RuralCo is keep to its roots for this year’s Instore Days.

Community connections will be the overarching theme to reaffirm the cooperative’s commitment to Mid Canterbury, where it was formed.

“We’ve worked hard over the last 12 months to focus on what matters most, lowering the cost of farm inputs for our local farmers,” chief executive Tony Aitken said.

Over 80 exhibitors have booked a spot at this year’s event, from seed companies to energy providers.

They’ll cram into the Ashburton RuralCo warehouse for a two-day expo next week.

“We’re incredibly proud of how our merchants and supplier partners come together to deliver real value for our members and help us create an event that celebrates the importance and innovation of agriculture,” Aitken said.

The Methven and Rakaia RuralCo stores will run deals and some kai for those who can’t get to Ashburton.

“Instore Days has become a cornerstone event in Mid Canterbury,” Aitken said; “It brings together farmers, merchants, and suppliers in a genuinely valuable way.

Ruralco was founded by Mid Canterbury farmers in 1963 looking to lower input costs for their farming operations and that local ownership and core focus remain just as strong as we look to the future.”

Wellbeing organisation the Rural Support Trust will sit in the middle of the expo for farmers to have a yarn about financial worries, health concerns and more.

Board chair Sir David Carter said positioning it in the centre last year encouraged some necessary talks.

“All of us in farming have had friends or acquaintances that have suffered because of mental health issues,” he said.

“If you put the Rural Support Trust in the middle of the conversation hub, we’re doing our bit to provide that support.”

“Instore Days [is] about people,” Aitken said.

“It’s about connecting our members with the products, knowledge and innovations that support their business, backing local businesses who are part of our farming community, and helping farmers and their businesses prepare for the season ahead.”

RuralCo’s Instore Days run on Thursday 3 and Friday 4 June.

By Anisha Satya