Farmlands celebrates 63-year legacy in Hawke’s Bay
Rural service trader Farmlands hosted a special legacy event this week to celebrate its 63-year history in the Hastings community and mark the next chapter of investment in the region.
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.
Acclaimed fruit grower Dean Astill never imagined he would have achieved so much in the years since being named the first Young Horticulturist of the Year, 20 years ago.
The Ashburton-based Carrfields Group continues to show commitment to future growth and in the agricultural sector with its latest investment, the recently acquired 'Spring Farm' adjacent to State Highway 1, Winslow, just south of Ashburton.
New Zealand First leader and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has blasted Fonterra farmers shareholders for approving the sale of iconic brands to a French company.
A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.
Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
The key to a dairy system that generates high profit with a low emissions intensity is using low footprint feed, says Fonterra program manager on-farm excellence, Louise Cook.