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.
Late last year, Farmlands chief executive Peter Reidie announced he’d resigned to take on a new job heading up Sanfords – New Zealand’s largest fishing company.
Reidie had at been at the helm of the rural co-operative for five years.
“During his five years as CEO of Farmlands, Peter has led the business through very significant change,” chair Rob Hewett said.
“Peter’s task when he came on board as chief executive was to complete the merger of two very different rural services co-operatives, not just into one ‘Farmlands’ culture but into a business that could effectively leverage its scale as a rural supplies and advisory company with a true national footprint.”
Hewett added that during his time at the rural co-op, Reidie had initiated major change in the company.
“He exited three non-core businesses in real estate, finance and livestock. He led Farmlands’ massive three-year business transformation programme, designed to consolidate all the co-op’s legacy IT systems into one,” Hewett said.
“Under his leadership we have also been kept profitable in what has probably been our most challenging year. He leaves Farmlands in a good place, poised to be an increasingly powerful contributor to the success of the New Zealand primary sector.”
Hewett says the Farmlands board will work through a replacement for Reidie early in 2021.
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.
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