News

Weather conditions and red meat prices set farmers up well for the start of the summer with markets in all categories holding firm throughout the country Spring weather in most of the North Island has provided plenty of feed, putting stock in excellent condition, and setting farmers up well for the...

On farm ram sale at Te Anau Basin sheep stud Mararoa Downs offers survivability and fattening capability, heading to bidr with helmsman auction format A Te Anau Basin sheep stud that has worked hard to develop its premium offering of Suftex and Perendale genetics is set to raise standards to a new...

Farmers from upper Waikato to Invercargill step up to pay top dollar for high producing genetics at dispersal sale of in milk cows A recent dispersal sale of a commercial herd of Taranaki Friesians, attracting prices consistent with pedigree stock, underlines the current strength of the dairy sector...

Building connections and learning from the best For livestock trainee Sam Boros, agriculture has always felt like home. Growing up on a sheep and beef farm, some of his earliest memories involve being alongside his dad, helping with stock work and making the most of the freedom that comes with rural...

Three PGG Wrightson reps gunning for the title against some of the nation’s most accomplished young rural professionals Three of PGG Wrightson’s most talented young livestock representatives are taking their chances in early November against the best of the rest of the country in the 2026 Heartland...

This October, a special occasion in South Canterbury brought together two significant milestones, celebrating 175 years of PGG Wrightson and 85 years of partnership with Stern Angus. Held alongside the Stern Angus Yearling Bull Sale, the day provided an opportunity to reflect on a relationship that...

Rural property buyers and sellers are taking a wait-and-see approach ahead of the election, says PGG Wrightson General Manager, Livestock & Real Estate, Peter Newbold. “I think if you go to lifestyle and residential, definitely it is having a bearing,” Newbold told The Country’s Jamie Mackay. “Rural...

PGW's commitment to helping New Zealand farmers and growers succeed took a significant step forward during FY26 with the establishment of the dedicated Hastings Research Station, Hawke’s Bay. On 1 September 2025, PGW assumed the lease of the Geelen Family Trust Research Station, a 2.8-hectare...

Strong livestock prices have created opportunities for farmers across New Zealand, but they've also highlighted the importance of having flexible trading options. According to PGG Wrightson National GO-STOCK Manager John O'Neill, livestock values have undergone a significant shift over the past 12...

FarmRight was established in 2000 to fill a service gap in the dairy sector and expanded into viticulture and horticulture in 2017. Today, FarmRight’s pipfruit portfolio spans multiple regions, with nearly 530 hectares of orchards either in production or development. A key part of this growth is...

A new season of the PGG Wrightson / Vetmed National Shearing Circuit gets underway in October, setting some of New Zealand’s best shearers on a five-round journey that will test their skill across the country and across five different wool types. The first points of the 2026/27 PGG Wrightson /...

From a partnership spanning 85 years to a milestone 175th anniversary, Stern Angus provides the perfect backdrop for a special live broadcast of The Country. On 7 October, PGG Wrightson will mark a significant milestone, celebrating 175 years of supporting New Zealand farmers and rural communities...

With traits to counter FE and worms, Marlow Genetics is preparing a sale catalogue with 30 Romworths and 50 Coopworth rams After 57 years, a prominent Central Hawke’s Bay stud is holding its first ever on farm ram sale. Along with his wife Rosa, in 2023 Jason Wyn-Harris took over Marlow Genetics...

Yearling bulls, calves, lambs and hoggets all meeting demand at North Island saleyards, while prolonged cold and wet delays the growing season in the South Variable weather conditions throughout the country have impacted throughput at the saleyards and the mood among farmers, with positive or...

Canterbury based trainee livestock rep Aston Fitzgerald is proving you don’t need to grow up on a farm to build a successful career in agriculture. For Aston Fitzgerald, a career in agriculture was never going to be spent behind a desk. Now 16 months into his role as a Trainee Sheep & Beef Livestock...

After a challenging period, demand set to lift as economies of New Zealand’s two main markets tick up Ahead of the upcoming selling season, prospects for velvet have improved. In early September PGG Wrightson National Deer and Velvet Manager Tony Cochrane visited the two main markets for New Zealand...

North Island demand up by 10 per cent on last year with values increasing by $30 per head This season’s sales of North Island four-day old calves have significantly exceeded where they sat last year. Fewer bobbies, better genetics, and better beef calves are attracting premiums from rearers and...

Strategic approach to ram procurement will pay dividends as farmers take the opportunity to re-invest in carefully selected genetics Ram sale season starts in late October, running through until mid-December in the North Island, and until mid-February in the South Island. Last season saw plenty of...