Markets resilient, farmers hopeful
OPINION: The global dairy market continues to show resilience, and farmers remain cautiously optimistic as we move into the latter half of 2025.
Polaris continues to grow its brand in New Zealand, its first quarter result exceeding that of 2014 by at least 38%, the company reports.
This places Polaris second in the off-road sector in New Zealand with a market share of 19.8%. The company says this was largely achieved by increasing sales of quads and side-x-sides by nearly 50% over the same period last year. In fact, in the side-x-side market Polaris says it has captured a booming 43% of all sales.
“This outstanding growth is driven in no small means by product development, not just for new models, but by variants specifically designed for NZ conditions,” says country manager Alan Collins.
“Models like the 2015 Ranger 570 HD and the 1000 Diesel HD have had a significant impact, with features such as engine braking, 4-wheel descent control and electronic power steering.”
He says that with safety always a major consideration, the company leads the way with 15 models offering ROPS protection, seat belt interlocks and speed key systems to limit top speeds.
“Polaris’ innovation is further [seen in] unique models such as the Sportsman ACE, the UTE 570 HD and the new flat-bed M1400,” Collins says.
He attributes the rise in sales to the service and after-sales support offered by the dealers nationwide.
With the current situation in the European farm machinery market being described as difficult at best, it’s perhaps no surprise that the upcoming AgriSIMA 2026 agricultural machinery exhibition, scheduled for February 2026 at Paris-Nord Villepinte, has been cancelled.
The Meat Industry Association of New Zealand (MIA) has launched the first in-market activation of the refreshed Taste Pure Nature country-of-origin brand with an exclusive pop-up restaurant experience in Shanghai.
Jayna Wadsworth, daughter of the late New Zealand wicketkeeper Ken Wadsworth, has launched an auction of cricket memorabilia to raise funds for I Am Hope's youth mental health work.
As we move into the 2025/26 growing season, the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) reports that the third quarter results for the year to date is showing that the stagnated tractor market of the last 18 months is showing signs of recovery.
DairyNZ chair Tracy Brown is urging dairy farmers to participate in the 2026 Levy vote, to be held early next year.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is calling for nominations for director roles in the Eastern North Island and Southern South Island electoral districts.

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