Ashburton Farmer Matthew Paton Elected to Ruralco Board
Ashburton cropping and dairy farmer Matthew Paton has been elected to the board of rural services company, Ruralco.
Ruralco CEO Tony Aitken and Ruralco Chair Sir David Carter with the team from FMG at Ruralco Instore Days in 2024.
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.
“We’ve worked hard over the last 12 months to focus on what matters most, lowering the cost of farm inputs for our local farmers,” says Ruralco chief executive Tony Aitken.
“Instore Days has always been about more than great deals; it’s about people. It’s about connecting our members with the products, knowledge and innovations that support their business, backing local businesses who are part of our farming community, and helping farmers and their businesses prepare for the season ahead.”
This year’s Instore Days will take place on 3rd and 4th of July, and as always will deliver exclusive deals for co-operative members, while showcasing what’s new and innovative from across the agricultural sector.
“We’re incredibly proud of how our merchants and supplier partners come together to deliver real value for our members and help us create an event that celebrates the importance and innovation of agriculture,” says Aitken.
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 deals, the event provides a relaxed, social setting, where members can chat with merchants, suppliers, and Ruralco staff, whilst connecting with fellow farmers over lunch, with food trucks on site both days.
For those closer to Methven or Rakaia, the 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. Several 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 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,” Aitken adds.
“It brings together farmers, merchants, and suppliers in a genuinely valuable way. Ruralco was founded by Mid Canterbury farmers in 1963 looking to lower input costs for their farming operations and that local ownership and core focus remain just as strong as we look to the future."
One person intimately involved in the new legislation to replace the Resource Management Act (RMA) is the outgoing chief executive of the Ministry for the Environment, James Palmer, who's also worked in local government.
Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) says a new report projects strong export growth for New Zealand's horticulture sector highlights the industry's increasing contribution to the national economy.
Fonterra shareholders say they will be keeping an eye on their co-operative's performance after the sale of its consumer businesses.
T&G Global says its 2025 New Zealand apple season has delivered higher returns for growers, reflecting strong global consumer demand and pricing across its Envy and Jazz apple brands.
New Zealand's primary sector is set to reach a record $62 billion in food and fibre exports next year.
A new levying body, currently with the working title of NZWool, has been proposed to secure the future of New Zealand's strong wool sector.

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