bringing together more than 2,800 exhibitors across 40 hectares. In 2025, a small group of New Zealand farmers will have the opportunity to explore the expo with Farm To Farm Tours New Zealand and gain behind-the-scenes access to leading manufacturers including CLAAS, Amazone, and Grimme. Read more in our latest Agri-Link email, or online at https://lnkd.in/gW4dV3ed #farmingnz #Farming #agriculture #ruralconz #farmtofarmtours #agritechnica

Your latest Grain Report is here. 🌾 Stay informed with up-to-date insights on the local, Australian, and international grain markets. Our July report breaks down key figures and trends to help you make confident decisions this season. Available now via https://lnkd.in/dUdt4iEc #RuralcoNZ #GrainMarketUpdate #NZFarming

With over 2,500 attendees, 80+ exhibitors, and countless local connections made, this year’s Instore Days was one for the books. From unbeatable farm input deals to innovation on display, the rural sector is showing renewed confidence — and we’re proud to be part of it. "Our focus this year has been on staying local and strengthening our local connections as part of our ongoing commitment to supporting Mid Canterbury farmers," says CEO Tony Aitken. Read more about the event at https://lnkd.in/gyRZqPfF #RuralcoNZ #InstoreDays2025 #MidCanterburyFarming #NZAgriculture #RuralCommunity #NZFarming

⚡ We’re all set up and ready to roll for Ruralco Instore Days 2025 ⚡ Swing by our Ashburton, Methven, or Rakaia stores tomorrow and Friday to score some epic deals on everything you need for the season ahead. From seed to stock feed, wet weather gear to workwear - it’s all here, under one roof. Months of planning, a whole lot of teamwork, and plenty of laughs have gone into making these two days something special. We can’t wait to see you there! #InstoreDays2025 #RuralcoNZ #AshburtonNZ #NZFarming #CanterburyFarming

We caught up with Peter B from Blacklows Tradezone Ashburton to hear why Instore Days matters to them. “Instore Days have built a reputation as one of the major events of the year for the Mid Canterbury rural community, highlighting the strength of the co‑op,” says Peter. For Blacklows, it’s an opportunity to connect with suppliers and customers alike. “It allows networking between merchants and suppliers to create better deals and build stronger buying power for Ruralco members,” he explains. “It’s a chance to have those conversations and build connections that benefit everyone.” Peter sees huge value in the event for both the business and its customers, saying “Instore Days give us the chance to highlight the products and services available to Ruralco members, making it easy for them to find what they need and understand how we can help. We’re proud to be part of an event that supports the rural community, and we wish everyone the best for a successful Instore Days!” So, if you've been thinking about it, come along to Instore Days next Thursday 3 & Friday 4 July, and see what deals Blacklows Tradezone Ashburton will have on offer for you! #ruralconz #nzfarming #agriculture #Canterburynz #Farming #farmingnz #ruralcoinstoredays #blacklowstradezone #ashburton

We caught up with Robert Newlands, Managing Director of Newlands Auto Electrical, to find out why Instore Days is a highlight event for him and his team. “Instore Days play an important role in bringing the rural community together,” says Robert. “It's a chance for farmers and contractors to get off‑farm, talk to suppliers face‑to‑face, and stay up to date with the latest gear and technology. For a business like Newlands Auto Electrical, which has been part of the Ruralco family for decades, it's great to be involved in an event that supports connection and keeps local business front of mind.” For Robert, it’s about more than showcasing products — it’s about understanding what rural customers really need. “The event gives us the opportunity to talk directly with customers — not just about products, but about their needs on the farm or in the workshop. Whether it's batteries, lighting, GPS, or full fleet fit‑outs, these conversations help us tailor what we offer and make sure we’re solving real problems. It's also a chance for farmers to ask questions, see what's new, and get honest advice from a team they trust.” “Instore Days lets us showcase our products and services in a way that's accessible and practical for rural customers,” Robert concludes. “It gives them a chance to talk to our team, explore new options, and take advantage of Ruralco‑exclusive deals. We always enjoy being part of the event — it's one of the highlights on the rural calendar.” Don't miss the Newlands team at Ruralco Instore Days, on next Thursday 3 & Friday 4 July. #ruralconz #nzfarming #agriculture #Canterburynz #Farming #farmingnz #shoplocalnz

👋 Meet the Boss – Tony Aitken, Ruralco CEO From Boardrooms to the store floor, Tony’s day is anything but typical. Whether he’s chatting strategy or catching up with members, he’s always got one thing top of mind – doing right by our farmers. We did a little Q&A so you can find out more about Tony, right down to whether he's a dog or a cat person (P.S. the answer's at the bottom). What’s your role at Ruralco? “I’m the CEO… one day I can be in a Board meeting talking long term strategy, and the next at an event talking with our members.” What’s one thing people might not realise about your job? “My office is right here in the Ashburton store… any member can drop in and talk to me at any time.” What do you love most about your job? “I love everything about it – leading the people in our team, the variety of work, the challenge, the purpose of what we are doing, and the responsibility I have to do the best by our members.” What have you learned from working with farmers? “That every one of them is different, and that they are good genuine people who work hard…” What do you enjoy outside of work? “I have a life-long love of sailing, actually to be specific, racing trailer yachts. The summer will see me heading to Lyttelton every Wednesday night and Saturday afternoon to race, as well as attending various competitions around NZ.” Favourite song right now? “Doin' This – Luke Combs is a favourite, or Dreams by the Cranberries. Both need played fairly loud.” Favourite local spot (café, walk, store, etc)? "Anyone who is a Ruralco Merchant! My wife Sandy and I only moved into the area in March so are still exploring." Piece of advice you live by? “Do the right thing.” Quickfire round: Gumboots over sneakers | Dogs over cats | Sunrises over sunsets | Roast over BBQ | Spring over summer Next time you're in Ashburton, pop into our store and say hi to Tony – he's always up for a chat. #MeetTheRuralcoTeam #RuralcoNZ #CanterburyNZ #FarmLife #NZFarming

“We’re incredibly proud of how our merchants and supplier partners come together to deliver real value for our members and help us create an event that celebrates the importance and innovation of agriculture,” says CEO, Tony Aitken. Our Instore Days event isn’t just two days of epic sales, it’s a show of support for local farmers, a celebration of rural connection, and a moment to highlight the people behind the products and services. Read more about how we’re backing our ag community this winter at https://lnkd.in/gMK4JVDw #InstoreDays2025 #RuralcoNZ #RuralcoInstoreDays #SupportingFarmers #NZFarming

This year’s Ruralco Instore Days is centred on staying local and local connections, as part of the co-operative’s ongoing commitment to supporting Mid Canterbury farmers. “We’ve worked hard over the last 12 months to focus on what matters most, lowering the cost of farm inputs for our local farmers,” says Ruralco chief executive Tony Aitken.