News

bidr Upper South Island territory manager combines skills honed in the outback, and on the laptop. Growing up on a 200 hectare family sheep, beef and mixed cropping farm outside Buchan, Victoria, in 2022 at age 22 Elle Woodgate ( pronouced Ell-e) became a livestock representative in east Gippsland...

Venison on the rise and taking up the slack as velvet returns are challenged by saturated market. While both products remain critical to keeping stock behind the wire, New Zealand’s deer industry production has always swung between venison and velvet. That pendulum has shifted again. Velvet volumes...

In 1887, in the heart of Canterbury, a name synonymous with integrity and service was established: Pyne & Co. Founded in Christchurch by Frederick Henry Pyne and Alexander Boyle, the firm began as a modest stock and station agency. Their rented office was located on Cashel Street, between High...

We are incredibly proud to celebrate the achievements of our colleague, Tina Barrett, who has been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours 2025 for services to the community. Her community service spans a 25-year commitment to the Māori Women’s Welfare League, St Faiths Anglican Church and as a...

King Country beef and sheep sales: The good news and the bad news. It’s a case of good news, bad news at the beef and sheep sales in the King Country, says Kevin “Morty” Mortensen, PGG Wrightson’s Te Kuiti regional livestock manager. Let’s start with the good news. Morty said there were record...

This October, PGG Wrightson marks 20 years since the iconic merger of Wrightson Ltd and Pyne Gould Guinness Ltd in 2005. While PGG Wrightson came into being at this time, this event was the culmination of more than a century of commitment and partnership between respected rural service firms. Each...

New Wairarapa manager brings detailed local knowledge derived from several generations of farming in the region. Andrew McKay has just taken over as the PGG Wrightson Livestock manager for Wairarapa. He steps into the role following four years with the company as a rep in the region. Coming from a...

Southland farmer with surplus in-milk cows achieves success and surpasses expectations by targeting bidr’s fastest growing and most engaged buyers. Aiming to maximise the value of surplus in-calf in-milk Friesian dairy cows, Southland farmer Murray Shallard found a ready answer in bidr. Working...

Positive trends continue for cattle farmers, with many seeking out the best available genetics. This year’s two-year-old bull sales season started with a flourish in mid-May, with plenty of bulls available, and the temperate autumn setting them up in excellent condition. Usually slow to begin, this...

Inaugural sale at renowned Western Southland sheep and beef station generates outstanding returns from a large gallery – both in person, and via bidr. Large Western Southland sheep and beef station Mount Linton’s inaugural cattle sale in early May was met by a favourable reception from a wide...

Buoyant outlook, procurement pressure and above average export returns driving favourable market for all livestock classes. Across all species, ages and breeds of livestock, market returns maintained upward trends over the past month, with values at record levels. A strong outlook for both red meat...

What happens when two long-standing New Zealand brands that are passionate about wool come together? A new approach to the supply chain that’s set to bolster our wool industry, connecting growers directly with consumers, strengthening rural communities, and celebrating the integrity of natural, 100%...

We’re turning pink from May 19–23 to celebrate Pink Week and shine a spotlight on IHC’s Calf & Rural Scheme. Now in its 43rd year, the scheme helps raise vital funds to support people with disabilities and their whānau in rural New Zealand. Your donations make a big impact—supporting initiatives...

Calves are going for big bucks in Marlborough, and it looks like bull prices will follow suit, according to Peter Barnes, PGG Wrightson’s Area Livestock Manager for the region. On Wednesday, Barnes was at the Blenheim Saleyards, at the High Country Calf Sale. He said it was the final calf sale for...

Good weather and healthy schedules leading to firm demand at weaner calf fairs and store lamb sales. With markets responding to positive climatic and market conditions, whether in the paddock or the saleyard, there is optimism about. Indifferent North Island weather has resulted in varying moisture...

Keen market expected in May and June, while purchasers with a smart genetics programme are set to maximise benefit at the sales. This year’s two-year-old bull sale season commences in mid-May and will run for a six-week period. After a profitable season of weaner sales, featuring record prices...

Multi-generational dispersal sales attract nationwide attention, indicating dairy sector’s current buoyancy. A couple of April dispersal sales of elite multi-generational dairy herds indicate the current strength of the market in the sector, and continued positivity among farmers, who are...

Winner of the supreme Southland Environment Award, an intensively managed 164-hectare deer farm, has benefited from progressive improvement over the past 20 years. A Lochiel deer farm, adhering to an intensive though highly productive system, has won the supreme Southland Environment Award and will...