Latest news with #RLF
The Australian
a day ago
- Business
- The Australian
RLF records strong end to FY25
RLF reports cash receipts of $8.9 million in Q4 FY25, up 254% on the previous quarter Total cash receipts for FY25 of $26 million, up 74% from FY24 Full year FY25 net cash from operating activities of $800,000 marks 'complete turnaround' from $3.67m deficit in FY23 Special Report: RLF AgTech has reported a strong end to FY25 with cash receipts of $8.9 million in Q4, up 254% on the previous quarter and up 74% YoY with a full year positive operating cashflow. Reflecting continued improvement in business performance RLF AgTech (ASX:RLF) achieved net cash from operating activities of $800,000 for FY25, up 782% on FY24 of $90k and a 'complete turnaround' from FY23, which saw a deficit of $3.67m. RLF is a leading provider of crop nutrition products designed to improve agricultural productivity, crop quality and soil health. The company has completed its first full financial year under renewed leadership and a redefined business strategy. RLF's June quarter results provide the clearest view yet of its operational cash performance following the comprehensive business restructure. Positive results include FY25 customer receipts of $26m, up 74% from FY24, attributed to improved sales conversion and performance, with growth recorded across all key regions. Core operations remained cash generative despite absorbing the one-off costs of group restructuring, transition and new market investment, reflecting the strength of the underlying business. During FY25 balance sheet restructure debt was materially reduced, interest waived and repayment terms extended, freeing working capital for growth investment. RLF's cash balance on 30 June 2025, was $6.5m, up 39% YoY, driven by operating performance and disciplined cash management. The company said the uplift also reflected successful integration of the RLF LiquaForce business, which it acquired in May 2024. Strategic expenditure for future growth RLF said the turnaround in FY25 was achieved during a year of substantial strategic expenditure across multiple fronts. In August 2024, the company formally exited a legacy Australian distribution agreement, regaining full commercial rights to the Australian market leading to the formation of RLF Australia. The standalone entity required investment and cash outlay across staffing, systems, training resources, promotional materials, product relabelling and national sales coverage. RLF said It had since become a cornerstone of its growth strategy, enabling direct engagement with key distributors, resellers and growers, while restoring access to revenue streams previously unavailable to the company. RLF Australia has secured major distribution partnerships with a footprint now spanning more than 500 retail locations, supported by new marketing, technical and logistics capabilities. In parallel, the company undertook a comprehensive restructuring of its group operations, including streamlining overheads, consolidating reporting lines and redefining roles across domestic and international divisions. RLF also invested in new equipment and manufacturing capabilities to strengthen its operational base and support commercial programs and grower confidence heading into FY26. The company upgraded its manufacturing facility in Queensland, bringing cost-effective production in-house and enabling increased responsiveness to distributor and grower demand. Among strategic purchases was a Variable Rate Applicator for RLF LiquaForce to enhance precision in product application and trial deployment, aligning with its commitment to innovation and agronomic efficiency. China business recovery with record cash collection RLF reported Q4 FY25 cash collections in China at record levels of $5.3m, signalling a successful rebound from the same period in FY24. June pre-orders in the country rose 73% YoY, demonstrating successful distributor engagement and effective digital-led marketing under its Technology Empowering Agriculture theme. In Vietnam, repeat orders and trial programs from three major distributors including KONA, VINCO, YAMATO signal growing commercial momentum. The company said new trials in coffee and durian showcased RLF's relevance in high-value crops. In India, trials with Gujarat Pesticides, ANU Production, Agrico Organic and Geolife mark the beginning of a strategic entry into one of the world's largest fertiliser markets. Entering biologicals segment RLF signed an exclusive agreement with AXIOMA Biologicals to distribute its innovative plant-based biostimulants across Australia, China and Asia. The deal sees RLF's portfolio enter the fast-growing biologicals segment, enabling new margin opportunities. The company said the biologicals offered growers new, environmentally responsible solutions that aligned with RLF's technology-based approach and enhanced the value of its traditional nutrition offerings. RLF