News and Updates

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...

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...

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...

Around 180 shepherds accompanied by 460 dogs ready to compete in one of rural calendar’s most time honoured and well-loved events. At least 180 competitors will bring some 460 working dogs to the central North Island in early May for this year’s edition of one of the most time honoured and well...

In the first few months of his new career, one of our Canterbury based trainees, originally from the Central North Island, shares his impressions of the role. Meeting new people, going new places, and learning new ideas sums up Lachie Crafar’s experience of life as a livestock representative. Raised...

Confident local farmers show strong support as enthusiasm for beef remains high, while bidr generates plenty of interest from further afield. A pen of Simmental weaners, offered by Barry Gledhill of Linton, Manawatu, and averaging 385.7 kilograms, sold at the first 2025 Feilding Weaner Steer and...

Store lambs and weaner sales going well as weather, feed and schedules keep farmer optimism high. Agreeable climatic conditions, a promising feed outlook in most regions, and stable schedules are all encouraging buyer confidence, making for positive early autumn livestock markets. In the North...

Premium dairy genetics on offer, developed over many decades, as high performing cows and heifers come to market. Several clearing sales, featuring dairy herds with exceptional genetics, are on the calendar for April and May, with Taranaki farms to the fore. These sales offer opportunities to secure...

Making a switch and noticing the difference between farming and livestock trading, where making the farmer happy is the number one priority. Stephen Wheeler began as a PGG Wrightson sheep, beef and dairy livestock representative in Taumarunui in December 2023. “It’s a relationship business. Although...

Wide variety of farm equipment, valued at $2 million, from respected Waikato agricultural contractor, selling via bidr auction. On the 10th of April, a large online sale of agricultural plant and machinery is set to attract purchasers from throughout the country. Trucks, tractors, trailers, drills...

Consistency, superior growth and productivity should meet strong buyer demand for station bred cattle known for how well they shift. With the North Island weaner sales season almost upon us, Wairarapa has two big weaner fairs that will attract farmers from throughout the region and beyond, at the...

Demand exceeds supply across most livestock classes as farmers are prepared to pay well to take benefit from propitious feed and export conditions. While much of the North Island needs rain, particularly Taranaki and Waikato, the livestock market throughout the country remains strong, with the...