Thursday, 20 October 2016 15:59

Farmlands flops

Written by 
Lachie Johnstone. Lachie Johnstone.

Rural services co-operative Farmlands has posted a $9 million loss for the 2016 year.

In its annual report released late last week chairman Lachie Johnstone and chief executive Peter Reidie blame the loss on the tough year in farming.

“The highs and lows confronting the sector are well documented and Farmlands has not been immune to them, posting a $9 million loss for the year ended 30 June 2016,” they say.

So bad was the year that, as earlier reported, no bonus rebate will be paid to shareholders “because the conditions we were experiencing would not allow it”.

Johnstone says this announcement foreshadowed a full year loss, but he claims things are now improving.
“Since the end of the financial year our results suggest we are on track for a stronger 2017.”

Reidie says: “the decline in sales, required adjustment to our cost base and right sizing our organisation, after many years of growth,” became an urgent focus during the year.

The co-op says its nutrition and retail businesses were hardest hard hit.

“Decreased foot traffic in our dairy-oriented stores had a ripple effect, and some of our livestock and real estate business units were down on previous years.”

But he says there were “positive contributions” from other parts of the business, in particular grain and seed.

More like this

Farmlands Posts Strong 2025 Half-Year Growth

Rural retailer Farmlands has released it's latest round of half-year results, labeling it as evidence that its five-year strategy is delivering on financial performance and better value for members.

Featured

Editorial: No Small Challenge

OPINION: There could hardly be a more appropriate theme for a conference than the one chosen by the red meat sector - Navigating Volatility.

Alliance to Pay Up to $20m to Farmer-Shareholders

Alliance Group has confirmed that eligible farmer-shareholders who supply and continue to back the business will receive up to $20 million later this year, following the strategic investment partnership with Dawn Meats.

Election 2026: What Parties Promise the Primary Sector

With a general election under five weeks away, Rural News is asking major political parties about their policies and positions on key issues facing the primary sector. We will run their responses to each question over the next four weeks. The ACT Party and the Greens didn't respond in time.

2027 NZ Dairy Industry Awards Open for Entries

Entries opened on Monday, 5 October 2026 for the 2027 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards (NZDIA), which organisers describe as the nation's biggest celebration of excellence in the dairy sector.

National

Machinery & Products

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

'LinkedIn Greens'

OPINION: The same mainstream media muppets that brought you Jacindamania in 2017 have been flat out pimping for the Opportunities…

UK Warning

OPINION: Your old mate reckons the atrocious way farmers in the UK are treated by their lords and masters in…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter