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.
According to Ravensdown's most recent Market Outlook report, a combination of geopolitical movements and volatile market responses are impacting the global fertiliser landscape.
Ravensdown chief operating officer, Mike Whitty says international policy change is already influencing global trade flows.
The introduction of European tariffs on Russian fertiliser imports has seen product redirected into major markets such as Brazil, China and India.
The impact of the European Union's carbon border adjustment mechanism has resulted in a rush on high carbon products into the region ahead of implementation on January 1.
“Urea exports from North Africa into Europe surged ahead of the levy, pushing prices up by around 15% in just a week. It’s a reminder of how quickly government policy can reshape commodity markets," Whitty says.
He says the United States is also experiencing upheaval.
"While import tariffs were lifted on most major fertiliser products in mid-November and an aid package was announced in December, the impacts are yet to be determined.”
Meanwhile, India (the world’s largest urea importer) continues to inject volatility into the global market. Since June, Indian activity has pushed international urea prices from USD $400 per tonne to USD $500 per tonne and back again.
Whitty says that with the world's biggest urea players pulling the market in different directions, short-term pricing remains highly uncertain.
“For New Zealand, global price signals are mixed. Internationally DAP values are softening, urea prices remain firm and potash is largely stable. However, the standout factor for local buyers is currency movement," he concludes.
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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