Latest Ruralco News

Vetlife Ashburton is a progressive 24-hour veterinary practice, providing gold-standard care for both production (dairy, sheep, beef, and deer) and companion (pets) animals across Mid Canterbury.

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.

Agrecovery will be completing a large drum collection for the whole of New Zealand starting on the 1st of May.

Paper Plus, a 100% locally owned and operated bookseller and stationery retailer, has proudly been serving the Mid-Canterbury community for generations.

Methven is turning it on for the New Zealand Ploughing Championships to be held over the weekend of April 18 and 19. In what is truly a community effort, the event will bring together top ploughing competitors from across the country to compete in various categories, including conventional, reversible, vintage and horse ploughing.

March was a typically busy month on farm and with A&P shows in full swing keeping many growers on the go alongside day-to-day operations. Weather conditions have largely played ball, with a run of settled days allowing good progress. While soil moisture is on the drier side, there has been enough moisture to make paddocks a bit sticky for drilling and spraying.

This year’s harvest has been a tough one for many arable and seed growers. Weather delays, variable yields, and challenging conditions have tested both crops and planning. Taking time now to prepare for winter can help smooth the transition into next season, reduce risk, and ensure your next crop gets the best possible start. Starting the conversation early with your Ruralco representative can make planning easier and more effective.

When it comes to growing wheat, choosing the right variety can make a real difference. Yield potential, disease pressure, sowing timing, and how the crop fits into your rotation all come into play. While no two seasons are ever the same, having a variety that suits your conditions and management style can help set the crop up for a strong result.

We will look at the following this month: Fodder crops, crops, autumn sown crops, grass grub control in pasture and use of Gibberellic Acid.