Positive trends suggest repeat of 2025 bull sales season
Several long-established studs set to mark important anniversaries in what could be another bumper year. During last year’s two-year-old bull sales numerous records fell across the country. With all the fundamentals continuing to support optimism in beef, this could also be a stellar year. However...
Calf sales reflect positive beef market
Abundant feed a positive for breeders and purchasers, with similar trends at play for trade in store lambs. This autumn’s series of calf sales has almost run its course, with just the sales of high- country calves scheduled for May in Blenheim and Canterbury. On the back of the positive beef market...
“It’s all about the people” - Jamie Yates reflects on a career of rural service
Jamie Yates has spent almost four decades doing what many in rural New Zealand might call the ‘real work’ - turning up, staying loyal to his people, and building relationships that have lasted longer than some farming cycles. He’s gone through a few different roles over the years, but is currently...
Grounded in history. Focused on the future.
For 175 years, since May 1851 when George Gould opened Christchurch's first general store, PGG Wrightson and the businesses that came before have walked alongside New Zealand farmers and growers, adapting to changing markets, new technologies, and the shifting needs of rural communities. As we...
Rising synthetic costs shift momentum back to wool
Rachel Shearer, General Manager of PGW Wool, speaks with Jamie Mackay from The Country on emerging opportunities for New Zealand wool. Listen to the interview: Rising costs and uncertainty around synthetic fibres are reinforcing the value of New Zealand wool, opening up new opportunities across the...
Caution creeps into rural land market, but spring optimism remains
Global uncertainty has taken some momentum out of the rural land market, with buyers adopting a more cautious approach. However, activity is expected to lift again in spring as deferred listings return to the market, PGG Wrightson General Manager of Livestock and Real Estate Peter Newbold said...
Livestock report: 'Never seen a year like it': Record livestock prices defy fuel and freight pressures
Despite rising costs and global uncertainty, livestock markets continue to hit record highs, says PGG Wrightson Canterbury West Coast Livestock Manager Grant Nordstrom. Nordstrom told The Country’s Jamie Mackay that global demand for protein was continuing to underpin prices, even as the fuel crisis...
Trans-Tasman dairy genetics sale attracts global attention
North Otago catalogue of international calibre cows set to raise the bar once again. A Trans-Tasman sale of world-class dairy cows is shaping to reach new heights. North Otago dairy genetics enthusiast Busybrook Holsteins has gradually built a unique offering of international calibre cows, alongside...
Weaner and calf values elevate to new levels
Healthy beef schedules and widespread feed abundance dictating positive mood and excellent demand. As weaner and calf sales dominate livestock agendas in the North and South Islands respectively, prices are riding the highs of strong beef schedules and abundant feed. In the North Island weaners are...
All eyes on bull sale season
Genetics team working hard behind the scenes to co-ordinate sales throughout the country in what promises to be a bumper season. This year’s bull sale season, starting in May, is set to be a big one. Bull sales represent one of the busiest times of the year for the PGG Wrightson Livestock Genetics...
Outram stations clear 21,000 lambs at combined on-farm sale
Large Lee Stream and Hindon, Otago offering attracts buyers from across lower South Island, with Mid Canterbury arable farmers to the fore. In mid-March four Outram, Otago stations offered approximately 21,000 lambs combined for a series of back-to-back on-farm sales. Silverpeaks Station, Monterey...
Staff Profile - Lisa Nolan
Bringing enthusiasm and unique experience to a new role. Lisa Nolan became the newest member of the PGG Wrightson Livestock Genetics team in late January. Appointed to the role covering Otago and South Westland, Lisa succeeds Callum McDonald after his recent promotion to National Genetics Manager...
Plenty of online support for feeder calf sales
Buyers welcome bidr introduction at Frankton and Tuakau sales – online option set for introduction at more saleyards in spring. Autumn feeder calf sales at the Frankton and Tuakau Saleyards have started well, with plenty of interest in the calves coming through, and strong motivation to make the...
Celebrating a partnership that makes a difference
Recognising the impact of the IHC Calf & Rural Scheme in rural communities through Pink Week. For more than four decades, the IHC Calf & Rural Scheme has been making a meaningful difference in rural communities across New Zealand; made possible thanks to the ongoing support of farmers and the wider...
Wool market eases amid global uncertainty, but fundamentals remain strong
After a sustained period of growth, the wool market has eased slightly in recent weeks, reflecting wider global uncertainty and a more cautious tone among buyers. Speaking with Jamie Mackay from The Country, Rachel Shearer from PGG Wrightson Wool said the shift has been evident across both North and...
Global uncertainty clouds otherwise strong rural property market
New Zealand’s weather may be playing ball for the primary sectors, but global storms are brewing, signalling challenges ahead for the rural property market. This is according to Peter Newbold, PGG Wrightson’s General Manager, Real Estate and Livestock. Newbold told The Country’s Jamie Mackay that...
Strong Wool holds firm as grower confidence returns
Strong wool prices continue to hold steady, with encouraging signs emerging across both the market and grower sentiment. Speaking with Jamie Mackay from The Country at the Wānaka A&P Show, Rachel Shearer, General Manager of PGG Wrightson Wool said recent auction results reflect a market that has...
The Ahuwhenua field days are almost here
The field days for the Ahuwhenua Trophy, Excellence in Māori Horticulture are coming up soon. It's a great chance to see three outstanding growers in action and hear their stories firsthand. About the Ahuwhenua Trophy The Ahuwhenua Trophy has recognised excellence in Māori farming since 1932. The...