has also had success with its Hillston Soil Carbon Project, delivering strong measured outcomes, helping validate its carbon and soil sustainability integrated nutrition strategy. This supports the company's position in the regenerative agriculture sectors. Board renewal and new management Acting managing director Gavin Ball stepped into the top role following the restructure about 12 months ago, after first investing in RLF more than a decade ago when it was a private company. During FY25, directors Liza Carpene and Donald McLay left the board and were recognised for their pivotal roles in the company's ASX debut in 2022 and expansion. In April, seasoned executive Ben Barlow stepped in as non-executive chair, tasked with steering the next phase of growth. RLF said further board renewal remained a priority, as the company aligned its governance with its expanding scale and strategic ambitions. Planting the seeds for scaled growth in FY26 RLF said it entered FY26 with strengthened operations, national market access and a clearer commercial identity. In Australia, the company said it was well-positioned to drive revenue growth through an established distribution network, expanded field support and the integration of AXIOMA's biological product range. In China, momentum is building with increased pre-orders, distributor re-engagement and margin recovery underway, while in Southeast Asia RLF said recent market entries were expected to translate into expanding commercial orders following success of initial trial programs. With a simplified structure, increasingly diversified product base and positive operating cashflows, RLF said it was entering a new phase of commercial scale-up. 'The results of FY25 validate the strategy in place and provide the foundation to deliver meaningful shareholder value in FY26 and beyond,' the company said. This article was developed in collaboration with RLFAgTech, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing. This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.
Herald Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- Herald Sun
Aussie farmers need more than rain, so RLF harvests hope with root-deep tech
Wheat crop under pressure as dry soils persist RLF AgTech steps in with tech to boost roots and resilience New trial shows better soil, stronger crops, and lower emissions It's supposed to be winter planting season. But in parts of Victoria and South Australia, the soil's so dry it crumbles like stale cake. In Western Australia, a few inches of rain have painted the paddocks green, but scratch beneath the surface, and you'll find the same old story. Shallow roots, bone-dry subsoil, and farmers praying the next cold front doesn't pass them by. The official forecasts from ABARES expect this year's national wheat crop to drop by at least 10%, down to 30.6 million tonnes. This is a figure that, while above the 10-year average, is well below last season's bounty. Some analysts reckon the number could fall as low as 28 million tonnes. And that's not just bad luck. It's the culmination of years of soil stress, input fatigue, and farming systems pushed to the brink. The knock-on effects could stretch far beyond the farm gate. China, Indonesia, and other major buyers are watching closely. Global grain stocks are already under pressure, and any shortfall from Australia – the world's fourth-largest exporter – adds heat to a market already twitchy from Black Sea instability. From dry dirt to living soil But this isn't just a weather story, it's a soil story. And it's forcing the industry to confront an uncomfortable reality: Australia can't keep playing roulette with rain. That's where companies like RLF AgTech (ASX:RLF) are quietly changing the story, from the ground up, literally. At a glance, RLF might look like just another fertiliser company. But that's missing the point. Its core innovation, Plant Proton Delivery Technology (PPD Tech), works at a cellular level to build bigger, stronger root systems and rejuvenate the very soil those crops depend on. In a season like this, where rain offers only temporary relief, RLF's tech could create resilience from within. By priming seeds and delivering nutrients directly through the leaf or soil, it helps crops pull more from what little moisture and nutrients are there, while also laying down the organic carbon that makes next year's soil just a bit stronger than the last. It's not a silver bullet. But it's a step toward breaking the cycle of nutrient-hungry farming that's left roughly a third of the world's soils degraded. Boosting yields, building better food Stronger roots mean better uptake of micronutrients like zinc, manganese, and boron. That's critical, not just for healthier crops but for more nutritious food on the table. RLF's idea is simple: feed the plant the way it was meant to be fed. The execution, though, is high-tech. It blends agronomy, chemistry and sustainability in