Livestock report: Water woes for Marlborough farmers as dry conditions start to bite
Dry conditions in Marlborough mean water is becoming scarcer and may lead to tough decisions for farmers in the region, PGG Wrightson Livestock Manager, Pete Barnes says. Barnes told The Country’s Jamie Mackay it was as dry as he could remember in a long time. “Even as a child growing up here, I...
Bridging the gap: Educating next-generation farmers on the wool supply chain
A name that has been synonymous with farming for generations, PGG Wrightson Wool plays a vital role in the wool farming sector. Recently, they opened their doors to students from Lincoln University, offering them a firsthand glimpse into the intricate workings of the wool supply chain at their...
Busybrook 'obsession' on display in April
North Otago stud showcases some of the world’s best dairy genetics High end international dairy genetics will feature at the Busybrook Holsteins Obsession sale on 10 April. Duntroon, North Otago based Busybrook, an innovator in dairy genetics, sources highly rated bloodlines from all around the...
Positive outcomes at South Island lamb sales and ewe fairs
Abundant Southland feed and demand from cropping farmers boosts market Lamb sales and ewe fairs dominated the South Island’s February livestock market. Demand from Mid Canterbury cropping farmers, and locals seeking to make the most of Southland’s abundant feed situation kept demand for store lambs...
Dry prompts early Marlborough calf sale
North Island purchasers eager to support Prolonged dry conditions starting to adversely affect Marlborough farms prompted an early calf sale in the region in late February, which North Island farmers supported enthusiastically to leave all parties satisfied. With stock water dams running dry and...
Online only dispersal sale achieves full clearance
Ranfurly farm sells 2500 capital stock ewes South Island-wide via bidr® A recent dispersal sale of a Ranfurly farm’s capital stock ewes was successfully carried out fully online via bidr®. Initially apprehensive about loading the entire responsibility for the sale onto bidr®, in hindsight farmer...
Staff Profile - Hamish Holst
Ready to jump in After three years at Lincoln University completing a Bachelor of Commerce in Agriculture, and two years in Blenheim establishing himself as a livestock representative in the PGG Wrightson trainee programme, Hamish Holst is heading to Wairoa and ready for his first role as a fully...
Northland weaners set to sell well
Excellent summer of growth results in well-presented stock Around 10,000 Northland weaner calves are selling in the first half of March in a series of sales throughout the region. Ranging from Peria to Wellsford, the sales typically attract buyers from across the North Island, including from...
PGG Wrightson extends National Shearing sponsorship to 45 years
PGG Wrightson has extended its sponsorship of one of shearing’s most prestigious and demanding events. Established in 1973, the PGG Wrightson Vetmed National Shearing Circuit pits the top shearers against each other based on versatility over five separate rounds. In terms of competitive shearing...
PGG Wrightson Academy Kicks Off for 2024
The 2024 PGG Wrightson Academy kicked off last week, with successful applicants diving into the first of four intensive two-day workshops. Visiting PGW’s Head Office in Christchurch, the cohort embarked on a challenging task: presenting Shark Tank-style pitches to Senior Technology leaders. The...
Nathan Stratford shines again taking out his third PGG Wrightson/Vetmed National Shearing Circuit
Nathan Stratford, a multi-breeds shearing legend, has once again claimed victory at the prestigious PGG Wrightson/Vetmed National Shearing Circuit, securing his third win at the Golden Shears in Masterton on Saturday night. Setting a New Zealand record with 18 trans-Tasman tests under his belt since...
Wool Report: Insights into market resilience and industry trends
In a recent interview with Rowena Duncum from The Country, Grant Edwards, the General Manager of Wool at PGG Wrightson, provided valuable insights into the current state of the wool market and highlighted significant developments within the industry. Market Overview Grant Edwards began by discussing...
Ahuwhenua Trophy Finalists Announced
Pictured: Finalists from Whakatōhea Mãori Trust Board and Wairarapa Moana ki Pouakani Incorporation with Minister Tama Potaka, Minister Todd McClay, Ahuwhenua Trophy Chair, Nukuhia Hadfield and Pou Tikanga Trevor Moeke. The finalists in this year’s Ahuwhenua Trophy for the top Māori dairy farm were...
Nathan Stratford's quest for trans-Tasman glory in the PGG Wrightson / Vetmed National Shearing Circuit
New Zealand’s most experienced trans-Tasman test-match shearer is set to go another round as favourite to win the PGG Wrightson / Vetmed National Shearing Circuit. With one preliminary round remaining, on second-shear sheep at the Pahiatua Shears on Sunday, Southland gun Nathan Stratford is...
Property report: Farm succession affecting the rural market
A positive breeze is sweeping through the rural property space, with a high volume of listings entering the market. “Things are really changing,” general manager of PGG Wrightson Real Estate, Peter Newbold , told The Country’s Jamie Mackay. A portion of those listings were down to natural movements...
Livestock report: Self-shedding Wiltshire sheep fetch top prices
Self-shedding Wiltshire sheep are bringing in high prices at the moment, says PGG Wrightson’s Regional Livestock Manager - Te Kuiti, Kevin Mortensen. Mortensen told The Country’s Jamie Mackay that breeding ewes were fetching up to $500. The sale happened last week, at a yarding of around 5800 sheep...
Dispersal sale for renowned inter-generational Manawatu studstock business
Angus breed champions bowing out. Alan, Michele, Colin and Louise Dalziell, owners of renowned Manawatu beef stud Atahua Angus, are bringing the curtain down on their business with a dispersal sale on 8 April. Atahua Angus was established by Alan and Colin’s parents Elsie and Verdun Dalziell in 1961...
Market for dairy herds trending up
Improving prospects prompt strong enquiry. Anyone considering selling a dairy herd this autumn should consult a PGG Wrightson Livestock representative without delay. Herds going under contract now will settle in May and June, meaning market interest picks up from February as the main season for herd...