Livestock report: ‘Nothing but good news’ from the Wairarapa
March is all about weaner calves in the Wairarapa, with two big fairs at the Masterton Saleyards on the 12th and the 25th of this month. PGG Wrightson livestock agent, and Karaoke fan, Andrew “Elvis” Jennings, was at this week’s sale. He told The Country’s Jamie Mackay that the event had an...
A Guide to Selling Your Dairy Herd
A herd of dairy cows is a significant asset: one of the biggest and most important that most farmers will hold. In the current market, on the back of a rising forecast payout, dairy herds are in high demand. Anyone considering selling a herd this season can therefore expect to do well financially...
Standing with Fire and Emergency Volunteers
We are immensely proud to back our team members who volunteer for Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) at fire brigades throughout the country. These dedicated individuals play a vital role in supporting rural communities, always ready to respond to callouts and providing crucial assistance during...
Wairarapa weaner fairs showcase the region’s best
Consistency, superior growth and productivity should meet strong buyer demand for station bred cattle known for how well they shift. With the North Island weaner sales season almost upon us, Wairarapa has two big weaner fairs that will attract farmers from throughout the region and beyond, at the...
Markets remain strong as weather increases demand
Demand exceeds supply across most livestock classes as farmers are prepared to pay well to take benefit from propitious feed and export conditions. While much of the North Island needs rain, particularly Taranaki and Waikato, the livestock market throughout the country remains strong, with the...
Vendors and purchasers make the most of Rollesby Valley’s big day
Excellent farming season makes for a memorable edition of a unique event on the Mackenzie District’s farming calendar. One of the biggest events in the Mackenzie District’s farming calendar, this year was the 31st edition of the Rollesby Valley Lamb Sale. PGG Wrightson Livestock Mid-South Canterbury...
Ross MacDonald – Taking the rural kiwi experience to Japan
A PGG Wrightson Livestock representative with a unique backstory, and a separate thriving business in Japan, which has rebounded from Covid. Most new recruits to PGG Wrightson Livestock come in with an agriculture background. Although Ross MacDonald is no exception, his particular agriculture...
bidr sale of Pendella Saxon Merinos presents unique fine wool opportunity
Third generation Maniatoto farm offers heritage flock in first ever fully online sale of merino ewes and lambs. Fine wool growers had a unique opportunity to augment their flocks as some highly regarded stock was offered in the first ever bidr sale of merino ewes and lambs. After almost a century in...
Wool market update: Buyer resistance emerging but demand remains strong
In a recent interview on The Country, Rachel Shearer, GM for Wool, spoke with Jamie Mackay about the latest trends in the wool market. While strong wool prices have surged over the past six months, a slight correction at the latest South Island sale suggests that buyer resistance may be emerging at...
PGG Wrightson Announces FY25 Half Year Result
GROUP PERFORMANCE PGG Wrightson Limited1 (PGW) today announced its results for the first half of FY25. Key items for the first six months to 31 December 2024 include: ❖ Operating EBITDA2 of $41.4 million (up $4.7 million or 13%*). ❖ Operating Revenue of $570.3 million (up $9.4 million or 2%*). ❖ Net...
Property report: Rural market shifts - dairy slows, sheep and beef gain interest
Momentum in New Zealand’s rural property market has changed, with dairy farm listings slow, while sheep and beef farms experience an increase in interest. That’s the sentiment expressed by General Manager for PGG Wrightson Real Estate, Peter Newbold. Speaking to The Country’s Jamie Mackay, Newbold...
Finalists Announced for Ahuwhenua Trophy Award 2025
The finalists in this year’s Ahuwhenua Trophy for the top Māori sheep and beef farm were announced at a special function at Parliament on the 19th February, 2025 by the Minister of Agriculture, Hon Todd McClay. The finalists are: Whangaroa Ngaiotonga Trust Tawapata South Māori Incorporation Onenui...
Livestock report: Westpac’s $10.30/kg milk price good news for dairy farmers
A recent announcement from Westpac is good news for farmers, says PGG Wrightson’s National Dairy Specialist, Jamie Cunninghame. The bank upped its farmgate milk price forecast by 30c to $10.30/kg for the current season, and its opening forecast for the 2025/26 season is $10/kg. Cunninghame said it...
Positivity back as post-Christmas feed situation boosts livestock markets
Mild, moist weather produces plenty of pasture, leaving farmers short of stock to take advantage. Evident in the past few weeks: positivity is returning for sheep and beef farmers throughout the country. An unseasonably mild and moist Christmas and New Year resulted in abundant pasture, sending many...
Demand likely to outweigh dairy livestock supply
Signals indicate that farmers who plan ahead and go to market early will likely be rewarded. Payout forecasts and falling interest rates have helped sector confidence, in turn providing positive impetus for the dairy livestock market. Dairy farmers are looking ahead to the 2025/26 season, addressing...
After initial skepticism, North Canterbury farmer becomes bidr fan
Making the most of New Zealand's virtual saleyard, as both a vendor and a purchaser, taking advantage of nationwide reach, convenience and flexibility. Although at first he didn’t believe it would work, a North Canterbury sheep and beef farmer is now a committed user and keen advocate of bidr, New...
Staff Profile - Bill Moore
Being around cows since he was born, including nine years sharemilking in Waharoa, sets up new Waikato Dairy Agent to provide service and value. Although Bill Moore is new as PGG Wrightson’s Waikato Dairy Agent, starting in the position in September last year, he’s spent a lifetime preparing for the...
The race to the Golden Shears heats up
The PGG Wrightson / Vetmed National Shearing Circuit is in full swing, with the competition intensifying as we edge closer to the Golden Shears. On Saturday, 1 February, the fourth round took place at the Rangitīkei Shearing Sports in Marton, marking the first North Island event of the series. With...