Farmlands celebrates 63-year legacy in Hawke’s Bay
Rural service trader Farmlands hosted a special legacy event this week to celebrate its 63-year history in the Hastings community and mark the next chapter of investment in the region.
As confidence begins to lift across rural New Zealand, Farmlands says its focus on execution, efficiency and shareholder value is paying off for its farmers and growers nationwide.
In 2025, Farmlands' turnover increased to $2.55 billion up from $2.46 billion in 2024. Revenue increased 14.5% to $847.3 million.
Operating Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation (EBITDA) of $33.5 million (up 64% year-on-year) and Net Profit After Tax (NPAT) of $2.8 million confirm a return to profitability for the co-operative.
Tanya Houghton, chief executive of Farmlands, says the improved performance marks an important turning point for the co-operative, demonstrating that its strategy is delivering for shareholders.
"Getting back to profit is a major milestone for us," Houghton says. "It's the clearest sign yet that the changes we've made are paying off and we have set the co-operative for long-term growth."
"Our stronger balance sheet means we can continue making smart investments in the areas that are most important to farmers and growers; while continuing to drive down their input costs and building the resilience we need to handle whatever volatility may come our way."
Under its first full year of ownership, Farmlands lifted SealesWinslow's production volumes by 20 percent, strengthening its nutrition offering as an essential pillar of the co-operative's future.
"Farmlands now has direct ownership of a national manufacturing footprint in its animal nutrition business," Houghton says.
"This gives the co-operative greater control over product specifications and quality, and ensures a steady, reliable supply for our members, many of whom are also selling their products to us to be used in our nutrition lines," she adds.
Farmlands Chair Rob Hewett says the result underlines the strength of how Farmlands is operating in a transforming sector.
“Rural New Zealand is turning a corner. It’s good to see conditions improving across the sector, and even better to see Farmlands’ strategy returning value directly to our farmers and growers.
“Across agribusiness we’re seeing shifts driven by technology and a need to simplify. The co-operative is in a stronger position because of the choices made over the past two years to invest in productivity and build partnerships that will stand the test of time,” Hewett says.
