Gallagher, Barenbrug snap pasture monitoring company
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.
Norton Livestock Handling Solutions, founded in 1989 by brothers Tom and Peter Russ, offers Australian-made highquality sheep & cattle handling equipment, farm gates, and sheep & cattle yards.
Gallagher says it has worked closely with Norton for more than two decades and is using the acquisition to accelerate its commercial expansion across Australian and international markets.
New Zealand-based global general manager for Gallagher Animal Management, Lisbeth Jacobs, says while times are tough right now for businesses and farmer customers, Gallagher is doubling down on its investments into quality products and solutions and premium customer service.
“Through the pandemic and current global events, we have proven that we can continue to supply our farmer customers.”
Jacobs says consumers are increasingly looking for responsibly sourced, high-quality protein products and farmers are tackling growing compliance and traceability regulations.
Weighing, monitoring individual animal performance and recording data enables farmers to respond to these growing demands, maximise productivity and run more efficient and sustainable farming operations.
“Norton’s Australasian operation and capability is just what we’ve been looking for to continue to support our customers as demand for animal handling solutions continues to grow,” she adds.
“We are thrilled to welcome the Norton team into the Gallagher family and are excited about what we can achieve together through our combined passion for quality and customer experience.”
Jacobs adds that as another long-standing family business serving the agricultural community, the acquisition of Norton’s manufacturing experience is the perfect complement to Gallagher, and a boost to the growth plans for both brands.
Norton currently holds a strong market position in the South Eastern Australia region. Tom and Peter Russ say that there were just too many synergies between the two companies for this not to be a perfect fit.
“We have a 20-year working relationship with Gallagher, so we knew from the get-go that things were going to work out well when we began discussions.
“Being family-run just as we have always been, Gallagher will be able to enhance the business values that have been really important to us.
“The exposure for Norton under the Gallagher management is a great opportunity. The Gallagher brand is already well known in Australia and its existing position in the market and established sales channels will help the growth of Norton sales advance quickly.”
Malcolm Linn, general manager for Gallagher Animal Management in Australia says his team is delighted to add Norton’s range of products to its line-up of solutions.
The acquisition was finalised at the end of 2022 at which time the Norton team of around 45 people were welcomed as part of the Global Gallagher family, under Jacob’s overall leadership.
