Farmlands returns to profit with strong FY25 result
Rural retailer Farmlands has reported a return to profitability, something the co-operative says shows clear progress in the second year of its five-year strategy.
Rural trader Farmlands has launched an exclusive new casual clothing range across its 42 stores nationwide and online.
Exclusive to Farmlands, the ‘1972 by Barkers’ represents the co-op’s most versatile choice for rural people, it says.
The co-op reports that in the first week, sales have been strong with almost 1000 pieces sold. The iconic Barkers trackpants is leading the top-sellers.
Farmlands chief executive Tanya Houghton says Farmlands stores are in parts of rural New Zealand that a fashion brand like Barkers normally can’t be.
“We’ve created a range of high-quality clothing that’ll work as hard as our farmers and growers. It’ll last through tough conditions on-farm and also look good down at the local pub or restaurant.”
The range has been named ‘1972’ as a celebration of Barkers’ 50-year history of creating quality menswear. Farmlands says the 1972 collection is another way it’s delivering on its mission to bring more value to farmers, joining Farmlands’ stable of exclusive products and brands that now extends across agrichemicals, animal feed, workwear and rural supplies.
Barkers chief executive Glenn Cracknell is excited about the collaboration. “It really is the perfect partnership with a highly-regarded New Zealand rural brand.”
The first winter collection, featuring merino knitwear, outerwear and classic shirts, is now available from select Farmlands stores and online.
Canterbury farmer Michelle Pye has been elected to Fonterra’s board for a three-year term.
Farmers are welcoming the announcement of two new bills to replace the under-fire Resource Management Act.
The Government has announced it will immediately roll over all resource consents for two years, with legislation expected to pass under urgency as early as this week.
The New Zealand National Fieldays Society has achieved a major sustainability milestone - reducing its greenhouse gas emissions and reaching the target five years early.
Fonterra's 2025/26 financial year is off to a strong start, with a first quarter group profit after tax of $278 million- up $15m on the previous year.
Government plans to get rid of regional councillors shows a lack of understanding of the fundamental problem affecting all of local government - poor governance.

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