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.
The merchandise terms of trade rose 4.1% in the March 2013 quarter, due to export prices rising and import prices falling, Statistics New Zealand says.
This means that in the March 2013 quarter, 4.1% more merchandise imports could be funded by a fixed quantity of merchandise exports than in the December 2012 quarter.
"The terms of trade rose this quarter, after falling for six consecutive quarters from their peak in 2011," prices manager Chris Pike says. "Export prices rose for the first time since the December 2011 quarter."
In the March 2013 quarter, the price of exported goods rose 1.9%, reflecting higher prices for dairy. Lower meat prices partly offset the rise. Seasonally adjusted export volumes rose 0.9%, led by meat. The trend for export volumes has risen for seven consecutive quarters.
Seasonally adjusted dairy export volumes rose 2.2% after a fall of 13% in the December 2012 quarter, while prices rose 6.8% after six consecutive falls. Both volume and price movements were strongly influenced by milk powder.
Seasonally adjusted dairy values rose 3.3% after a 14% fall in the December 2012 quarter. Seasonally adjusted meat export volumes rose 5.3% (led by beef and veal), following a small fall in the December 2012 quarter. Meat prices fell 3.1%, led by lower lamb prices. Seasonally adjusted meat values rose 0.8%.
The price of imported goods fell 2.1% in the March 2013 quarter. The fall was broadly based, influenced by a higher New Zealand dollar. Seasonally adjusted import volumes rose 2.1%, led by higher volumes of motor spirit.
The price and volume indexes for exports and imports of goods are compiled mainly from overseas trade data.
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.

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