MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Christchurch, New Zealand | 1 April 2026 | 3.30PM NZDT
Two long-standing New Zealand agricultural businesses are coming together to strengthen innovation, local manufacturing capability, and access to essential farm inputs for farmers across the country.
Farmlands today announced it is acquiring Donaghys Agriculture, a specialist New Zealand agribusiness headquartered in Christchurch with expertise in animal health, agricultural chemicals and dairy shed solutions.
The move brings together Donaghys’s technical capability, manufacturing and product development with Farmlands’ national rural supply network – expanding farmers’ access to locally developed products, specialist technical advice and practical on-farm solutions tailored to New Zealand conditions.
Houghton said the combination also strengthens supply chain resilience for farmers.
Farmlands Chief Executive Tanya Houghton said the partnership represents a positive step for New Zealand farmers at a time when reliable supply chains, technical expertise and innovation are increasingly important.
“Farmers are facing more complex challenges – from animal health and parasite resistance through to productivity and environmental performance,” Houghton said.
“By bringing Donaghy’s and Farmlands closer together we can invest even more strongly in the research, innovation and technical capability that farmers rely on to meet those challenges.”
“Importantly, it keeps Donaghy’s expertise, product development and manufacturing capability in New Zealand hands, supporting solutions that are designed for our farming systems and our conditions.”
Donaghys Chief Executive Jarred (Jed) Marfell and Farmlands Chief Executive Tanya Houghton.
“In an increasingly uncertain global environment, secure access to products and local technical expertise matters more than ever. Bringing Donaghys and Farmlands together helps ensure farmers can access the products, advice and support they need – when and where they need it.”
Donaghys Chief Executive Jarred (Jed) Marfell said the partnership builds on a trusted long-standing relationship between the two organisations and creates new opportunities to extend the reach of its manufacturing, distribution and export business while staying true to the strengths that have defined the business for more than 150 years.
“Donaghys has evolved alongside New Zealand farmers, working in partnership with them and developing practical solutions that are fit for our unique conditions,” Marfell said.
“Farmlands has been an important customer and partner for many years. Bringing our businesses together will really enable us to really take things up a notch with our research and development and deliver practical products that work on‑farm that helps farmers lift performance today and stay competitive into the future.”
“Continuity also matters a great deal right now. Having resilient supply and reliable access to the products farmers need is critical and Donaghys will continue to supply the wider market as usual through all our retail partners and channels.”
Farmlands Chair Rob Hewett said the partnership reflects Farmlands’ co-operative purpose of supporting farmers and rural communities.
“As a farmer-owned co-operative, Farmlands exists to support the long-term success of New Zealand farmers,” Hewett said.
“Bringing Donaghys’s capability into the Farmlands family strengthens our ability to invest in the innovation, products and technical expertise farmers need to remain productive, sustainable and globally competitive.”
Donaghys Chair Jeremy Silva said the partnership ensures Donaghys’s long-standing contribution to New Zealand agriculture continues to grow.
“Donaghys has built a strong reputation for technical expertise, practical innovation and trusted relationships with farmers,” Jeremy said.
“Partnering with Farmlands allows that legacy to continue while expanding our ability to develop and deliver the next generation of products and solutions for the sector.”
The acquisition will see Donaghys Agriculture join Farmlands while continuing to independently operate its established manufacturing, product development and distribution capabilities.
Together, the organisations aim to strengthen New Zealand’s agricultural capability by investing in local innovation, supporting resilient supply chains and delivering practical solutions that help farmers perform today and into the future.
ENDS
Notes to Editor:
The acquisition relates solely to Donaghys Agriculture. Donaghys’s rope and cordage business is not part of the transaction and will continue to operate separately.
Media contact
Ema Lees
Account Executive
Acumen, on behalf of Farmlands and Donaghys
M: 021 0836 2145
E: [email protected]
About Farmlands
Farmlands is a leading agricultural co-operative in New Zealand, dedicated to providing products, services, and advice to support the rural and horticultural sectors.
About Donaghys
Donaghys is a New Zealand agriculture company that’s taking on the world and succeeding; on farms, in horticulture, aquaculture and manufacturing.
