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.
Federated Farmers says it is cautiously welcoming signals from the Government that a major shake-up of local government is on its way.
Ashburton cropping and dairy farmer Matthew Paton has been elected to the board of rural services company, Ruralco.
The global agricultural landscape has entered a new phase where geopolitics – not only traditional market forces – will dictate agricultural trade flows, prices, and production decisions.
National Lamb Day is set to return in 2026 with organisers saying the celebrations will be bigger than ever.
Fonterra has dropped its forecast milk price mid-point by 50c as a surge in global milk production is putting downward pressure on commodity prices.
The chance of a $10-plus milk price for this season appears to be depleting.

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