Farmlands’ purchase of SealesWinslow goes ahead.  

Farmlands Co-op is excited to announce that its planned purchase of SealesWinslow, the animal nutrition business currently owned by Ballance Agri-Nutrients, will go ahead. This follows the Commerce Commission approval received today.

The purchase of SealesWinslow will bring Farmlands’ feed businesses - NRM and McMillan – together with SealesWinslow, increasing Farmlands’ feed manufacturing footprint into the North Island. The merger of these businesses will deliver improved operating efficiencies, reach and capability.

The combination of Farmlands’ expertise in bulk and retail feeds and SealesWinslow’s ruminant business will offer Farmlands the chance to leverage different expertise and skills, making it easier to diversify the co-op’s offerings across the animal nutrition sector.   

By maintaining ownership of the feed mills within the New Zealand co-operative, local farmers will retain ownership over this critical aspect of the food production supply chain. The deal also supports Farmlands' commitment to rural communities, as it boosts Farmlands’ national presence, with five mills spread across key regions in New Zealand.   

Farmlands CEO Tanya Houghton says that SealesWinslow is a great match for Farmlands, combining a co-operative heritage, strong feed assets and expertise. “Bringing our combined assets, expertise and market reach together, offering three leading animal nutrition brands, we’ll increase our ability to create long-term benefits and value for shareholders and customers.”

“We’re very excited to be able to welcome the SealesWinslow team into our Farmlands whānau. We’ll be one huge step closer to achieving our goal of being the number-one supplier of animal nutrition to New Zealand farmers. We’ll offer our customers the most comprehensive range of feed solutions in the country, showing our commitment to the industry, stakeholders and customers.” The completion of sale is planned for 1 June 2024.

Farmlands is committed to smart partnerships and acquisitions such as this, to provide the best solutions to deliver on being the best buying group for New Zealand farmers and growers. The co-op’s last major partnership was created in 2022 with the establishment of Fern Energy, which is now the largest rural fuel provider in New Zealand.

Tanya added that the Farmlands team will begin working closely with Ballance and SealesWinslow leadership to ensure the transition is a positive one for the teams involved.

“The key thing to note is that SealesWinslow will continue to produce its own leading brand of nutrition products and service its existing customers as it always has.”

This deal is a good example of two farmer-owned co-ops working together to keep NZ farmer’ interests at the heart of their strategies.

Ballance Agri-Nutrients CEO, Kelvin Wickham notes “this divestment aligns with Ballance’s focus on its core of providing reliable and affordable supply of nutrients for New Zealand farmers and growers.”

SealesWinslow has a history of excellence from when it was first established in 1968. In 2011, Ballance purchased 51% of SealesWinslow and acquired the remaining 49% in 2013. Ballance has grown the company’s reputation and reach, with SealesWinslow now offering high-value animal feed brands throughout New Zealand.