INTEREST
Ruralco represented at AgFest, 13 & 14 November 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, Rob 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 an 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. All of the Ruralco business units will be represented at the event, and Rob 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 Services 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. Keep an eye out for some exclusive Ruralco promotions especially linked to this event, and make sure you visit Lizzie and the team at the Ruralco AgFest site to find out about all Ruralco can do for you and your farming operation.
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