Capturing the Heart of Livestock Photography
Whether you're new to photography or want to improve your skills, learning the basics of photography can help take your photos to the next level. From capturing lively animals, to the peaceful beauty of landscapes, and fun moments with the kids, rural life offers many great opportunities to snap a...
Best young auctioneers face off
PGG Wrightson up and comers set to test their skills among the nation’s most accomplished young rural professionals. Pitting their skills against each other, the country’s best young auctioneers will go head to head, gavel to gavel in early November. Part of the NZ Agricultural Show in Christchurch...
December ram sale signals end of an era for South Otago stud
Decision to move on presents unique opportunity to obtain highly admired sheep genetics producing fast growth and high yield. A prominent South Otago stud, offering its final annual ram sale, provides farmers a unique opportunity to acquire some of New Zealand’s most admired sheep genetics. Garth...
Livestock markets following seasonal trends
Last season’s lambs now largely processed, while the first of the new season begin to appear in saleyards. Sustained heavy rain over Labour Weekend provided much needed respite in some regions, where dry conditions had begun to threaten spring growth. North Canterbury in particular welcomed the...
Staff Profile – Nathan Hubbard – Country boy who was stuck in town
Following a career in dairy in Waikato, Canterbury born and bred Nathan returns closer to home base and prepares to take on South Canterbury dairy livestock role. Despite being a recently appointed Canterbury-based PGG Wrightson Livestock trainee, Nathan Hubbard is no rookie. Growing up in...
Venison gaining, while velvet awaits China access agreement
Encouragement for deer farmers as supply-demand equation works in favour of venison prices, though patience necessary as access to China delayed . For seasonal reasons, the price of venison is steadily increasing. As demand grows and some farmers have retained hinds, slaughter numbers are down 12.8...
IHC Calf and Rural Scheme sales under way
PGG Wrightson proud to have helped raise over $42 million to help some of New Zealand’s most vulnerable people and their families. Support for IHC has been a part of the PGG Wrightson philosophy for more than 40 years, raising over $42 million to make a true difference for some of New Zealand’s most...
Wool Report: Fine-wool records broken again and national market insights
Wrapping up The Country’s Wool Week with remarkable news, Rachel Shearer, General Manager of PGW Wool, joined Rowena Duncum for a monthly look at the wool market. Rachel shared an exciting update that highlights New Zealand’s ongoing achievements in producing world-class wool. Rachel was thrilled to...
Property report: Outlook positive for rural real estate market
Following an extended sluggish period, the rural property market is showing signs of recovery, with increased buyer activity driven by a more positive economic outlook. That’s the sentiment expressed by PGG Wrightson’s General Manager for Real Estate, Peter Newbold. Speaking to The Country’s Rowena...
Ultra-fine fibers from ‘The Bend’ set new standard
At PGG Wrightson Wool’s C17 South Island auction on 24 October in Christchurch, a remarkable milestone was reached in the world of fine wool. John and Sam McAtamney, wool growers from ‘The Bend’ in Ranfurly, achieved a record-breaking result with their 12.5-micron merino wool. This ultra-fine wool...
Leon Samuels claims top spot in Round 2 of the National Shearing Circuit
The 2024/2025 PGG Wrightson/Vetmed National Shearing Circuit continued its thrilling journey with the second round at the Waimate Spring Shears, where competitors took on the challenge of shearing strong wool ewes. Leon Samuels of Roxburgh emerged as the standout performer, claiming the top points...
Livestock report: Good Otago sales despite weather and cashflow issues
Demand is high at the Otago spring cattle sales, despite a lack of cash flow, says PGG Wrightson’s Otago Regional Livestock Manager, John Duffy. Duffy said there were good yardings on offer at the annual sales in Balclutha, Palmerston and Mt Benger. However, there weren’t as many people as expected...
Big start to National Shearing Circuit: Round 1 complete!
The 2024/2025 PGG Wrightson/Vetmed National Shearing Circuit has kicked off in a big way, with a possible record of 37 entries in the opening fine-wool round, held at the New Zealand Merino Shears in Alexandra last weekend. PGG Wrightson/Vetmed National Shearing Circuit first round leader Stacey Te...
Proven hill country genetics enhancing Waewaepa Station productivity
First time on-farm sale at renowned Tararua district property with large offering of Angus steers, Romney ewes, and Romney, Hampshire Downs and Dorset Downs lambs. With hardy hill country genetics, proven on the limestone of one of the Tararua district’s most admired farms, Waewaepa Station’s first...
High country offering of highly productive rams
First-time on-farm sale at Snowdon Station, Central Canterbury offering genetics with conformation, early growth, meat and survival. Snowdon Station north of the Rakaia Gorge near Windwhistle, Central Canterbury is offering a selection of the farm’s prestigious genetics via a first ever on-farm ram...
Markets progress positively in variable weather conditions
Although solid values and strong demand, including procurement pressure on processors, are positive, variable weather poses some challenges. Variable weather conditions, and a shortage of stock, is influencing sales of sheep and cattle throughout the country. Although values remain solid, rainfall...
Service bulls and dairy beef the focus in dairy livestock
Defer-A-Bull an easy cashflow option for dairy farmers, while strong demand indicated as dairy beef sales commence. Across the country dairy bulls are selling well, including via hybrid bidr, on-farm sales and by private treaty. This year farmers are taking the Defer-A-Bull option in greater numbers...
Staff Profile - Tom Suttor
Structure comes first for Waipukurau-raised Livestock Genetics Representative for Wairarapa and Hawke’s Bay and the trust and relationships he focuses on. After finishing school in Hastings, Tom Suttor worked as an agricultural contractor for a couple of seasons. Growing up on a Central Hawke’s Bay...