Well-placed to weather conflicts
Shipping disruption caused by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea has so far not impacted fertiliser prices or supply on farm.
A drop in sales is forcing fertiliser co-operative Ravensdown to review its organisational structure and staffing level.
Chief executive Garry Diack says it has begun consulting with potentially impacted employees and their representatives.
The number of employees set to lose their jobs will be finalised by the end of this month.
Diack says the last 18 months for food and fibre production in New Zealand have been challenging.
“Weather disruption and increasing costs (fuel, interest rates, and volatile fertiliser prices), means farmers and growers across New Zealand are buying significantly less fertiliser,” he says.
“Our projected sales volumes for this financial year are looking to be significantly down on the previous financial year, and it is unlikely that fertiliser demand will return to traditional levels in the immediate term.
‘In light of these challenges Ravensdown has reviewed our business model to realign it with reduced demand, and to ensure continued investment in capabilities required for future support of our farmers and growers.”
Diack says Ravensdown has a strong balance sheet, and this review is designed to realign its operating model and capabilities to changes in the industry and market.
“To be clear, this is not a consequence of the impact of Cyclone Gabrielle on our Hawke’s Bay operation at Awatoto.
“We are actively planning for a resumption of manufacturing at Awatoto in the near future following rejuvenation of the site from flooding, and we remain committed to the region as a significant employer and partner.”
Fonterra has cemented its position as the country’s number one cheesemaker by picking up nine NZ Champion of Cheese trophies this year.
New Zealand dairy processors are welcoming the Government’s commitment to continuing to push for Canada to honour its trade commitments.
An educational programme, set up by Beef + Land New Zealand, to connect farmers virtually with primary and intermediate school students has reported the successful completion of its second year.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has welcomed a resolution adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to declare 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Waikato herd health veterinarian Katrina Roberts is the 2024 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.
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