Ruralco Instore Days supporting local farmers
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.
Rural trader Ruralco has appointed former Speaker and Banks Peninsula farmer Sir David Carter as its new chair.
Carter replaces Jessie Chan who stepped down from the board last month.
He joined the Ruralco board in 2020. Prior to this, he competed a successful 26 year parliamentary career which saw him chair numerous select committees as a Member of Parliament before becoming a Senior Cabinet Minister from 2008 until 2012. This included being Minister of Agriculture, Biosecurity, Economic Development, Forestry, and Primary Industries from 2008 to 2012 before being elected Speaker of the New Zealand Parliament at the start of 2013. In December 2000 Carter was awarded a Knighthood recognising his 26 years of public service.
He currently farms 10,000 stock unit sheep and beef breeding and fattening operations, spread over three properties on Banks Peninsula and in North Canterbury.
Carter says he is honoured to be appointed by the board to the chair role.
“I am committed to supporting our chief executive officer and executive team to continue the good work done to date by all of our people and to keep challenging ourselves to deliver value for our members."
Ruralco chief executive Rob Sharkie says Carter’s experience in both governance and farming has been valuable during his board tenure to date.
“With him now moving into the chair role we are looking forward to working together to build Ruralco into the partner of choice for rural New Zealand."
Acclaimed fruit grower Dean Astill never imagined he would have achieved so much in the years since being named the first Young Horticulturist of the Year, 20 years ago.
The Ashburton-based Carrfields Group continues to show commitment to future growth and in the agricultural sector with its latest investment, the recently acquired 'Spring Farm' adjacent to State Highway 1, Winslow, just south of Ashburton.
New Zealand First leader and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has blasted Fonterra farmers shareholders for approving the sale of iconic brands to a French company.
A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.
Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
The key to a dairy system that generates high profit with a low emissions intensity is using low footprint feed, says Fonterra program manager on-farm excellence, Louise Cook.

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