As dairy farmers prepare for the busy spring mating period, managing cash flow remains a key consideration alongside securing quality service bulls.

PGG Wrightson National Dairy Specialist Jamie Cunninghame says the company's long-running Defer-A-Bull programme continues to provide farmers with flexibility when purchasing bulls, allowing them to spread costs across the season.

"It's a big product now; it's been going for 20-plus years and gets repeat users year in and year out," he said.

The service allows farmers to purchase bulls in spring and defer payment until after the bulls have finished working, helping reduce pressure during one of the busiest and highest-cost times of the year.

Supporting farmers through spring

Spring presents a range of financial demands for dairy businesses, from calving and animal health through to feed and labour costs.
Cunninghame says Defer-A-Bull provides an option for farmers who need to secure their bull teams without making an immediate capital outlay.

"The great thing about it is people can buy their bulls in the spring when cash flow's a little tight and not have to pay for them until they're finished with the bulls."

Depending on the mating programme, payment can often be deferred for several months after purchase, giving farmers additional flexibility during the season.

Dairy beef continues gaining momentum

Alongside discussions around service bulls, Cunninghame says dairy beef continues to build momentum across New Zealand's livestock sector.
Growing demand from finishers and rearers, combined with increased use of sexed semen and purpose-bred beef sires, is creating more opportunities for surplus dairy calves and improving outcomes across the supply chain.

"There's no doubt that dairy beef has been building momentum and come a long way," he said.

The trend is helping create additional value for dairy-origin animals while supporting demand for genetics that perform well in both dairy and beef production systems.

Supporting the IHC Calf & Rural Scheme

Cunninghame also encouraged farmers to get behind the IHC Calf & Rural Scheme, which PGG Wrightson has supported since its establishment in 1982.

The initiative has raised more than $40 million for IHC through livestock donations from rural communities across New Zealand.
Farmers can contribute through traditional livestock donations or by making a virtual calf donation, providing another way to support people with intellectual disabilities and their families.

What this means for farmers

With spring mating approaching, securing the right bull team remains an important part of a successful breeding programme. Flexible purchasing options such as Defer-A-Bull can help farmers manage seasonal cash flow pressures while ensuring they have the bulls they need for the season ahead. At the same time, continued growth in dairy beef systems is creating new opportunities across the wider livestock sector.