By Richard Rennie

Copyright farmersweekly

Reading Time: 2 minutes

The lower North Island is a key focus region for Pāmu’s latest integrated report, which aims to provide a holistic overview of the SOE’s performance over the past financial year.

Coming off the back of its annual report results announced in August, which included a strong turnaround of $49 million net operating profit, the integrated report moves deeper into the company’s other metrics, including sustainability, staff welfare and best-practice outcomes.

Alongside a summary of Pāmu’s already reported financials, the results include robust performance outcomes. These include highlighting that the SOE achieved 1.1 million kg of additional livestock production, coming in 5% over target.

It also managed to rear two-thirds of calves from the dairy herd, exceeding its 61% target, and hit a lambing percentage of 134.6%, above the industry average of 129%.

Over 80% of all farms have also complied with market assurance schemes by completing farm environment plans, helping to gain processor premiums, while net emissions have been reduced by almost 11% against Pāmu’s 2021 baseline target.

Under its new regional operating model, Pāmu has moved to a four-region structure to better monitor decision-making, feed and livestock allocation and to optimise farm economics with regular benchmarking using tools including FarmIQ and FARMAX.

Overall, the lower North Island achieved a regional net operating profit of $22.7m, up from $5.6m in the 2024 financial year.

Dairy beef was a key focus for the lower North business, reporting a death rate under 5%, rearing 1800 spring calves at its Moutoa facility and 480 autumn-borns, and overall an 81% calf-rearing across the entire dairy operation.

A focus on safety is also highlighted, with 2025 Pāmu’s first year for a critical risk management programme focusing on high-risk areas including hazardous substances, vehicles/mobile plant, stock handling and firearms.

Side-by-side vehicle accidents form 70% of Pāmu’s incident investigations, with full vehicle monitoring aimed to be installed by the end of next year.

The SOE has also launched a structured apprenticeship scheme over the 2025 reporting period with nine placed successfully and a second intake underway with 104 applications for 10 positions.

Pāmu chief executive Mark Leslie said the report reflects a renewed commitment to delivering long-term value for New Zealand.

“This year’s report shows how we’re balancing commercial performance with our responsibilities to people, land and future generations.

“Operational excellence, supported by smart investment and strategic land use, will continue to drive commercial success and contribute meaningfully to the prosperity of Aotearoa.”