a way that helps plants thrive without depending so much on synthetic inputs. And it's not the only company chasing that future. ClearVue Technologies (ASX:CPV)'s ag-tech arm, OptiCrop, has just scored its first commercial sale in Israel for a root-zone cooling system that keeps plant temps in the 'Goldilocks zone'. It works like air-conditioning for crops, and when paired with ClearVue's solar glass, the whole system runs off-grid. Another company, Ridley Corporation (ASX:RIC), has just snapped up the old Incitec Pivot Fertilisers distribution network for $300 million, giving it a near stranglehold on east coast supply. Stronger soil, lower emissions Meanwhile, growers are under pressure to reduce emissions and improve soil carbon. RLF is giving them tools to do both. And that's becoming a big deal, not just in ESG reports but on real farms. Take its recent Hillston Soil Carbon Project in NSW - a real-world test bed that's part of the federal Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) Scheme. After just one season using RLF's Accumulating Carbon in Soil System (ACSS), soil organic carbon in some zones jumped by up to 5%. Greenhouse gas emissions fell by 29% across the project area, and synthetic fertiliser use dropped dramatically. Instead of pounding the paddock with urea and monoammonium phosphate, the trial used RLF's PPD-based inputs to do more with less. 'The 29% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions is a significant achievement – and once the transition to RLF's system is complete, even greater emission reductions are expected', said Carbon West's Jennifer West. In a tightening margin environment, the ability to pull more value from each hectare is becoming a competitive edge, not a bonus. 'We've got the chance to make a genuine difference to global food security, soil health and meaningful carbon sequestration,' said RLF's acting managing director, Gavin Ball. 'All this, without making things any harder for our farmers.' At Stockhead we tell it like it is. While RLF AgTech and ClearVue Technologies are Stockhead advertisers, they did not sponsor this article. This story does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decision. Originally published as Aussie farmers need more than rain, so RLF harvests hope with root-deep tech
The Independent
15-07-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
RFL calls crisis talks as Salford players reportedly consider strike
Rugby league chiefs will head for Salford on Wednesday for crisis talks aimed at ensuring that Friday night's Betfred Super League game at Leeds can go ahead as planned. A number of senior Salford players have reportedly threatened to pull out of the fixture amid renewed uncertainty surrounding the club's financial position. That has prompted RFL officials, led by chief executive Tony Sutton, to call a summit meeting involving all parties at the Salford Community Stadium in a bid to reach a settlement that will minimise the impact on the integrity of the competition. 'We can confirm that the RFL will be part of a meeting at the club tomorrow, with players, the club, the RFL and RL Cares present,' an RFL spokesperson told the PA news agency on Tuesday. Salford have been operating under crippling salary cap regulations since the start of the season due to a drawn-out takeover process and subsequent late payment of some wages. The club claimed only their second win of the season over Castleford on Sunday, but new issues relating to the non-arrival of a bridging loan, designed to stabilise the club's plight until at least the end of the season, have prompted some players to insist that enough is enough. The All Out Rugby League website reported that a significant number of players have already informed club officials, including head coach Paul Rowley, of their intention not to make themselves available against the Rhinos at Headingley. Postponement would have a calamitous effect both on the club's ability to complete the season, and the RFL's current deal with Sky TV, which would be breached if they failed to provide the requisite six games per weekend for broadcast. It is thought more likely at this stage that the impasse would lead Salford to once again have to fulfil the fixture by calling up their academy players. But having lost Jayden Nikorima, Esan Marsters and Loghan Lewis to injury against Castleford, Salford are already severely depleted, and such an eventuality would inevitably lead to more questions about the knock-on effects on the current campaign. St Helens benefited from an enormous boost in their points difference when they beat an inexperienced Salford side by a record 82-0 on the opening day of the season, and a similar scoreline on Friday would put Leeds in line to cash in in similar fashion. Rowley did not comment directly on the scenario in the wake of his team's win over Castleford, and Salford did not return a request for comment on Tuesday.
