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.
Meat co-operative, Alliance has met with a group of farmer shareholders, who oppose the sale of a controlling stake in the co-op to Irish company Dawn Meats.
Rollovers of quad bikes or ATVs towing calf milk trailers have typically prompted a Safety Alert from Safer Farms, the industry-led organisation dedicated to fostering a safer farming culture across New Zealand.
The Government has announced it has invested $8 million in lower methane dairy genetics research.
A group of Kiwi farmers are urging Alliance farmer-shareholders to vote against a deal that would see the red meat co-operative sell approximately $270 million in shares to Ireland's Dawn Meats.
In a few hundred words it's impossible to adequately describe the outstanding contribution that James Brendan Bolger made to New Zealand since he first entered politics in 1972.
Dawn Meats is set to increase its proposed investment in Alliance Group by up to $25 million following stronger than forecast year-end results by Alliance.
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