News

There're still significant concerns 'round supply chain disruptions. The major wool scour in the North Island was "munted" by Cyclone Gabrielle. The hope is that it will be up and running again by November or December. The second-tier scour in the North Island is operating 24 - 7 with Timaru working...

About 250 people attended the field day for the Ngāi Tukairangi Trust in Hastings. Ngāi Tukairangi Trust is one of three finalists in this year’s Ahuwhenua Trophy, Excellence in Māori Horticulture Award. The other finalists are MIL – Whiritoa Orchards based in Te Teko, and Wi Pere Trust near Waipaoa...

Around 250 people attended the field day at the orchard of Wi Pere Trust at Waipaoa near Gisborne. Wi Pere Trust is one of three finalists in this year’s Ahuwhenua Trophy for excellence in Māori horticulture award. The others finalists are: MIL – Whiritoa Orchards and Ngāi Tukairangi Trust. As part...

Jamie Mackay from The Country recently touched base with Grant Nordstrom, Canterbury-West Coast Livestock Manager for PGG Wrightson. First topic for discussion was the calf selling season with North Island sales going well. Grant confirmed that as the season's gone on, the market has got stronger as...

Stock with the right genetics, raised on a meticulously applied feed regime, will result in beef carcases with the intramuscular fat (IMF) that consumers demand. Diners choose beef for the flavour, smell and feel when they are eating a premium cut. While multiple factors are necessary to produce...

Who eats beef, and what do they expect from it? Mark Mitchell is owner of Broadleaf. Established in 1988, Los Angeles-based Broadleaf is a niche protein supplier, importing New Zealand and Australian beef for sale to around 400 wholesalers throughout the United States from Alaska to Puerto Rico...

By Jake Phillips Applying some logical principles will result in an effective breeding programme. Producing ‘better’ animals by improving their genetics is the goal of breeding. For most ‘better’ would be classified as more productive or generating higher returns. Animal breeding programmes have...

Marlborough’s Angus Moore is the 2023 PGG Wrightson Vetmed National Shearing Circuit champion. With the top shearers testing their versatility over five rounds, Seddon-based Angus overcame the logistical challenge of multiple contests throughout the country during spring and summer, also out...

Nationwide retailer Farmers Trading Co has become the first local Wool Integrity brand partner in its sector, and is selling a series of blankets made from New Zealand wool. Farmers’ Kate Reed range of home textiles includes Pippa and Etta woollen blankets. In the past, woollen blankets were sourced...

PGG Wrightson Wool Trainee Hine Mullany was recognised recently as the company’s top young talent. Hine was named as Dux at the recent PGG Wrightson Academy Awards, her success based on a project to improve the clip of Canterbury woolgrowers, mother and son team Nicola and Ben Stokes. A partnership...

Long time PGG Wrightson Wool client Leon Black is committed to reducing the carbon footprint of New Zealand agriculture, though only when doing so also improves productivity. His theory is that by tweaking the genetics the right way, New Zealand agriculture can become the first industry to achieve...

While at present levels crossbred wool auction prices remain well short of satisfactory, better colour and style offerings have gained positive traction in the market recently. As a consequence of their short supply, when presented in the auction room these wools are enthusiastically received and...

Despite the weather, a crowd of over 200 attended the field day yesterday of Māori Investments Limited (MIL) – Whiritoa Orchards, based at Te Teko in the Eastern Bay of Plenty. MIL – Whiritoa Orchards is one of three finalists in this year’s Ahuwhenua Trophy for excellence in Māori horticulture. The...

PGW is pleased to release the company’s Sustainability Strategy to 2030 (Te Rautaki mō e Toitūtanga). PGW Chair, Joo Hai Lee said, “PGW recognises the impact of climate change and believes the agri-sector has an important role in improving production efficiencies and contributing to the reduction in...

We are proud to recognise 90 years of New Zealand Land Search and Rescue, an organisation that has saved countless lives over the years. From humble beginnings, Land Search and Rescue has grown to cover our entire nation and provides search and rescue services to the Police and public of New Zealand...

First up, Rowena asked about the supply chain for wool in the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle. Grant reiterated the major challenges being faced, particularly 'round scouring in the North Island. The major scouring plant in the North Island was severely flooded and is closed. The other plant in the North...

Jamie McKay of The Country catches up with Andrew Gibson with PGG Livestock in Taranaki, commenting that it’s been a “bit of an Indian Summer”. Andrew confirms that the rainfall has helped the country stay green having rained throughout the whole summer, “keeping the markets nice and strong” with no...

An animal breeding programme should consist of three parts: an objective, a programme design and animal selection. In other words the ‘what,’ ‘how’ and ‘who’ necessary to improve your stock. If you don’t already have suitable advice on hand, find someone reliable, independent and knowledgeable, and...