Season’s results show a steady ship

The financial report for the 2017/2018 season will be a positive one, showing that the organisation achieved budgeted results which, once the dust settles on the final accounts, will be on par with, or slightly ahead of last year.

As ever, the weather had an impact on the bottom line with high levels of rainfall during the summer months proving beneficial for grass growth, leading to good livestock production.

This was complemented by increased market prices for red meat. Lamb prices were up with an average of $109 per head achieved compared to the last season average lamb price of $92 per head.

Unfortunately, wet weather did not favour bee activity and so honey yields were considerably reduced compared to the 2016/2017 season. Only 57 tonnes of honey was harvested from Ātihau-Whangaui Incorporation’s (AWHI’s) hives this season compared to the 82 tonnes gathered last season.

“This shows the importance of having several strings to your farming bow; the honey and the farming business are a great diversification strategy for us,”

says Andrew Beijeman, CE of AWHI. “It is important to view our performance from a wider viewpoint in order to get a realistic picture of how the organisation has fared overall.”

“Our forecasted results are encouraging, showing that we are commensurate with last year’s performance.”

The season’s figures also show a successfully managed $3m capital spend with investment made into more hives for the honey side of the business, fencing and other development on the sheep and beef stations and new Awhiwhenua buildings to house second-year cadets.

A full 2017/2018 financial report will be included in the Annual Report, which will be released in time for the Annual General Meeting at the end of the calendar year.

Farming

Lamb prices up since last year

$109 PER LAMB AVERAGE PRICE

Capital Investment

More hives, more fencing.

Development on sheep and beef stations.

Awhiwhenua Cadets.

$3M CAPITAL SPEND

Apiary

Wet weather sees honey yields down

57 TONNES COMPARED TO 82 TONNES LAST YEAR