The postponement of this year’s AgFest on the West Coast to November’s Canterbury Anniversary Day is likely to provide Ruralco with greater opportunities to meet with rural farmers than ever before.
Covid-19 saw the biennial event moved from its usual autumn date to Friday 13 November and Saturday 14 November – dates which became available due to the cancellation of this year’s Canterbury A & P Show. This is a one-off change for AgFest, which is looking to resume its normal March or April timeframe in 2022.
Ruralco Group CEO, Robert Sharkie, said there is an expectation more Cantabrians will attend the AgFest event due to the cancellation of Show Week, providing the Ruralco team with the opportunity to meet with a much larger array of farming folk. It is also likely to create a welcome boost to the West Coast economy through increased visitor numbers – from both AgFest attendees and exhibitors.
“We attended the 2018 AgFest and see it is as important way to connect with our West Coast farming community and to show we are a serious option for them and their farming operations.”
AgFest was started in 2012 and has grown to be a major agricultural event on the West Coast calendar, with something on offer for everyone including new farm technology, plenty of agricultural and trade displays, the Women’s Pavilion, and an Ag Chef and Creative Gumboot competitions.
The full Ruralco offer will be represented at the event, and Robert said it is a great way to find out first-hand what Ruralco can do to best serve farmers. Among those attending AgFest, will be Ruralco Membership Manager, Lizzie Redfern. Coming from a farming background, and living in the heart of Mid Canterbury, Lizzie has been with the Ruralco team for several years and can assist with any queries you might have about becoming a Ruralco member, and will make that transition as simple as possible.
Come and visit Lizzie and the team at AgFest site 158 and be in to win a $1,000 bulk fuel voucher, or a Swanndri Overnight Bag worth $299! (T&C's apply). Find out about all Ruralco can do for you and your farming operation.