News

For Jack Fagan, winning the PGG Wrightson / Vetmed National Shearing Circuit wasn’t just a moment of glory, it was the result of a 15-year journey built on grit, discipline, world travel, and a love of life on the land. Now 33, Jack has been shearing since he left school, carving out a career that...

It was a bit of a culture shock for 17-year-old country boy Geoffrey Keys when he moved to the bright lights of Dunedin in 1977. He’d spent his whole life in the inland rural settlement of Lauder in Central Otago, only going down to the big city maybe once a year for new clothes and other supplies...

New animal welfare training for the wool industry is now available nationwide, offering practical, industry-led guidance for anyone handling sheep in and around the woolshed. The programme, delivered by Elite Wool Industry Training, combines online learning and in-person practical courses designed...

The Ahuwhenua Trophy recognises excellence in Māori farming and growing, rotating between dairy, sheep and beef, and horticulture over three years. This year's competition was for horticulture, with Fruitfed Supplies sponsoring this year’s competition. Each year, finalists host a field day to show...

How to save time and fuel by using New Zealand’s virtual saleyard to buy stock. Farmers in remote districts are taking particular advantage of bidr to save time and fuel. A PGG Wrightson Livestock sheep, beef and dairy representative based in Taumarunui, Marty Cashin works with numerous clients in...

Making opportunities and creating growth. Opportunity is a recurring theme in the near 40-year career of Tom Mowat: opportunities he’s taken, and opportunities he’s created for others. Coming back to a role he previously held between 2015 and 2018, Tom was recently re-appointed as PGG Wrightson...

Substantial support for premium dairy genetics, and rising cow price through forward herd sales underscore sector positivity. Confidence in dairy is strong. Despite some falls in Global Dairy Trade auctions during April, and ongoing geopolitical uncertainty, Fonterra recently lifted its 2025/26...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...