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REAL FARMER

Stay updated with the latest news on farming and our rural community

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 Summer 2024

Read previous editions of Real Farmer

Latest News

Farmer Stories

Erewhon – the home of the working horse

Our Farmers

The end of the road is where Colin Drummond and Erin Cassie share their undeterred passion for their Clydesdales and farming in the wild and rugged landscape of the high country.

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Cultivating their own legacy

Our Farmers

From an under-resourced dryland sheep farm to a highly productive mixed cropping operation, Valetta Farms is a testament to the Clark family’s passion for the wider agricultural industry, unwavering ...

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Honouring Irish roots at countryside escape

Our Farmers

With demand for glamping and back-to-nature escapes growing, Springburn dairy farmers Allan and Heather Broomhall saw the perfect opportunity to diversify their conventional dairy operation and boost ...

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Interest

A legacy of growth and service

Ruralco News

Ruralco’s Ashburton store has been meeting farmers’ needs for nearly 50 years while navigating the ebbs and flows of an ever-changing agricultural industry.

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Championing NZ agriculture on the global stage

Our Farmers

While humbled to travel the globe being the voice for New Zealand’s agricultural sector, as Hamish Marr looks back on the past year, he stands proud to be advocating for one of the smallest.

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Shearers rally against cancer

Community

Early next year, seasoned shearers from around the country will again take to the board at the Ewing family’s Hindsridge Farm for a charity shearing event in remembrance of old mates lost to cancer.

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Farmer Stories

Erewhon – the home of the working horse
The end of the road is where Colin Drummond and Er...
Read More
Cultivating their own legacy
From an under-resourced dryland sheep farm to a hi...
Read More
Honouring Irish roots at countryside escape
With demand for glamping and back-to-nature escape...
Read More

Interest

A legacy of growth and service
Ruralco’s Ashburton store has been meeting farmer...
Read More
Championing NZ agriculture on the global stage
While humbled to travel the globe being the voice ...
Read More
Shearers rally against cancer
Early next year, seasoned shearers from around the...
Read More

Technical

Rural Contractors NZ launches campaign to combat fatigue risks

Rural Contractors NZ

Rural Contractors NZ has launched a campaign on the risks of fatigue in their industry. CEO Andrew Olsen says, because they work seasonally, drive big machines and face weather and crop timing challen...

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Managing ewes post-weaning to maximise next year’s production

Sheep

After weaning, the focus has traditionally gone onto the lamb crop, but for ewes, the period between weaning and mating in Autumn is important for reproductive efficiency.

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Measure or model—decision support for Irrigation Best Practice

Irrigation

In irrigation management, it is interesting to consider the old adage that “You can’t manage what you don’t measure”. Or could that be, what you can only model?

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Card

The rise of East Coast Powersports Timaru

Our Merchants

East Coast Powersports Timaru (formally Timaru Can-Am) has been moving Mid and South Canterbury since 2008.

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Crafting style and connection: The Sparrows story

Our Merchants

Backed by nearly 140 years in business, Sparrows stands out for its unwavering dedication to offering personalised customer service and high-quality apparel and footwear from renowned brands.

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90 years strong: Newlands Group introduces ARB 4x4 accessories

Our Merchants

Trusted in the Canterbury region for more than 90 years, Newlands Group Limited has recently teamed up with iconic Australian 4x4 accessories brand ARB, bringing their extensive range of products to i...

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Technical

Rural Contractors NZ launches campaign to combat fatigue risks
Rural Contractors NZ has launched a campaign on th...
Read More
Managing ewes post-weaning to maximise next year’s production
After weaning, the focus has traditionally gone on...
Read More
Measure or model—decision support for Irrigation Best Practice
In irrigation management, it is interesting to con...
Read More

Card

The rise of East Coast Powersports Timaru
East Coast Powersports Timaru (formally Timaru Can...
Read More
Crafting style and connection: The Sparrows story
Backed by nearly 140 years in business, Sparrows s...
Read More
90 years strong: Newlands Group introduces ARB 4x4 accessories
Trusted in the Canterbury region for more than 90 ...
Read More

Wellbeing

Staying safe on the farm: Essential quad biking safety tips

FMG

The versatility of quad bikes makes them a popular choice on farm. However, the fact that they are so versatile can mean they are pushed beyond their limits.

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Boosting Wellbeing in the Community: The success of the Back to Base Challenge

Community

This August, the Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust hosted the Back to Base Challenge, an event designed to encourage physical activity, strengthen community bonds, and raise funds for the life-sa...

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Navigating tough times

Farmstrong

Whether it’s extreme weather events or changing regulations, dealing with uncertainty is a constant for many farmers and growers. Here are farmstrong ambassador Sam Whitelock’s tips for navigating t...

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Lifestyle

DIY: Paint your pots

DIY

Give your garden a colourful makeover by painting terracotta or ceramic flowerpots—a great activity to do alone or with the kids during the holidays. Place them around your outdoor entertaining area ...

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Step it up this summer

Travel Guide

Step it up this summer with some iconic family-friendly walks located around Canterbury.

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Summer Reads

Book Reviews

This summer, dive into Out of Nowhere by Fleur McDonald, a gripping rural mystery where Hallie uncovers shocking secrets about her husband's death, leading to a web of intrigue. For romance fans, The ...

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Wellbeing

Staying safe on the farm: Essential quad biking safety tips
The versatility of quad bikes makes them a popular...
Read More
Boosting Wellbeing in the Community: The success of the Back to Base Challenge
This August, the Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue ...
Read More
Navigating tough times
Whether it’s extreme weather events or changing r...
Read More

Lifestyle

DIY: Paint your pots
Give your garden a colourful makeover by painting ...
Read More
Step it up this summer
Step it up this summer with some iconic family-fri...
Read More
Summer Reads
This summer, dive into Out of Nowhere by Fleur McD...
Read More

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

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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

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REAL FARMER

Stay updated with the latest news on farming and our rural community

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

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