Farmlands returns to profit with strong FY25 result
Rural retailer Farmlands has reported a return to profitability, something the co-operative says shows clear progress in the second year of its five-year strategy.
Lexus and Farmlands, the country’s largest rural supplies co-operative, have a new partnership.
It will market to rural Kiwis the luxury vehicles, including high performance and self-charging variants in cars and SUVs.
Paul Carroll, senior general manager of Lexus New Zealand, says the brand partnership is a natural fit for his company.
“Many Farmlands shareholders buy SUVs for a dual role as farm vehicles and cars for personal use. Farmers are working tirelessly to improve the environmental impact of their operations, so driving high-end low emission vehicles to and from the nearest town supports these efforts.”
He says Lexus is known for brave design, imaginative technology, premium quality materials and a driving experience that suits NZ rural roads.
Peter Reidie, chief executive of Farmlands Co-operative, says Lexus is a natural extension of the co-op’s partnership with Toyota formed in 2017.
“Farmlands Co-operative has 66,000 shareholders; our new agreement with Lexus ensures shareholders have a full range of vehicles to choose from, on and off the farm.”
Farmlands shareholders are now offered exclusive pricing on Lexus range, including a four-year warranty and service plan.
The partnership will run four years.
New Zealand needs a new healthcare model to address rising rates of obesity in rural communities, with the current system leaving many patients unable to access effective treatment or long-term support, warn GPs.
Southland farmers are being urged to put safety first, following a spike in tip offs about risky handling of wind-damaged trees
Third-generation Ashburton dairy farmers TJ and Mark Stewart are no strangers to adapting and evolving.
When American retail giant Cosco came to audit Open Country Dairy’s new butter plant at the Waharoa site and give the green light to supply their American stores, they allowed themselves a week for the exercise.
Fonterra chair Peter McBride says the divestment of Mainland Group is their last significant asset sale and signals the end of structural changes.
Thirty years ago, as a young sharemilker, former Waikato farmer Snow Chubb realised he was bucking a trend when he started planting trees to provide shade for his cows, but he knew the animals would appreciate what he was doing.