Mole Valley Farmers returns to profit after two tough years
© Roy Riley Photography Mole Valley Farmers has turned a profit for the first time in three years, as it recovers from a challenging trading environment.
The agricultural supply business made an operating profit of £500,000 for the 2024-25 financial year, an improvement of £5.8m after a heavy loss in 2023-24.
The group was affected by an external “IT incident” in 2023, which had financial implications for the company, and it has worked since to rebuild its IT infrastructure and security.
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It put the improved performance down to a sharpened focus on cutting costs and improving productivity.
Chief executive Jack Cordery said it was a “deeply encouraging step forward”, adding that measures already taken had strengthened resilience.
He said: “Our teams have worked tirelessly to streamline operations without compromising quality or service.
“This strengthened financial foundation puts us in a far better position as we look ahead.”
The company has more than 9,000 farmer shareholders and 47 locations including five feed mills, two blending facilities, a mineral and supplements plant and retail stores.
It has continued to invest in several of its mills and storage facilities at ports, and further investment is planned for the coming year.
Mr Cordery said: “By importing raw materials directly from manufacturers, we have reduced reliance on intermediaries, improved pricing stability and increased our ability to manage supply fluctuations.
“The availability of quayside storage has also enabled us to buffer supply at critical points in the year, reducing risk during peak demand periods or global uncertainty.”
Chairman Stephen Bone added that significant investment in its mills would improve productivity and output while maintaining quality.
