Latest Ruralco News

July is firmly winter mode on farm. Crops are ticking along quietly, soils remain cold and wet, and attention turns to spring planning, monitoring crop health, and making the most of any suitable weather windows.

Two Canadian spraying experts, Tom Wolf and Jason Deveau, are visiting New Zealand in early August to ensure that arable growers are hitting the target with this key piece of equipment.

A Central Canterbury business which turns malting barley into a key ingredient in beer making has celebrated its 100 per cent New Zealand grown-status with a special event.

Seasonal conditions through the past month have remained cool and settled, with consistent frosts and frequent fog slowing overall biological activity. Grass growth has effectively come to a standstill across most areas as soil temperatures continue to decline through May.

We will look at the following this month: Autumn sown Crops, Barley Grass Control, Lucerne Crops and Monitoring stored grain

Meridian may not be farmers, but they’re really good at powering them. When you move with or switch your electricity to Meridian and choose to pay your bill through Ruralco, you can take the hassle out of getting connected and enjoy a range of benefits designed to support farming life.

As we move into late autumn, the first frosts have arrived across the region, signalling a clear shift into winter conditions. Recent rainfall has been welcomed for soil moisture, but it has also made paddock access challenging, with many areas turning sticky underfoot.

This month we’ll cover crops, autumn sown crops, grass grub control in pasture, and monitoring stored grain.

The arable industry’s best and brightest are being sought following a call for nominations for the 2026 Arable Awards.

Some of New Zealand’s best-loved food brands have been quick to sign up for a new campaign which reinforces their home-grown status.