News

The key to growing a high yielding, long-lasting lucerne crop that provides high quality feed is dependent on good weed control and plant nutrition. A successful crop of lucerne can last many years as long as it is well managed and good weed control is achieved. This can be done with a combination...

Peter Newbold says he has noticed some "interesting" developments in the burgeoning forestry market over the last "six to eight weeks" as more sheep and beef land is considered for conversion to trees. The GM of PGG Wrightson Real Estate told The Country's Jamie Mackay that interest is growing in a...

The muster prior to lambing is the last opportunity to influence ewe health, milk production and lambing performance. Feed levels and condition score are set, so what else can you do to maximise your return at weaning? Knowing whether ewes are carrying singles or multiples enables accurate feed...

The first weeks of calves’ lives set them up to be able to grow to their genetic potential and have a productive future. Here are some tips to ensure the right foundations are established from the start. New Zealand studies¹ have shown that at least 25 percent of calves fail to suckle effectively to...

A successful calf feeding framework transitions the calf from a pre-ruminant reliant on milk, to a healthy weaned calf with a functional rumen able to digest pasture. In this article, part one of a two-part series, the focus is on the intensive liquid feeding phase of the calf feeding framework...

With a focus on producing top quality tools that are durable and last the test of time, Atlas Trade® is proud to be the leading brand of trade quality tools in New Zealand since 1943. Since the beginning Altas Trade have designed tools to be used in harsh, difficult conditions and to withstand the...

A new design from one of the country’s best-known farm work wear suppliers makes it easier for rural New Zealanders to stay safe and sound on their feet in gumboots this season. Red Band Safety gumboots are hand-built from UV stabilised natural rubber just like normal Red Bands, with extra features...

The Country's Jamie Mackay is joined by PGG Wrightson's GM for Wool Grant Edwards to discuss the state of New Zealand wool and the implications currently facing the wool market. Don Carson from the Forest Owners Association has said that dairy is now worth 30 times more than wool to the NZ economy...

Contract milkers Ben and Johannah Jagger reared 300 calves on MaxCare Premium and Finisher Calf Milk Replacers (CMRs) and were pleased to note that their calves were said to be some of the best around. The Jaggers are contract milkers on Bunnings Farm in Swannanoa, Rangiora and 2018 was their first...

The Ahuwhenua Trophy, Te Puni Kōkiri Excellence in Māori Farming Award acknowledges and celebrates business excellence in New Zealand's important pastoral sector. This competition is held annually, alternating each year between dairy and sheep & beef. The 2019 sheep and beef competition judged...

Mark Leishman talks to PGW Livestock GM, Peter Moore in the latest Livestock Update. This week’s interview focuses on the latest market conditions, Moving Day and the Fonterra Payout Forecast. Market There is the underlying issue around the country that had been dry for a long time. It looks green...

This year’s national bull sales are on 13 and 14 May, signaling the start of the bull selling season. PGG Wrightson Livestock National Genetics Manager Callum Stewart says rising two year old Angus and Hereford bulls will feature, consecutively, over the two days. “Our National Angus Sale is on 13...

Tripod fuel tanks were common on New Zealand farms. The fact is, they no longer meet WorkSafe requirements and should be replaced. In 1996, the Department of Labour (now WorkSafe) cancelled the approval to manufacture tripod (three-legged) stands on fuel tanks. The reasons were that there had been...

This is a reminder that all may not be what it seems, and the thief may not be the guy with the mask. The following is based on a true story. A farming family were concerned that triple combination resistant worms were causing problems on their high-performing lowland sheep property, with different...

Scanning, which usually occurs at about 80 to 90 days post ram introduction, is often the last opportunity to assess your ewe flock body condition. Make the most of it so you have time to influence outcomes heading into lambing. We know that the optimum Body Condition Score (BCS) of 3.0 to 3.5 at...

The Country's Jamie Mackay and our General Manager Peter Newbold talk through their monthly overview of the rural real estate market.

The Country's Jamie Mackay spoke to PGG Wrightson's GM for Wool Grant Edwards after his recent trip to China. Edwards mentioned how his personal trip was an eye-opener to the advancements China has in terms of technology and infrastructure. Mackay highlighted that the wool market is on the way up...

Anna Thomas talks to PGG Wrightson Livestock Sales Manager, Matt Macfie in the latest Livestock Update. This week’s interview focuses on the health and safety within the company and the wider industry, the current state of m bovis and an update on livestock trading platform bidr®.