The celebration of South Canterbury’s 30th annual Rollesby Valley Lamb Sale in Burke’s Pass, also marked the 30th anniversary of dedicated, continuous support from PGW Livestock Representative, Bruce Dunbar. Bruce’s commitment to this event and the local community is the culmination of his passion for the sector and representative of the relationships cultivated with vendors and buyers over three decades of service.

The single-farm initiative between Bruce and the Munro family at Airies Station that began in 1995 was a relatively new concept at a time when on-farm livestock auctions were rare. On board from the start, neighbouring farms joined the progressive sale event, moving from farm to farm throughout the day. Over the decades, the sale has grown into one of the region’s most anticipated livestock events. Peak years have included up to eight farms selling some 22,000 lambs sold in a single day. This year, six farms participated to contribute a total of 16,000 lambs to the sale. 

Rollesby Valley Lamb Sale’s mid-February date is ideal timing for store lamb buyers throughout the South Island. Many buyers are Mid-Canterbury cropping farmers looking to restock after their harvest. The sale’s format, offering store lambs freshly weaned and sorted by size and type, ensures buyers receive high quality animals at a time when demand is strong.

^{The on-farm lamb sale at Airies Station in Rollesby Valley, west of Fairlie, South Canterbury.}

Bruce noted that this year’s sale reflected one of the best growing seasons in recent memory, “Late spring and summer brought exceptional pasture growth, and with export schedules remaining firm, farmers were well-positioned to benefit. Most vendors saw price increases of $35 to $50 per head compared to last year, which speaks to the strength of the market and the quality of the lambs on offer.”

The sale route alternates annually, either starting at the bottom of the valley and moving upward or vice versa. This year, the sale went up the valley, showcasing the diversity and scale of the participating properties. 

While the roster of farms has shifted over time, a core group have remained constant participants. These farms, all Bruce’s long-time clients, help maintain the sale’s reputation for reliability and quality.

^{Bruce Dunbar, PGW Livestock Representative, discusses the quality of the lambs on offer and how the previous sales had gone with Angus Munro (L) and Grant Munro (R) of Airies Station Partnership in Rollesby Valley, west of Fairlie, South Canterbury.} 

Grant Munro of Airies Station Partnership says, “It's been amazing working with Bruce. He's been our agent for my father and myself, so he's been our go to guy for the past 30 years. He's been incredibly good at what he does, he’s always approachable. PGW’s been very lucky to have him on board for the past 30 odd years.”

The logistics behind the sale are a significant undertaking. Each year the event harnesses the support from the entire PGW team and involves meticulous coordination across multiple farms.

PGW Livestock Trainees from Otago and Canterbury lend a hand, gaining valuable experience. Peter Newbold, PGW’s General Manager - Livestock, comments, “Bruce has been a cornerstone

of this event for 30 years. His dedication and strong relationships with his clients and the wider farming community has been key to the sale’s continued success. Even in years when market conditions were less favourable, the sale consistently delivered strong results, thanks in a large part to Bruce’s strategic approach and trusted relationships. The farmers of Rollesby Valley are longstanding and valued PGW customers, whose loyalty to the company we deeply appreciate and respect.” 

As the Rollesby Valley Lamb Sale enters its fourth decade, it remains a vital fixture in South Canterbury’s agricultural landscape and calendar. With strong vendor participation, loyal buyers, and a dedicated team behind the scenes, the event continues to thrive thanks in no small part to Bruce’s enduring leadership and the collaborative spirit of the local farming community.

^{Sign acknowledging the 30 years of support from PGG Wrightson and Bruce Dunbar from Single Hill Farm, west of Fairlie, South Canterbury.}