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Local connections are the mainstay of Ruralco’s Instore Days, with the annual event creating the perfect occasion for Mid Canterbury’s farming community to come together.

For 32 years Ruralco’s Instore Days have been a highlight on the local farming calendar with a long tradition of building strong, genuine relationships, smart prices, and great conversations.

“We are very proud of our Instore Days, Ruralco’s flagship event, which brings our team, our merchants and supplier partners together to deliver great service and value for our members,” says Ruralco CEO Tony Aitken. “At its heart, Instore Days is about people and providing the opportunity for them to connect with like-minded farming folk.”

This year’s Instore Days takes place on 2^nd and 3^rd July. “Over two big days, our stores become hubs of knowledge, connection, and great value, helping farmers prepare for the season ahead,” says Tony.

In addition to connecting members with products, services, and innovations that support their farming operations, the event also has a strong community focus through the Ruralco Hub which has become a feature of Instore Days over recent years. This year the Mid Canterbury Rural Support Trust and Federated Farmers will once again attend, along with Instore Days’ newcomers, Mid Canterbury Catchment Collective. “We are very proud to be partnering with these local organisations and providing an opportunity for them to make meaningful connections as they deliver a variety of wonderful support to Mid Canterbury farmers.”

With more than 80 exhibitors onsite at the Ashburton store, Instore Days offers members the chance to access expert advice on key areas such as farm supplies, seed, fertiliser, energy, fuel, and agricultural services. Alongside the  exclusive special offers, the event provides a relaxed, social setting, where members can chat with industry experts, whilst connecting with fellow farmers over lunch, with food trucks on site in Ashburton on both days.

Over 2,000 people regularly attend this two-day event. “The number of people coming to town, both farmers and exhibitors, creates a real buzz in Ashburton along with positive spin-offs for the wider business community. We are pleased to be facilitating an event which benefits so many in our local community,” says Tony.

For those closer to Methven or Rakaia, both local Ruralco stores offer the same great deals, the chance to catch up with the team, and a bite to eat. For those unable to attend in person, many of the offers will also be available online or by phone. A number of  Ashburton-based merchants will also run their own in-store promotions during the event, adding even more local value and vibrancy to the two-day celebration.

Beyond the great priced deals, Instore Days is a chance to talk shop, swap stories, and connect with the people who help power local farming. “Instore Days has become a cornerstone event in Mid Canterbury,” says Tony. “It brings together farmers, merchants, and suppliers in a genuinely valuable way and we encourage you come along and be part of it.”