February 2019 Edition Issue No. 2
Farmlands Co-operative – growing your business.
Growing success for our shareholders It is encouraging to observe the continued success and expansion in the major New Zealand horticultural sectors. However, we regularly hear from growers the challenges they continue to face – labour supply, bio-security, and intensifying compliance requirements to name just a few. Full marks to Massey University for its introduction of a Bachelor of Horticultural Science (BHortSc) as a stand-alone degree, commencing this year. We all have a part to play in encouraging young New Zealanders to enter the horticulture sector. Farmlands is pleased to be moving into year 2 of our internal Future Field Experts Programme – an internal pathway to develop people into technical field based roles. It is critical for all of us in the horticulture sector to have a heightened awareness of the potential bio-security threats that could adversely affect New Zealand. Industry groups such as KVH function to assist in the protection of our horticultural businesses. Farmlands now has a key focus to engage, learn and assist such industry organisations in their critically important work. Our shareholders tell us that efficiently operating safe businesses in today’s environment is a key concern for them. Farmlands recently launched the “SafeFarm” Farm IQ module, free to all Farmlands shareholders. This tool supports shareholders to efficiently manage health and safety and its compliance requirements. Like the industry, our horticulture team continues to strengthen and mature. Our focus remains on adding value, identifying innovation, and enabling a broadened supply of inputs to the expansive range of horticultural sectors our shareholders operate in. In this edition of Growing Success, you will read about our Innovation Vineyard, improved offerings and resourcing of winery and beekeeping products, advice on some key crop protection products and an avocado industry update.
www.farmlands.co.nz | 0800 200 600
The success of our co-operative is a true reflection of the support and success of our shareholder owners. The co-operatives’ strong financial result last year has enabled us to reintroduce a year-end bonus rebate to shareholders. We have just returned $6.1 million to shareholders – split 50:50 between cash and extra shares – under the bonus scheme. We thank our shareholders for our result. The continued loyalty has allowed us to harness the buying power of 68,000 shareholders nationwide to bring you a better deal. As harvest approaches for many growers, we wish you all the very best.
Mark Daniels General Manager – Farmlands Horticulture