Off-Farm Investing
This webpage does not contain financial advice - for financial advice, please speak to a Forsyth Barr Investment Adviser.
They will discuss your financial situation and goals, and explain the risks associated with any potential investment.
Why off-farm investment?
A well‑run farm is already a powerful asset, but relying on a single source of income leaves even the strongest operation exposed to forces no farmer can control — weather volatility, commodity swings, regulatory shifts, and succession pressures. Channelling surplus cash into off‑farm investments, can create a second engine of growth that widens your wealth horizons beyond the farm gate.
This diversification spreads risk, builds financial resilience, and generates returns that aren’t tied to milk prices or land values. It also strengthens the long‑term security of your farm itself: by growing wealth elsewhere, you can reduce the need to over‑leverage your property, protect against downturns, and create a financial buffer that supports reinvestment, retirement, and succession.
Off‑farm investing isn’t about turning away from the land — it’s about safeguarding it, ensuring your farm can be passed on in stronger shape to the next generation while giving your more freedom, stability, and choice today.
To discuss your off-farm investment options, get in touch with a local investment adviser by completing the form below.
Focus - Beyond the farm gate
Our latest 'Focus' article (read here) explores why diversifying beyond the land isn’t about stepping back from farming, but strengthening the legacy you’ve built.
And if you’re currently sitting on a cash surplus, it’s also about finding the right balance between off-farm and on-farm investment to solidify the overall financial position of your farm. Here's a summary of options you can consider.
The benefits of diversification
Diversification involves spreading your investments across different sectors, regions, and asset classes to manage risk and access a wider range of opportunities. Instead of relying on a single investment (your farm), share in the growth of many companies, industries, and economies - helping to smooth returns over time and support a more balanced portfolio.
A diversified approach may include:
Listed equities
Ownership in companies, both in New Zealand and globally, that may grow in value and provide regular dividend income.
Listed property and infrastructure
Access to professionally managed portfolios of property and essential services, offering income and inflation protection without the direct costs of ownership.
Fixed interest and cash investments
Bonds and cash funds that can provide regular income and help balance portfolio risk.
Managed funds and ETFs
Professionally managed investments that provide diversification and access to different markets and strategies.
This mix can be tailored to your goals, time horizon, and risk preferences, offering greater flexibility than relying solely on the investment in your farm. Understanding the role of each investment type - and the risks involved - helps ensure your portfolio is well suited to you.
Become a client
Speak to an adviser
Every farming business is different. Whether you’re thinking about rebalancing on-farm and off-farm investments, unlocking capital tied up in land or assets, or exploring more flexible ways to grow and protect your wealth, a Forsyth Barr Investment Adviser can help you map out a plan aligned to your long-term goals.
Talk to a Forsyth Barr Investment Adviser about how a diversified investment strategy could sit alongside your farming operation and gain a clear understanding of the risks and opportunities across different investment options.