News

Excellent feed conditions and buoyant schedule setting the scene for record prices in this year’s weaner sales season. Always a big event on the livestock calendar, with the current levels of enthusiasm for beef, the North Island weaner sales season is set to have a bumper year this year. Starting...

Buyers motivated for sales at Tuakau and Frankton through March, April and May, set to peak at 1600 calves per week. Autumn calf sales in Waikato look set to endorse the positive mindset around red meat at present. With plenty of feed on the ground, farmers are well placed to take advantage. Judging...

AGM, visits to seven local studs, and experiencing the best of Northland set to feature in tour for Angus industry aficionados. Approximately 65 Angus breeders from throughout the country will congregate in Northland later in March as the region hosts the Angus New Zealand AGM , and visits to seven...

Elevated commodity prices and abundance of feed create heavy demand at Masterton Cattle Fair. One of the best Wairarapa livestock sales in recent memory took place last month. Held in late February, the Masterton Cattle Fair reflected farmer confidence derived from excellent commodity prices and the...

Meikleburn, Clayton and Four Peaks stations combine to offer 13,000 lambs, expecting plenty of buyers, including from mixed cropping sector. Almost 13,000 lambs were offered at the season’s final South Canterbury on-farm lamb sale on 10 March. Sales at three Fairlie high country properties...

A South Island livestock career that has taken him down more different farm drives than most. Michael Coote took on the newly created role of PGG Wrightson South Island Livestock Supply Chain Manager in January, shifting back to the company after around 20 years in livestock-related roles with a...

Enthusiastic response as farmers take advantage of relatively rare access to specific bloodlines at handful of sales. A handful of February dispersal and flock reduction sales has marked a changing of the guard among some sheep breeds. Sales include the Pikoview Sufftex dispersal for Wilson and Val...

Accurate birth records strengthen bio security while contributing to high value export opportunities for New Zealand farmers. Image supplied by OSPRI, featuring farmer, Christine Angland. Please note that the quality of the image has been enhanced using AI. Strong biosecurity and access to high...

Store lambs, two tooths and ewes all in heavy demand as confidence in sheep industry returns. With encouraging commodity pricing and plenty of feed in the paddock, 2026 is off to a promising start in most regions. Farmers picking up on the positives are driving livestock markets ahead. Strong demand...

More stock, big lines and higher values feature at the on-farm sale of one of the Tararua district’s most admired properties. Big lines of quality livestock met a positive response at the second annual Waewaepa Station On-Farm Sheep and Steer Sale on 13 January. Hardy hill country genetics, proven...

Global dairy trade auctions, dairy conversions and sharemilker appointments drive elevated market. Buyer inquiry for dairy herds has been elevated over the past few weeks. With recent global dairy trade auctions pushing forecast returns higher, buyers outnumber sellers, demand has risen, and herd...

Doing it successfully with a deer career. Having spent most of his life with deer, in November last year Hayden Byars took on a new role as PGG Wrightson deer specialist for Southland. Hayden’s father Peter started farming deer, at the family farm in Merino Downs, Waikaka, Eastern Southland, when...

Dispersal sale of long-established South Otago stud is an opportunity to acquire the best genetics. One of New Zealand’s oldest and most respected Simmental studs is holding a dispersal sale in March. Glenside Simmental, Waitahuna, South Otago, was first established in 1985. Having recently sold...

First time use of New Zealand’s virtual saleyard extends reach for on-farm merino stud sales. A series of recent sales marks the first time bidr has taken a role in selling merino rams. Armidale, Gimmerburn, Maniototo is a 2054-hectare multi-generational property that numbers 3500 merino ewes among...

Demand from safari park operators and specialised hunting guides motivates Clachanburn Station, Maniototo to put up trophy animals. Responding to demand from safari park operators and specialist hunting guides, in February Maniototo deer farmers John and Mary Falconer of Clachanburn Station are...

Large volumes transact as growers hold firm and withstand market pressure to secure pay off for their commitment to value. After a slow start due to high stocks in market and low-priced activity by opportunist traders, uncertainty in the velvet market was resolved in late December. Large volumes of...

Changing mindsets, wider audience and continued response to feedback makes 2025 a watershed year for bidr. New Zealand’s most used online livestock sales platform and the sector’s predominant auction technology, bidr experienced phenomenal growth during 2025. More than 14,000 people have signed up...

Livestock team members prevail with innovative solutions to clients’ on-farm challenges. Rising stars in the PGG Wrightson Livestock team took out the top three awards in the company’s prestigious Academy this year. A 12-month training programme offered each year to around 20 participants from...