Ravensdown announced an early interim rebate today of $17.50 cash per tonne of eligible fertiliser to help farmers as they organise their applications into the autumn.

This continues Ravensdown’s strong performance over the past four years and supports the Board’s strategy of returning surplus cash to farmers at the earliest opportunity. The commitment for a cash injection also has spin off benefits to the wider rural community according to its Chair John Henderson.

By us signalling early, farmers can buy their autumn requirements safe in the knowledge that they will get this cash rebate if they take delivery before 31 May.

“Following last year’s wet autumn that disrupted many customers applying their fertiliser, I’d urge my fellow farmers to book their applications early. This is particularly important for aerial spreading operations because demand for their services is currently very strong,” said John.

In June, interim rebates are paid into bank accounts to those who have applied solid fertiliser between 1 June 2017 and 31 May 2018. The decision around any final additional payment takes place after the financial year’s accounts are completed and will factor in the Board’s view of what funds need to be retained to invest in service-enhancing technology infrastructure and environmental mitigation's.

Greg Campbell Chief Executive said “good buying, consistent team effort and strong shareholder support enabled the co-operative to make this positive move.

“New customers are joining the ranks and are showing plenty of interest in how we can help them improve their nutrient efficiency and reduce their environmental impacts.

“Together with our shareholders, we believe in smarter farming for a better New Zealand. Giving farmers more certainty around their finances and nutrient choices is just one example of how we can help.”