News and Updates

One of the best catalogues ever draws international attention A North Otago dairy genetics specialist turned over $1.266 million selling 136 cows in early April, with a top price paid for a heifer of $63,000. PGG Wrightson National Dairy Specialists Jamie Cunninghame and Andrew Reyland convened the...

Pricing should be steady, though clearances may drop Preparations for this year’s two-year-old bull sale season, which starts in early May, are now well under way. Some 130 studs nationwide are set to put their best genetics forward at auction, private sales and paddock selections, from Whangarei...

Picking the best of more than 75 years of breeding Commercial beef raisers have the opportunity to pick the best of more than 75 years of breeding at the Feilding Saleyards as the Sue Brothers bring their weaners – and their carrots – to town. Gareth Williams of PGG Wrightson, Taihape is...

Helping clients maximise their margins After completing his three year degree at Lincoln University, Jesse Houston spent a year working first on a sheep stud near Lauriston, Mid Canterbury, then a Blenheim sheep and beef property, starting his PGG Wrightson career learning the ropes for 15 months as...

Values holding firm as North Island buyers come out in force Northland’s weaner sales season enjoyed a strong start in February. Values were firm on last year, the cattle were well presented, plenty of exotic breeds sold early, and buyers from throughout the North Island were out in force. Compared...

Focus on finding buyers as farmers move stock earlier than usual Early autumn focus in the South Island livestock market was on finding buyers for lambs, and more recently calves. Because of the dry summer influencing farmers to move stock on sooner than usual, plenty of activity has followed, with...

Female dispersal sale for prominent Manawatu beef stud raises $468,700 More than 60 years of history came to an end on 8 April with a female dispersal sale staged by prominent Manawatu beef stud Atahua Angus. Approximately 140 attended the Kiwitea sale, which also attracted online bidders and...

Angus breed champions bowing out. Alan, Michele, Colin and Louise Dalziell, owners of renowned Manawatu beef stud Atahua Angus, are bringing the curtain down on their business with a dispersal sale on 8 April. Atahua Angus was established by Alan and Colin’s parents Elsie and Verdun Dalziell in 1961...

Improving prospects prompt strong enquiry. Anyone considering selling a dairy herd this autumn should consult a PGG Wrightson Livestock representative without delay. Herds going under contract now will settle in May and June, meaning market interest picks up from February as the main season for herd...

Strong stag sale season responds to encouraging market signals for venison and velvet. Conditions for New Zealand deer farmers remain generally positive. Through the now completed stag sale season quality stock went for high prices. A couple of three-year old velvet stags sold for more than $100,000...

March dispersal sale scheduled for AngusPure partner Wairere Angus. A longstanding Taranaki beef stud is winding down, with its 19 March dispersal sale providing farmers an opportunity for some highly rated genetics. AngusPure partner Wairere Angus Stud at Meremere, near Hawera, South Taranaki was...

GO-LAMB SOUTH gaining traction as farmers take advantage. South Island farmers have a new option to trade and finish lambs. PGG Wrightson’s GO-STOCK is a livestock cashflow tool where PGG Wrightson purchases trading livestock with no outlay for the farmer. A recent addition to the GO-STOCK range, GO...

Fall in ewe numbers emphasises focus on quality genetics. Running through November, December and January, although this year’s ram sale season reflected the falling number of ewes in the national flock, overall the sales exceeded expectations. Going into the season the number of rams offered...

Good grass growth keeps trading options alive for North and South Island farmers. Plenty of moisture across much of the country has kept trading options alive in most districts. Continued grass growth well into the summer is creating opportunities for North and South Island farmers, in turn...

Loving being part of a cool team of calm, collected people. Moving from a government agency into agriculture has been a change for a new member of the PGG Wrightson Livestock team. Gabby Swift started with the company in July having worked for the previous seven years in government positions, mainly...

Rare opportunity to buy ‘world’s cutest sheep’ . A reduction sale featuring a rare sheep breed that is winning fans the world over should attract plenty of interest in February, just in time for Valentine’s Day. Swiss heritage breed Valais Blacknose are reckoned to be the cutest sheep in the world...

Stag sale looking to capitalise on good news around venison schedule. One of the New Zealand’s top venison studs is holding its annual on farm sale this month. Located one kilometre northwest of Taihape, Ruapehu Red Deer’s two-year-old sire stag sale, on 13 December, will offer 30 plus lots. Click...

Final event at Netherdale will be a highlight of this season’s stag sales. One of Southland’s most respected deer breeders will end an era early in the new year. Netherdale Red Deer Stud, has been a key part of the deer industry in Southland for more than a generation. In 1979 David Stevens...