News

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...

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...

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...

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...

As lambing season draws to a close across the country, many sheep farmers are facing the challenge of waiting months for income from this year’s lamb crop. Go-Stock offers an innovative solution to this through its Go-Lamb product, allowing farmers to receive a cashflow injection without having to...

Ngāi Tahu Farming and PGG Wrightson were able to see first-hand the fruits of their continued support of IHC on Thursday when members of IHC’s Christchurch/North Canterbury Kapa Haka rōpū performed at Kōkōmuka Lodge on Ngāi Tahu Farming’s Te Whenua Hou farm in North Canterbury. PGG Wrightson has...

Times can be tough for farmers, but luckily PGG Wrightson has an innovative solution, called Go-Stock, to help them free up capital. Jamie Molloy, PGG Wrightson’s National Go-Stock Manager, said the service was established in 2016. PGG Wrightson buys and owns the livestock, and farmers get the...

Strong prospects for purchasers to meet breeding plan criteria at more than 50 yearling bull sales throughout the country, with a look ahead to ram sales coming up. With the first of the 2024 yearling bull sales underway, purchasers can look forward to some high-quality genetics on offer and good...

As processing companies make every effort to draw out remaining stock, prices likely to at least hold steady, if not to rise. Solid tallies of commercial stock through late June and July continued during August in North Island saleyards, particularly for cattle. Driven by a similar imbalance between...

Commencing late September, Southland Jersey Dairy Service Bull Auction Week features offerings from some of the province’s top dairy studs. A series of Southland Jersey service bull sales later this and early next month will provide dairy farmers with the opportunity to add some highly regarded...

Farmers donate animals for annual local fundraisers, providing much needed support for predominantly rural charitable cause. Held each year in conjunction with the Cancer Society’s nationwide fundraiser, the Annual Matawhero Daffodil Day Stock Drive raised a total of $53,625.19 this year, with all...

Waipukurau local returning to his Central Hawke’s Bay roots. Tama Cahill started as a livestock representative in June 2022 in Taihape. Immediately prior to that he was a shearer for five years: while it was a change, Tama brought the same attitude to both careers. “Although shearing is more...

Farewell to highly valued Mid Canterbury team member with big heart and sharp sense of humour. Victor Schikker, a cherished and highly valued member of the PGG Wrightson Livestock team sadly passed away in August following a tragic accident while curling: a sport he loved. With nearly 50 years of...

“Whaia te iti kahurangi ki te tūohu koe me he maunga teitei.” Aim for the highest cloud so that if you miss it, you will hit a lofty mountain. Entries are now open to the Ahuwhenua Trophy Award for 2025, with the focus on sheep and beef farmers this year. PGW has been a proud sponsor of the...

A shortage of livestock is resulting in great prices at the Temuka store cattle sales, according to PGG Wrightson’s Mid/South Canterbury Livestock Manager, Joe Higgins. Higgins reckoned it wasn’t just a local phenomenon either. “[High prices are] due to a general shortage we’ve got of all forms of...

Early August Southland sales meet nationwide market and achieve full clearances, though indicate buyers are watching the dollars. Two recent online sales of Southland velveting hinds showed the market has a reasonable appetite and is responding well to new sires. On the outskirts of Riversdale...

Upper South Island Deer Specialist Luke Thompson brings some interesting experiences to his new role, which is a big departure for him. From anchoring the scrum for Japan to buying and selling stock for South Island deer farmers is a giant leap. Luke and Nerissa Thompson went to Japan in 2004. Luke...

Farmers capitalising on surplus winter feed strengthens prime and store cattle market while values for fat lambs also increase. On the back of mild winter conditions in most regions, many farmers are finding they need a few more stock to make the most of surplus grass and winter crop. A shortage of...