AHF, RIC, DBF: How these ASX agriculture stocks are faring?

Agriculture in Australia accounts for 55% of land use and 24% of water extractions. The sector contributed 1.9% of value added GDP and 2.5% of employment in 2020-21. In the past 20 years, the gross value of agricultural, fisheries and forestry production in the nation has increased by 7% (adjusted for consumer price inflation), from about AU$70 billion in 2001-02 to AU$75 billion in 2020-21.

This article will discuss three ASX non-cyclical agricultural stocks that have provided decent price returns on a year-to-date basis.

Data source: Refinitiv as of 28 June 2022 

Australian Dairy Nutritionals Group (ASX: AHF)

Australian Dairy Nutritionals Group (ASX: AHF) owns high-quality organic certified dairy farms and dairy processing facilities located in Southwest Victoria. It is a trusted source of premium quality branded dairy products using fresh milk from its farms.

Last month, the company achieved an important milestone by successfully producing milk powder at its new infant formula plant.

The group’s first commercial production of A2 infant formula is planned for June 2022, with ranging in Chemist Warehouse stores aimed for 2HCY22.

Ridley Corporation Limited (ASX: RIC)

Image source: © Madrabothair | Megapixl.com

Ridley is an agricultural company based in Australia that provides high-performance animal nutrition solutions. It offers complete rations, nutritional blocks, mineral concentrates, and supplements for meeting the requirements of a wide range of species.

Recently, the company presented its growth plan for FY23-FY25 in an ag-food conference. Here are the major highlights:

• Investing in processing potential to produce customised, higher value nutrients from the existing supply of raw materials
• Using unique feed ingredients that provide differentiated sustainability solutions
• Extending share in the rural market by utilising national footprint with distribution partners
• Servicing the wider urban companion animal market with the combined business platform

Duxton Farms Limited (ASX: DBF)

Duxton Farms produce a wide range of agricultural commodities on its farms spread across New South Wales. The company is seeking land-rich parcels for persistent growth, scale, and diversification.

Following are the major highlights of the company for the quarter ended 31 March 2022

• A decline in yield and quality of winter crops due to harvest delay and high rainfall earlier in the season
• 74% increment in cotton prices over the quarter
• A surplus of AU$3.125 million in operating cash flow for the quarter