News

Lambing in progress, markets historically high, store cattle demand strong and calf rearing grows in popularity as spring commences. Despite reduced seasonal throughput, markets for both sheep and cattle are holding firm at historically high levels. Lambing is under way in most of the country with...

East Coast farming fraternity goes above and beyond as record beating Cancer Society fundraiser tops $65,000. Generosity shown by farmers at an annual East Coast fundraiser has given one of the country’s most cherished charities a big boost. Raising more than $65,000 on the day, the 2025 Matawhero...

Performance of the dairy and beef markets, and the outlook for both, should spur yearling bull sales to greater heights. Yearling bull sales are upon us. More than 50 sales will take place throughout the country, running through to mid-October, with plenty of yearling bulls also set to sell via...

One time Riverton ‘Dag Basher’ now making his way as Invercargill-based trainee sheep and beef representative. Elliot Warrender grew up on his parents’ Craig and Debbie’s Riverton dairy farm. “They know how to work hard, which is what they’ve done their whole lives. They converted the farm, which...

Optimism returns as farmers stand by to benefit from favourable export and climatic conditions, though stock shortages could impact the opportunity. As transactions of livestock go into winter mode, farmers can look forward to the coming spring and summer with some confidence. Global beef cattle...

Easier access to nationwide cattle market goes live on 1 September for farmers trading through Temuka Saleyards. Farmers selling cattle at the South Island’s largest saleyard will have more direct access to buyers nationwide from 1 September when bidr takes over as the online selling platform at...

Farmer generosity with sheep donations set to provide Daffodil Day benefit for the Cancer Society. On 13 August the annual Marton Hogget Fair is scheduled for the Feilding Saleyards. Over the past few years, the event has doubled as a Daffodil Day fundraiser, which this year in particular should...

Why a Whanganui based sheep and beef representative with a shearing background enjoys the farming variety of his home region. Whanganui raised, Jimmy McDonald grew up on a lifestyle block, which gave him all the motivation necessary to opt for a career on the land. Jimmy has been a Whanganui based...

It’s rare to know where your wool ends up. It’s even more uncommon to see it come full circle, from your farm through the supply chain and back into a finished product on a store shelf in New Zealand. For Andrew and Heidi Jamison of Meikleburn Station in Fairlie, the wool they produce doesn’t just...

Epic season for breeders as farmers intent on securing the best genetics available drive this year’s two-year-old bull sales to new record levels. This year’s two-year-old bull sales season ranks as one of the best ever, with large crowds attending, full clearances the norm and record prices...

North Island tallies consistent and sales brisk, while South Island experiences reduced throughput after busy autumn. Although many eyes have been on bull sales, elsewhere in the livestock market customary seasonal ebbs and flows are evident. Tallies through major North Island saleyards remain...

Supply-demand likely to favour calf rearers, making forward contracts a worthwhile option. With values around livestock at present, anyone seeking to rear calves this year should be in for a rewarding season. However, to maximise on-sell values, lining up a forward contract is worth considering...

bidr Upper South Island territory manager combines skills honed in the outback, and on the laptop. Growing up on a 200 hectare family sheep, beef and mixed cropping farm outside Buchan, Victoria, in 2022 at age 22 Elle Woodgate ( pronouced Ell-e) became a livestock representative in east Gippsland...

Venison on the rise and taking up the slack as velvet returns are challenged by saturated market. While both products remain critical to keeping stock behind the wire, New Zealand’s deer industry production has always swung between venison and velvet. That pendulum has shifted again. Velvet volumes...

Inaugural sale at renowned Western Southland sheep and beef station generates outstanding returns from a large gallery – both in person, and via bidr. Large Western Southland sheep and beef station Mount Linton’s inaugural cattle sale in early May was met by a favourable reception from a wide...

New Wairarapa manager brings detailed local knowledge derived from several generations of farming in the region. Andrew McKay has just taken over as the PGG Wrightson Livestock manager for Wairarapa. He steps into the role following four years with the company as a rep in the region. Coming from a...

Southland farmer with surplus in-milk cows achieves success and surpasses expectations by targeting bidr’s fastest growing and most engaged buyers. Aiming to maximise the value of surplus in-calf in-milk Friesian dairy cows, Southland farmer Murray Shallard found a ready answer in bidr. Working...

Positive trends continue for cattle farmers, with many seeking out the best available genetics. This year’s two-year-old bull sales season started with a flourish in mid-May, with plenty of bulls available, and the temperate autumn setting them up in excellent condition. Usually slow to begin, this...