Hans India
13-07-2025
- Automotive
- Hans India
‘OnBoard' technology to empower visually impaired bus commuters
The Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has begun implementing a new assistive device called OnBoard across its fleet to ensure greater independence and safety for visually impaired commuters, officials said on Friday. The device is aimed at helping visually impaired and low-vision passengers travel independently, reduce reliance on others, and instill greater self-confidence in daily commutes. Developed in collaboration with Continental Automotive Components India Pvt. Ltd., the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, Raised Lines Foundation (RLF), and Enable India, the OnBoard system uses a two-part communication mechanism -- a handheld remote for the user and a unit installed in the bus. When a bus nears a stop, the user presses the 'Find' button, triggering an audio announcement of the route number through a speaker mounted on the bus. If it matches the intended route, pressing 'Select' alerts the driver and conductor, who then assist the commuter in boarding. A similar process ensures support during alighting. BMTC highlighted that the device alerts users when the selected bus is within a 30-metre range and has been successfully tested for effectiveness in rain, heat, and dust. The pilot project began with 25 buses on routes 401K and 242B, involving over 500 trained users and 25 active testers. Feedback indicated a strong sense of independence, reduced anxiety, and improved travel experience. Encouraged by the results, BMTC approved installation of OnBoard devices in 500 buses, with the next phase of 100 installations underway since June 2025 and full deployment expected by August 2025. The statement further noted that priority has been given to routes 401-K and 401-R, frequented by visually impaired commuters. The technology, originally developed at IIT Delhi and disseminated by its non-profit startup RLF, underwent several upgrades to meet integration standards, the statement read. BMTC provided technical assistance and vehicle data for the deployment, particularly across high-footfall routes like 401K, 401R, 401M, 410FA, and 410FG. BMTC concluded by appealing to transport agencies and policymakers to collaborate on similar inclusive mobility initiatives. The Corporation added that the OnBoard project has already drawn interest from other states, and the model now stands as a benchmark in creating dignified, accessible public transport systems for all.
Hindustan Times
12-07-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Bengaluru's BMTC rolls out ‘OnBoard' tech to empower visually impaired commuters
The Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has begun implementing a new assistive device called OnBoard across its fleet to ensure greater independence and safety for visually impaired commuters, officials said on Friday. The pilot project began with 25 buses on routes 401K and 242B.(Representational Image) The device is aimed at helping visually impaired and low-vision passengers travel independently, reduce reliance on others, and instil greater self-confidence in daily commutes. Developed in collaboration with Continental Automotive Components India Pvt. Ltd., the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, Raised Lines Foundation (RLF), and Enable India, the OnBoard system uses a two-part communication mechanism -- a handheld remote for the user and a unit installed in the bus. When a bus nears a stop, the user presses the 'Find' button, triggering an audio announcement of the route number through a speaker mounted on the bus. If it matches the intended route, pressing 'Select' alerts the driver and conductor, who then assist the commuter in boarding. A similar process ensures support during alighting. BMTC highlighted that the device alerts users when the selected bus is within a 30-metre range and has been successfully tested for effectiveness in rain, heat, and dust. The pilot project began with 25 buses on routes 401K and 242B, involving over 500 trained users and 25 active testers. Feedback indicated a strong sense of independence, reduced anxiety, and improved travel experience. Encouraged by the results, BMTC approved installation of OnBoard devices in 500 buses, with the next phase of 100 installations underway since June 2025 and full deployment expected by August 2025. The statement further noted that priority has been given to routes 401-K and 401-R, frequented by visually impaired commuters. The technology, originally developed at IIT Delhi and disseminated by its non-profit startup RLF, underwent several upgrades to meet integration standards, the statement read. BMTC provided technical assistance and vehicle data for the deployment, particularly across high-footfall routes like 401K, 401R, 401M, 410FA, and 410FG. BMTC concluded by appealing to transport agencies and policymakers to collaborate on similar inclusive mobility initiatives. The Corporation added that the OnBoard project has already drawn interest from other states, and the model now stands as a benchmark in creating dignified, accessible public transport systems for all.
