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Pictured: Robbie Gibson (left) and his wife Chrissy (right). Like most kids born on a farm, Robbie Gibson was helping out and mucking in from earlier than he can remember. But it wasn’t a chore - he never wanted to do anything else. And as the years went on, Robbie was able to learn everything he...

An innately human characteristic, passion is something that can’t be taught. And it just so happens that for Tara Marshall, her passion is wool, and the industry that surrounds it. Growing up on her grandfather’s 1000 hectare farm north of Taumarunui, there may be an element of not having any choice...

Despite some corrections in the market over recent weeks, positive trends continue to emerge, particularly in key demand areas. Here’s a look at the latest developments shaping the wool market. South Island Market Overview In the South Island, February’s Christchurch wool exchange produced strong...

If you’re keen to hear a yarn or three from the wool sheds of the North Island, Mike Vallance (or ‘Hoss’ as he’s more commonly known), is the man you need to see. He’s spent three decades on the job, carting 10’s of thousands bales of wool here, there and everywhere. But, you’ll have to be quick...

While there have been plenty of solid results for bidr in the saleyards, the real-time, live auction online platform hadn’t ever been used for an on-farm, solely ewe sale. But when Mike Gill, a PGG Wrightson sheep and beef rep in Lumsden, spoke to multiple people who wanted sheep, and who couldn’t...

The much-anticipated Ahuwhenua Finalists Field Days for 2025 are almost upon us. Early next month, Ahuwhenua Trophy Award Finalists—Whangaroa Ngaiotonga Trust in Whangaruru on the East Coast of Northland and Tawapata South Māori Incorporation Onenui Station in Mahia in the Hawke’s Bay region—will...

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 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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...