Registrations open for 2026 Ruralco Golf Classic supporting Mid Canterbury Rural Support Trust
Registrations are now open for the 2026 Ruralco Golf Classic, with all proceeds from the event set to support the Mid Canterbury Rural Support Trust.
Ruralco Group chief executive Robert Sharkie is resigning after six years in the role and eight years with the co-operative.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Ruralco, the challenges it has provided and I am very proud of Ruralco’s achievements during my time at the helm,” says Sharkie.
“It is the dedication and the passion of the people who work for Ruralco that has made these achievements possible and I commend them for their efforts and wish them well,” he adds.
Sir David Carter, chairman of Ruralco, says he has accepted Sharkie’s decision with mixed emotions.
“Rob’s contribution to Ruralco has been significant, but I respect his decision that the time is right for him to pursue another chapter in his life,” Carter says. “He leaves with my complete support and best wishes for his future endeavours.”
Ruralco’s GM people and culture Tony Aitken will step into the role of acting chief executive while the board initiates its recruitment process for a new chief executive.
Aitken comes from a background in people leadership and was part of Synlait’s journey as it grew from 140 staff to over 1,000.
He will begin in the acting chief executive position at Ruralco on 1 September 2023.
New Zealand's new Special Agricultural Trade Envoy, Horowhenua dairy farmer, company director and former Minister of Agriculture, Nathan Guy says the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India is a good deal for the country.
New figures show dairy farmers are not only holding on to their international workforce, but are also supporting those staff to step into higher-skilled roles on farm.
New tractor deliveries for 2025 jumped 10% compared to the previous year, a reflection of the positive primary sector outlook, according to the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA).
Entries have opened for two awards in the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards (NZDIA) programme, aimed at helping young farmers progress to farm ownership.
Federated Farmers has confirmed interim chief executive Mike Siermans to the role.
Registrations are now open for the 2026 Ruralco Golf Classic, with all proceeds from the event set to support the Mid Canterbury Rural Support Trust.