RLF AgTech has secured major national distribution agreements in Australia, launched a comprehensive retail rollout, and restructured its manufacturing arm, LiquaForce, to drive growth and operational efficiency. The company also reported strong financial performance and expanded its footprint across Asia.
- Secured three national distribution agreements expanding retail access to over 500 locations
- Launched Australian retail rollout with 16 specialty crop nutrition products and dedicated agronomy support
- Completed LiquaForce operational restructure introducing new manufacturing model and on-farm storage
- Group cash receipts up 17% quarter-on-quarter and 101% year-to-date
- Expanded Asia presence with new orders and market entry discussions in Vietnam, Cambodia, India, Korea, and Japan
Strategic National Expansion
RLF AgTech Ltd (ASX: RLF), an Australian-based plant nutrition company, has made significant strides in its growth strategy during the March 2025 quarter. Central to this progress was the securing of three major national distribution agreements, which collectively provide access to over 500 retail and wholesale locations across Australia. This milestone lays the foundation for a truly national market presence, enabling RLF to deliver its advanced liquid fertiliser and crop nutrition products directly to farmers across all major cropping regions.
The company launched a national retail rollout featuring 16 specialty formulations, including the flagship Crop Performance Pack and IntelliTrace micronutrient range. These products are designed to enhance nutrient efficiency and crop performance, catering to both broadacre and high-value horticultural crops. Supporting this rollout, RLF invested heavily in agronomic training, sales team recruitment, and in-store merchandising programs to ensure distributors and growers are well-equipped to maximise product benefits.
Operational Transformation at LiquaForce
LiquaForce, RLF’s Queensland-based liquid fertiliser manufacturing and field services business, completed a comprehensive operational restructure aimed at improving profitability and scalability. Under new General Manager Dr Carl Urbani, the business adopted a transparent cost-plus manufacturing model that insulates margins from commodity price volatility and enhances billing clarity for freight and application services.
Further innovation includes the development of an on-farm storage program, allowing growers to receive pre-season deliveries and smoothing production workloads. Notably, RLF is pioneering the deployment of a five-row Variable Rate Applicator (VRA) in the Burdekin region, a technology expected to revolutionise liquid fertiliser application by enabling precision variable-rate dosing. This advancement promises to close the historical cost gap with granular fertilisers, potentially expanding LiquaForce’s serviceable market and improving environmental outcomes through reduced nutrient wastage.
Financial Performance and Market Expansion
Despite seasonal purchasing lulls typical in the agricultural sector, RLF reported a 17% increase in group cash receipts compared to the prior year quarter and a remarkable 101% year-to-date increase. The China business unit delivered products to over 200 customers, achieving a gross profit margin of 47%, underscoring strong product profitability and operational discipline.
RLF’s Asia business unit expanded its footprint with new orders in Vietnam and Cambodia, alongside advancing commercial discussions in India, Korea, and Japan. Tailored product formulations and active marketing programs in these regions support ongoing growth, with field trials demonstrating agronomic benefits across diverse crops such as carnations, cherries, and durian.
Sustainability and Environmental Innovation
The Hillston Soil Carbon Project, registered under the Australian Carbon Credit Unit Scheme, delivered promising early results. Application of RLF’s proprietary Accumulating Carbon in Soil System (ACSS) products led to a 5% increase in soil organic carbon in targeted strata and a 29% reduction in fertiliser-related emissions across the project area. These outcomes validate RLF’s commitment to carbon-smart fertiliser solutions that enhance soil health while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Leadership Transition and Capital Position
Governance changes included the retirement of inaugural Chairperson Mr Donald McLay, succeeded by Non-Executive Director Mr Ben Barlow, who brings extensive agricultural industry experience. The company closed the quarter with a cash balance of approximately $2.1 million and recently secured additional funding through an entitlement issue and shortfall placement, positioning it well for the upcoming sales season.
RLF’s strategic initiatives, operational improvements, and expanding market presence collectively position the company for sustainable growth in the competitive agricultural inputs sector.
Bottom Line?
RLF AgTech’s integrated approach to innovation, distribution, and sustainability sets the stage for accelerated growth, but market adoption and operational execution remain key to watch.
Questions in the middle?
- How quickly will the national retail rollout translate into meaningful revenue growth?
- What impact will the Variable Rate Applicator have on LiquaForce’s market share and margins?
- How will RLF’s environmental initiatives influence regulatory support and farmer adoption?