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Ruralco’s 29th annual Instore Days has proved to be a great success despite cautious expectations leading up to the event.

There’s even more cause for celebration at this year’s Ruralco Instore Days as the farming co-operative gears up for its 60th anniversary.

A few things have changed since the Methven Collie Club’s first dog trial was held in August 1897. The tweed jackets are gone, but the love of stock, camaraderie and a strong sense of community remain.

The Todhunter family have doubled down on many generations of established success on Cleardale Station pushing on to farm even smarter, add value, and preserve the high value environment.

Driven by a passion for Merino wool and homegrown entrepreneurial approach, Simon and Kirsty Williamson have successfully diversified their farming operation at Glenbrook Station, north of Omarama.

Catch crops, also commonly referred to as cover crops, are nothing new. Already used extensively in cropping, they are traditionally sown in autumn to provide feed over winter for stock, conserve nutrients and reduce weeds, water runoff and soil erosion.

The autumn period has again produced a consistent spell of warmer weather and with a steady stream of regular rainfall, we are set up heading into winter. Soil temperature has remained consistent, although the cold spell currently should slow pasture growth. Feed surpluses have been good in the latter part of autumn and the drier conditions earlier had meant irrigation remained on through mid-autumn.

For the next 3 months, we will look at the following: autumn sown arable crops, barley grass control in pasture and weed control in lucerne.

Is magnesium (Mg) important for winter wheat yields and quality, and what’s the best course of action if a deficiency occurs?

Between them, Ruralco Arable & Pastoral Representatives Ricky Brown and Steve Lawson are looking forward to delivering a personable and knowledgeable start to the new season.