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Celebrations for this year’s 25^th anniversary Ruralco Instore Days are set to continue well into July, with winners from the co-op’s Big Draw due to be announced later this month.

The Big Draw sees a prize pool of more than $250,000 worth of prizes up for grabs with Ruralco members reaping the rewards of a highly successful 25^th Anniversary campaign.

“We have been truly humbled by the support shown by our suppliers through their sponsorship of this prize draw,” said Ruralco Group CEO, Robert Sharkie.  “We knew we wanted to make our 25^th anniversary a memorable occasion and achieving a $250,000 draw with such a wonderful range of prizes has been fantastic and has certainly added to the strength of our Instore Days this year.”

It’s a sentiment echoed by Ruralco Chairman, Alister Body.  “There was certainly a lot of interest in the Big Draw and it created a real buzz and plenty of excitement.  It really added to the occasion.  We are absolutely delighted to be able to offer these sorts of prizes and we are looking forward to the draw later this month.”  Among the major prizes in the Big Draw are a Mustang car, a Dominator boat, a Harley Davidson motorcycle, a hot tub, jet ski, and home appliances.

Instore Days was held last week and saw more people come through the doors compared to last year, with over 2,000 catered for over the two-day event.  Turnover through the store, farm supplies, fertiliser and seed sales were almost double on the previous year.  “It’s testament to the support of all of our members, suppliers and retailers.  This year we had exceptional numbers in attendance and in sales, which we are all extremely proud of,” said Robert.

Opening day saw queues lined up outside Ruralco’s Gift & Homeware Store ready to snap up the pre-advertised specials and there was a steady stream of members through the back shop and the big marquee in the carpark for the remainder of the event.  Once again, the event was at full capacity with over 100 site holders taking part.

Every year the sites are eagerly sought after by suppliers, business partners and retailers and the participants are carefully selected to ensure farmers experience the best of the best by way of products, expertise and special offers. Ruralco recognised their partners and suppliers who have been part of the Instore Days campaign - some since the very beginning, many for over 10 years.

Rt Hon David Carter MP was one of the judges for Best Site Awards, he said “Ruralco have something very special going on, the family atmosphere, supplier support and community vibe is truly unique and something to be proud of.” This year’s judges of the Best Sites also included long serving former Ruralco employees, Alan Lilley and Trish Burrowes, and Chairman Alister Body. The judges were highly impressed with the standard and thanked participants for bringing their A game to the event. 

The winners were:

Best Ruralco Card Supplier Site

Winner:  100% Smith and Church

Runner Up:  Colourplus Ashburton

Third:  Blacklows Tradezone Ashburton

Best Ruralco Store Supplier Site

Winner:  Allflex NZ

Runner Up:  Gallagher Animal Management New Zealand

Third:  Purina

Best Ruralco Business Partner Site

Winner:  Seed Force New Zealand

Runner Up:  Meridian Energy

Third:  Barenbrug Agriseeds