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.
Construction has begun on Farmlands’ new Taranaki store.
The new store at 35 Hudson Road, Bell Block, is two kilometres from the current site and the new store opens September 2025.
Farmlands’ Taranaki team were at the site last month to celebrate the milestone in the traditional spade-wielding way.
Chief executive Tanya Houghton says the new store is all about delivering on Farmlands’ promise to better serve the region’s unique needs and provide a better customer experience for all customers.
With more parking, a dedicated delivery entry, a prime spot near the highway, and free recycling for HDPE plastic containers and small seed, feed and fertiliser bags in partnership with Agrecovery, the new site will be a significant upgrade on the current store.
“Taranaki’s mix of dairy, sheep, beef and regenerative farming deserves the best we can offer in tailored products and expertise,” Houghton says.
Construction updates will be going out to the local community in the coming months and a grand opening is planned for September 2025.
Farmlands is also opening a new bulk and retail store in Hastings in July, alongside its new Horticulture Hub. This is all part of Farmlands strategy to operate a regionally tailored service model, Houghton says.
“Ultimately everything we do is to provide our customers the best access to their essential rural supplies - through our retail network, our on-farm sales team, and digital tools the FarmlandsPRO app and Farmlands Card app.”
Waikato dairy farmer Neil Bateup, made a companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in the New Year 2026 Honours list, says he’s grateful for the award.
Another Australian state has given the green light to virtual fencing, opening another market for Kiwi company Halter.
Farmer interest continues to grow as a Massey University research project to determine the benefits or otherwise of the self-shedding Wiltshire sheep is underway. The project is five years in and has two more years to go. It was done mainly in the light of low wool prices and the cost of shearing. Peter Burke recently went along to the annual field day held Massey's Riverside farm in the Wairarapa.
Applications are now open for the 2026 NZI Rural Women Business Awards, set to be held at Parliament on 23 July.
Ravensdown has announced a collaboration with Kiwi icon, Footrot Flats in an effort to bring humour, heart, and connection to the forefront of the farming sector.
Forest & Bird's Kiwi Conservation Club is inviting New Zealanders of all ages to embrace the outdoors with its Summer Adventure Challenges.

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