AgStar builds on strong first year with expanded agchem range
After establishing itself quickly on Farmlands shelves, AgStar is continuing to broaden its footprint with a series of additions that extend the range beyond its original pastoral focus and into horticulture as well as home and garden applications.
AgStar is Farmlands’ private label agchem brand, developed as part of the cooperative’s wider strategy to give farmers and growers access to reliable products at competitive pricing. The initial rollout centred on herbicides and insecticides suited to pastoral systems, but strong uptake from shareholders has driven further development into other parts of the market.
The latest additions reflect that shift, with a mix of crop protection chemistry and general use products that widen the scope of the range across different farming and growing environments.
One of the key inclusions is AgStar Swap 375+250 WG, a fungicide combining cyprodinil at 375 g/kg and fludioxonil at 250 g/kg. This formulation is widely recognised for its effectiveness against botrytis, particularly in crops such as grapes, onions, strawberries and blueberries, while also providing control of anthracnose in strawberries and blueberries and rhizopus in strawberries. Its inclusion signals a move into higher value horticultural segments where disease pressure and product performance are critical.
In the insecticide category, AgStar Venturi 240 introduces methoxyfenozide at 240 g/litre, a target specific option aimed at key pests, including codling moth in pipfruit, and leaf rollers across a range of crops, including avocados, grapes, kiwifruit, nectarines and peaches. As an insect growth regulator, methoxyfenozide is designed to disrupt the moulting process in caterpillar pests, providing selective control while supporting integrated pest management programmes.
The herbicide line-up has also been strengthened with AgStar Thump 200SL, which contains glufosinate-ammonium at 200 g/litre. Previously marketed as AgStar Liberty, the product is a non-selective contact herbicide suited to the control of a wide range of broadleaf and grass weeds in orchards, vineyards and non-crop areas. Its role as a contact chemistry option makes it particularly relevant in resistance management programmes, where growers are looking to diversify modes of action.
Alongside the core agchem additions, AgStar has also moved into the home and garden space, with products such as Mossaway, which contains benzalkonium chloride at 100 g/litre. Designed for the removal of moss, mould, algae and lichen, it reflects a broader effort to position the brand across both commercial and lifestyle applications.
Farmlands Head of Merchandise, Darryl Stretton, says the expanded range builds on what he describes as a “really good” first year for the brand.
“AgStar has had a great uptake, and it only took a few months for it to become a household name among our shareholders,” he says.
“We have been identifying other areas where we may be able to support farmers and growers, whether it’s out in the paddock, orchard or back home looking after their lawn or garden. We are also planning to further expand in the plant nutrition space, including trace elements.”
Stretton says the approach behind AgStar mirrors the cooperative’s wider strategy around its exclusive brands, combining value with performance.
“AgStar products are supported by a comprehensive warranty, designed to give customers confidence in the quality and reliability of our range.”
With further expansion planned, the direction is clear. AgStar is moving beyond its pastoral base and positioning itself as a broader input option across multiple sectors, while maintaining a focus on affordability and practical performance for New Zealand farmers and growers.