To our valued shareholders,
Welcome to the first co-operative update of 2025.
This update again begins with a short video message from us; Duncan Coull as your Board chair and Kelvin Wickham, Ballance chief executive.
In the video, we’ll discuss:
- The strategic reset we are undertaking as a co-operative to ensure we remain future fit for our shareholders and customers.
- An update on our recently introduced fixed price N and SimplyFert initiatives.
- How we’re focusing on some of the macro drivers of debt reduction, inventory management and ensuring the reliable supply of affordable nutrients
Also in this update, you’ll find the second edition of the recently introduced Fertiliser Outlook, as well as some good news on the product registration front.
Autumn Fertiliser Outlook: keeping you up to date and informed
The autumn Fertiliser Outlook provides you an update on the latest factors influencing nutrient supply and global pricing. This edition covers:
- Trends in the global fertiliser market, including Chinese export control and Indian Urea tenders.
- Expert insights from economist Cameron Bagrie on the impact of the FX rate on imported goods.
- The latest on key product trends globally.
- Commentary from Shane Crean, our national procurement manager, on the global markets and an update on how Ballance is working to maintain supply and manage these fluctuations.
SustaiN registration
In 2022, MPI brought in a policy that saw fertiliser products containing inhibitors no longer being exempt from registration under the Agrichemicals and Veterinary Medicines (ACVM) Act.
Ballance’s products affected by the change are SustaiN, PhasedN and SustaiN blends, and since 2022, we’ve been working with MPI to get SustaiN registered under the Act.
We’re pleased to let you know we’ve now successfully registered SustaiN, and that it’s the first and only fertiliser product in New Zealand to be registered under the new rules at this time.
A lot of work has gone into the registration and our shareholders and customers can take heart in the fact that all our data and efficacy claims have been closely scrutinised. As a result, you can have confidence in the benefits we’re selling.
The registration also signifies that the data we have around safety of the product in terms of food chain, animal safety and plant risks, is sound.
Products that are already in-market have a registration deadline of July 2026, and each trade name product must be registered separately.
As such, we’re now working through the registration process for other relevant products.
Introducing SpreadWise
We’re excited to announce the launch of a new advanced digital mapping tool for farms called SpreadWise.
SpreadWise is a new tool that maps key farm features and uses advanced AI technology to create exclusion zones where nutrients aren’t needed (e.g. gates and troughs), saving on nutrient costs.
The maps can be seamlessly integrated into your MyBallance spread journey request, so your spreader can apply your nutrients accurately every time.
It’s another tool we can provide to help you be more efficient, and ultimately more productive, while reducing nutrient use, improving efficiency, with less waste and a lower environmental impact.
Keep an eye out for more information on SpreadWise as it comes to market or contact your Nutrient Specialist for more information in the meantime.
Effluent management system in the news
In the last update, we announced one of our Future Ready Farms projects that will come to market later in the year.
Project Jeddah is an innovative way that dairy farmers can manage effluent.
Using a modular system that captures dairy effluent and separates it into two parts, both the solids and water can be recycled in a productive way on-farm.
Finally, a big congratulations to all the 2025 Ballance Farm Environment Awards finalists!
We’re looking forward to seeing many of you out and about at the upcoming regional awards events, as well as regional field days around the country.
As always, please reach out to either of us directly anytime, via email or phone, with any questions or feedback.
Warm regards,
Duncan Coull
Chair
Duncan.coull@xtra.co.nz
027 472 7110
Kelvin Wickham
Chief Executive
Kelvin.wickham@ballance.co.nz
021 513 028