Nimble New Zealand exporters finding opportunity amid shifting trade terms
Global trade wars and uncertain tariff regimes could play into the hands of many New Zealand exporters, according to Gareth Coleman ANZ’s Head of Trade & Supply Chain.
Gallagher and Barenbrug have jointly bought the assets of Farmote Systems, an automated pasture monitoring company based out of Christchurch which went into receivership in January 2024.
The assets have been placed into a new Joint Venture, Farmote Technologies, owned by Gallagher and Barenbrug, holding 70% and 30% of the shares respectively. This strategic partnership underscores both companies' commitment to advancing agricultural technology and providing innovative solutions to farmers worldwide.
Farmote Technologies' cutting-edge pasture monitoring system will be integrated into the extensive product and service offerings of both Gallagher and Barenbrug. While the new company set-up is in its early stages, the joint venture is dedicated to ensuring a smooth transition for existing Farmote Systems customers.
"We are excited at the prospect of further developing the Farmote technology through this new JV and integrating this solution into our precision farming offering," said Lisbeth Jacobs, chief executive Gallagher Animal Management.
"We first invested in Farmote Systems in 2022 and are proud to be working with Barenbrug to take this exciting technology to market.”
For Gallagher, the acquisition of the Farmote Systems technology demonstrates the company’s commitment to open innovation, working with partners and tech disruptors to develop smart farming products.
This strategic new venture will strengthen its holistic solution offering alongside products such as eShepherd virtual fencing, its new Auto Weigher, and satellite connected liquid monitoring solutions.
“Farmote has been on our radar since it was founded, demonstrating the performance of our grasses in the field as well as supporting farmers to get the most from their pastures. The importance of data in modern agriculture cannot be overstated, as it enables precise decision-making and enhances productivity”, says John Thijssen, chief executive of Barenbrug Group.
“By integrating Farmote's innovative services into our portfolio, we will not only harness valuable data insights but also offer new cutting-edge solutions to our customers.”
Three New Zealand agritech companies are set to join forces to help unlock the full potential of technology.
As the sector heads into the traditional peak period for injuries and fatalities, farmers are being urged to "take a moment".
Federated Farmers says almost 2000 farmers have signed a petition launched this month to urge the Government to step in and provide certainty while the badly broken resource consent system is fixed.
Zespri’s counter-seasonal Zespri Global Supply (ZGS) programme is underway with approximately 33 million trays, or 118,800 tonnes, expected this year from orchards throughout France, Italy, Greece, Korea, and Japan.
Animal owners can help protect life-saving antibiotics from resistant bacteria by keeping their animals healthy, says the New Zealand Veterinary Association.
According to analysis by the Meat Industry Association (MIA), New Zealand red meat exports reached $827 million in October, a 27% increase on the same period last year.

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