When did the Ravensdown story begin?
Our History
The Gumboot Revolution
Back in 1977 two large private companies supplied superphosphate in New Zealand. When Kempthorne Prosser announced it was going to be buying its rival, Dunedin-based Dominion fertilisers, farmers were up in arms, and the gumboot revolution began.
Already frustrated by rising input costs and falling fertiliser quality, they would now be at the mercy of a monopoly. Then as now, fertiliser is a significant cost, second only to servicing farm debt.
The presidents of the South Canterbury, Otago and North Otago Federated Farmers went to farmers in the area to ask them to become founding members of a new co-operative. Ravensdown eventually mounted a takeover bid for KP which was completed on 16 August 1978.
The Ravensdown Timeline
1978
Begin trading as Ravensdown Fertiliser Co-operative on 1 November.
1987
Becomes a 100% farmer owned co-operative with the purchase of the remaining shares from FERNZ. East Coast fertiliser merges with Ravensdown.
1993
Sets up the Fertmark scheme to assure farmers of quality.
2000
Acquires 100% of Analytical Research Laboratories to pass on discounts to shareholders.
2001
Launches Ravensdown Direct so customers can now purchase directly from their co-operative.
2003
Launches its agrochemical range.
2008
Becomes New Zealand's largest spreading company.
2011
Forms partnership with Cropmark Seeds to give shareholders access to high-performing cultivars. Acquires C-DAX manufacturer of spraying spreading and pasture measuring technologies.
2012
Develops new online tools used to track and plan nutrient application. Works with industry to deliver a Nutrient Management Adviser certification scheme.
2013
Announces Government-backed research programme into aerial soil testing and spreading. Launches environmental consultancy service.
2016
Ravensdown pays its first ever early (interim) rebate for fertiliser so that shareholders are paid in June instead of September.
2017
Agronomists join agri managers to give integrated advice and launched HawkEye the nutrient management and decision support tool.
2018
Continues to produce Farm Environment Plans.
2020
Designated as an ‘essential service’ during the Covid-19 lockdowns.
2021
Showcases EcoPond the latest in methane mitigation technology.