Ravensdown Returns to Profit, Approves $15/Tonne Shareholder Rebate
Ravensdown has reported a net profit before tax and rebate of $50.1 million for the year ended 31 May 2026.
LIC says that by leveraging richer animal data in MINDA, it’s helping farmers maximise the genetic potential of their herds.
Two agritech companies have joined forces to help eliminate manual entry and save farmer time.
Gallagher has partnered with LIC to make year-round decision-making more targeted and end-of-season reporting easier.
They have launched a new data integration which automatically transfers farmer' live animal weighing data from Gallagher Animal Performance software directly into MINDA, eliminating manual entry and saving time. MINDA is farmer-owned co-operative LIC's cloud-based herd management system.
Weighing young stock provides valuable insights to help farmers optimise breeding and feeding decisions, whether animals stay in the herd or are part of a dairy beef strategy. Meeting liveweight targets at mating and calving improves fertility, milk production, and long-term profitability. It also helps meet market requirements and capitalise on strong payouts.
LIC chief executive David Chin says LIC's focus on industry collaboration is a key driver for progress.
"The long-term success of New Zealand's dairy sector relies on partnerships like this one. LIC prioritises working with industry leaders, scientists, and farmers to deliver sustainable and profitable solutions. By leveraging richer animal data in MINDA, we're helping farmers maximise the genetic potential of their herds while contributing to better industry benchmarking."
Farmers weighing their heifers can now see liveweight data in MINDA as soon as they sync their Gallagher weighing system. This allows them to quickly spot underperforming animals and adjust feeding plans.
Tracking growth in MINDA also supports better breeding decisions, says LIC, ensuring heifers hit key weight milestones for a productive future in herd. Liveweight monitoring can also help detect health issues early, allowing farmers to intervene before problems escalate.
Gallagher Animal Management chief executive Lisbeth Jacobs says connected systems are crucial to simplifying farm management.
"Farmers have been asking for systems that talk to each other, and this partnership delivers on that," Lisbeth says. "We know technology is more effective when it works together.
"By syncing liveweight data straight into MINDA, we're making it easier for farmers to access accurate, actionable information that helps them manage their herds and feed more efficiently. It is important farmers retain ownership of this data. Our job is to ensure they get the most value from it by making it accessible where and when they need it."
Chin and Jacobs agree that collaboration and responsible data sharing are essential to the future of farming.
"Having systems in place to easily share data - whether it's liveweights, herd data, or health records - makes a big difference to farm productivity and profitability," says Chin.
"This partnership ensures farmers retain full control of their data and enables them to make informed decisions at a farm level."
Jacobs points out that the partnership is about more than just technology. "It's about empowering farmers to achieve their goals - whether that's hitting liveweight targets, breeding more efficient cows, or meeting market demands. By saving time and unlocking valuable insights, we're giving farmers the tools they need to succeed."
A Palmerston North shearer has been sentenced to six months' community detention and 12 months' supervision after being found to have physically abused three lambs while shearing them.
Power Farming has launched a joint venture in Southland.
Food rescue charity Meet the Need has released its 2025/26 Impact Report, revealing a record year of growth alongside a stark warning: demand for food support across New Zealand is rising faster than supply can keep up.
As we move into the second half of 2026, the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) reports that Year-to-Date figures ending June 30 saw new tractor deliveries hitting 1,386 units or 10.7% ahead of the same period in 2025.
The avocado sector is entering the new season with a larger crop and positive market opportunities.
New Zealand growers have always adapted to changing conditions, but one challenge is steadily gaining ground across the horticulture sector: resistance.
OPINION: The Irish dairy sector is facing a new dilemma - maintaining year-round fresh milk supplies.
OPINION: Could beef cows play an increasingly important role in improving profitability and resilience on hill country farms?