Mount Maunganui company Ballance Agri-nutrients is merging with animal nutrient manufacturer Seales Ltd and Winslow Feeds and Nutrition.

The new nationwide business called Seales Winslow is focused on meeting farmers' complete animal nutrient needs from pasture through to supplements.

Seales Winslow is 51 per cent owned by Ballance Agri-Nutrients.

The shareholders of Seales Ltd (Morinsville) and Winslow Feeds and Nutrition (Ashburton) own the remaining 49 per cent.

Seales Winslow is to begin operations by June 1, 2011.

Ballance Agri-Nutrients chief executive Larry Bilodeau says Seales and Winslow are both recognised as leaders in producing high performance compound feeds and additives and are a natural fit with Ballance, a farmer-owned cooperative focused on higher farm production.

'All three companies take a strong science-based approach to product development and on-farm advice and this gives us great common ground.

'Better animal nutrition is the greatest single opportunity to boost the productivity of pastoral farming and New Zealand urgently needs to do this.

'On-farm feed efficiency is a priority for our shareholders and customers who are looking to lift production to meet growing global demand without risking environmental damage.

'We are offering a whole farm nutrient management approach which will improve productivity and animal fertility, health and welfare while reducing agriculture's environmental footprint,” says Larry.

Seales Ltd is New Zealand's largest independent feed mill primarily supplying high-end custom blended pelletised feed. The company has manufacturing facilities in Morrinsville and a bulk warehouse at the Port of Tauranga. These use a range of feed products including maize, wheat, barley, broll, tapioca, soya meal, canola, copora, seaweed, molasses and mineral additives.

Seales Winslow's inaugural managing director is Ross Hyland, current MD of Seales Ltd, who says he is looking forward to leading a nationwide firm able to service the needs of farmers right across the country.

'The new venture will provide a great platform for growth and ensure we can meet the expanding demand from farmers for a complete animal nutrition package.

'Our aim is to enhance the nutrition and therefore performance and welfare of individual animals and of whole herds. Doing this improves the profitability of a farm and can also reduce its environmental footprint. Everyone wins in this equation.”