Farmlands Co-operative Appoints Rachel Aldikacti as Chief Sales Officer
Farmlands Co-operative has announced Rachel Aldikacti will be its new chief sales officer.
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.
As confidence begins to lift across rural New Zealand, Farmlands says its focus on execution, efficiency and shareholder value is paying off for its farmers and growers nationwide.
In 2025, Farmlands' turnover increased to $2.55 billion up from $2.46 billion in 2024. Revenue increased 14.5% to $847.3 million.
Operating Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation (EBITDA) of $33.5 million (up 64% year-on-year) and Net Profit After Tax (NPAT) of $2.8 million confirm a return to profitability for the co-operative.
Tanya Houghton, chief executive of Farmlands, says the improved performance marks an important turning point for the co-operative, demonstrating that its strategy is delivering for shareholders.
"Getting back to profit is a major milestone for us," Houghton says. "It's the clearest sign yet that the changes we've made are paying off and we have set the co-operative for long-term growth."
"Our stronger balance sheet means we can continue making smart investments in the areas that are most important to farmers and growers; while continuing to drive down their input costs and building the resilience we need to handle whatever volatility may come our way."
Under its first full year of ownership, Farmlands lifted SealesWinslow's production volumes by 20 percent, strengthening its nutrition offering as an essential pillar of the co-operative's future.
"Farmlands now has direct ownership of a national manufacturing footprint in its animal nutrition business," Houghton says.
"This gives the co-operative greater control over product specifications and quality, and ensures a steady, reliable supply for our members, many of whom are also selling their products to us to be used in our nutrition lines," she adds.
Farmlands Chair Rob Hewett says the result underlines the strength of how Farmlands is operating in a transforming sector.
“Rural New Zealand is turning a corner. It’s good to see conditions improving across the sector, and even better to see Farmlands’ strategy returning value directly to our farmers and growers.
“Across agribusiness we’re seeing shifts driven by technology and a need to simplify. The co-operative is in a stronger position because of the choices made over the past two years to invest in productivity and build partnerships that will stand the test of time,” Hewett says.
The Government has announced changes to stock exclusion regulations which it claims will cut unnecessary costs and inflexible rules while maintaining environmental protections.
Technology and the use of artificial intelligence are increasingly part of life, both on the farm and off it.
Ashleigh Gordon and Leilani Lobb have been named as the two finalists for Dairy Women's Network's (DWN) 2026 Regional Leader of the Year Award.
Animal and Plant Health New Zealand (APHANZ) says the approval of a new fungicide seed treatment is a positive, however growers will be hoping the final approval is completed ahead of the spring season.
North Canterbury farmer Adam Williamson has been appointed DairyNZ's associate director for 2026-27.
Fonterra farmers are set for a multi-billion-dollar payout this week.

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