REAL FARMER

For Everything Farming and Family

Real Farmer is our digital publication, sharing real stories, about real local farmers. We share farming successes to recognise New Zealand's most valuable industry in a positive way.

Each seasonal issue covers everything including farming, family and our rural communities. Keep up to date with the latest technical news including research & development, technology, case studies and industry updates, as well as great deals for your farming business.

If you think your farming business would make a great story in Real Farmer, email us and tell us more.

View the Real Farmer Winter 2024

Read previous editions of Real Farmer

Latest News

Farmer Stories

Thriving in dryland dairying

Our Farmers

Streamlining efficiency and embracing technology underpins continued investment at the Mawle family’s Blackford Farming dairy operation in the Rakaia Gorge.

Read More
Future of farming in good hands

Future Farmers

Preparations are well underway for this year’s prestigious FMG Young Farmer of the Year Grand Final being held in Hamilton from 11 to 13 July, and while the spotlight is largely focused on the finali...

Read More
Ruralco adds new directors for enhanced expertise

Ruralco News

Two new Directors have recently been welcomed to the Ruralco Board bringing a wealth of experiences and farming knowledge to the table.

Read More

Interest

Prime Minister connects with grassroots primary sector at Ruralco Instore Days

Ruralco News

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon met with a variety of Mid Canterbury farmers and agricultural support businesses at Ruralco’s Instore Days today, describing the event as a wonderful opportunity to c...

Read More
Celebrating 30 years of Ruralco Instore Days this July

Ruralco News

This July, Ruralco is celebrating a major milestone—the 30th anniversary of Instore Days.

Read More
Pay competitive despite tough times on-farm

Farming

Farmers have been hit with all sorts of challenges of late, but a new report shows that hasn’t stopped them continuing to invest strongly in their staff.

Read More

Farmer Stories

Thriving in dryland dairying
Streamlining efficiency and embracing technology u...
Read More
Future of farming in good hands
Preparations are well underway for this year’s pr...
Read More
Ruralco adds new directors for enhanced expertise
Two new Directors have recently been welcomed to t...
Read More

Interest

Prime Minister connects with grassroots primary sector at Ruralco Instore Days
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon met with a variet...
Read More
Celebrating 30 years of Ruralco Instore Days this July
This July, Ruralco is celebrating a major mileston...
Read More
Pay competitive despite tough times on-farm
Farmers have been hit with all sorts of challenges...
Read More

Technical

Supplementing winter grazing herds critical to maintaining health and condition

Dairy

As South Island farmers head into winter grazing, supplementing dairy herds with the right minerals is critical because even bumper winter crops can still be nutritionally deficient, says a ruminant n...

Read More
Healthy calves are heavy calves

Dairy

When a calf is born, we hope they have a long, productive life ahead of them as future members of the herd. We know that productive cows begin life as healthy calves, and therefore the job of calf-rea...

Read More
Integrating livestock into arable systems brings significant advantages

Beef + Lamb NZ

New Zealand is one of the few countries in the world where livestock is integrated into arable systems for the mutual benefit of both.

Read More

Card

Bringing water solutions to your doorstep

Our Merchants

Built on more than 50 years of manufacture and supply to the civil and agricultural sectors, Hynds Pipe Systems’ newly minted Ashburton branch proudly opens its door.

Read More
Meet the Merchant - ElectraServe

Our Merchants

For 54 years, ElectraServe has provided comprehensive electrical service to the people of Mid Canterbury.

Read More
Winning runner up in the 2023 Agri Innovation Award says a lot

Our Merchants

Filling in pivot ruts and retrieving material from under dairy lane fences has never been easier with Ruralco supplier RutsPlus.com.

Read More

Technical

Supplementing winter grazing herds critical to maintaining health and condition
As South Island farmers head into winter grazing, ...
Read More
Healthy calves are heavy calves
When a calf is born, we hope they have a long, pro...
Read More
Integrating livestock into arable systems brings significant advantages
New Zealand is one of the few countries in the wor...
Read More

Card

Bringing water solutions to your doorstep
Built on more than 50 years of manufacture and sup...
Read More
Meet the Merchant - ElectraServe
For 54 years, ElectraServe has provided comprehens...
Read More
Winning runner up in the 2023 Agri Innovation Award says a lot
Filling in pivot ruts and retrieving material from...
Read More

Wellbeing

Rural resilience: Supporting mental health in rural communities

Mental Health

Early on in 2023 the Mid Canterbury Rural Support Trust identified the need to continue building our profile in the Rural community—people had heard about the Rural Support Trust, but few people knew...

Read More
Meat the Need and Feed Out; Nourishing those who need it most

Community

Meat the Need and Feed Out have proudly donated more than two million mince and milk meals to food banks and community organisations across the country, nourishing communities facing food insecurity w...

Read More
Harnessing the power of daily habits

Mental Health

Focusing on daily habits helps manage pressure when the going gets tough says Farmstrong ambassador Sam Whitelock.

Read More

Lifestyle

Winter gardening tips from Lushington's Garden Centre

Gardening

Transform your garden this winter by embracing hardy plants and creative techniques to keep your green space thriving.

Read More
DIY Couch Pillows

Decor

Making your own DIY couch pillow covers is a fun and rewarding project allowing you to explore new skills and add your own flair of creativity to your home.

Read More
Get cosy with an indoor picnic

Entertaining

An indoor picnic during winter holds a unique charm, offering warmth and coziness amidst the cold weather outside. Bring the joy of al fresco dining into the comfort of your home.

Read More

Wellbeing

Rural resilience: Supporting mental health in rural communities
Early on in 2023 the Mid Canterbury Rural Support ...
Read More
Meat the Need and Feed Out; Nourishing those who need it most
Meat the Need and Feed Out have proudly donated mo...
Read More
Harnessing the power of daily habits
Focusing on daily habits helps manage pressure whe...
Read More

Lifestyle

Winter gardening tips from Lushington's Garden Centre
Transform your garden this winter by embracing har...
Read More
DIY Couch Pillows
Making your own DIY couch pillow covers is a fun a...
Read More
Get cosy with an indoor picnic
An indoor picnic during winter holds a unique char...
Read More

Subscribe today to get Real Farmer delivered direct to your inbox.

Ruralco is a values-led farming co-operative since 1963. We make your farming life easier with the convenience of one card to use online or in store with one statement for consolidated spend & improved cashflow.

Through our supplier network we offer competitive pricing with real value to meet the needs of your farming business.

We are experts in agriculture, providing a complete solution with personalised farming advice and the latest innovations, on farm, instore or online.

Learn More

About Us

Through our supplier network we offer competitive pricing with real value to meet the needs of your farming business.

We are experts in agriculture, providing a complete solution with personalised farming advice and the latest innovations, on farm, instore or online.

Learn more

Annual Report

Connect With Us

REAL FARMER

For Everything Farming and Family

Real Farmer is our digital publication, sharing real stories, about real local farmers. We share farming successes to recognise New Zealand's most valuable industry in a positive way.

Latest News

About Us

Connect With Us

Shop online

Farm Advice & Services

Fuel & Energy

Join Us

Your Ruralco Card

Contact & Support

Our Stores