News

Long time PGG Wrightson Wool client Leon Black is committed to reducing the carbon footprint of New Zealand agriculture, though only when doing so also improves productivity. His theory is that by tweaking the genetics the right way, New Zealand agriculture can become the first industry to achieve...

While at present levels crossbred wool auction prices remain well short of satisfactory, better colour and style offerings have gained positive traction in the market recently. As a consequence of their short supply, when presented in the auction room these wools are enthusiastically received and...

Despite the weather, a crowd of over 200 attended the field day yesterday of Māori Investments Limited (MIL) – Whiritoa Orchards, based at Te Teko in the Eastern Bay of Plenty. MIL – Whiritoa Orchards is one of three finalists in this year’s Ahuwhenua Trophy for excellence in Māori horticulture. The...

PGW is pleased to release the company’s Sustainability Strategy to 2030 (Te Rautaki mō e Toitūtanga). PGW Chair, Joo Hai Lee said, “PGW recognises the impact of climate change and believes the agri-sector has an important role in improving production efficiencies and contributing to the reduction in...

We are proud to recognise 90 years of New Zealand Land Search and Rescue, an organisation that has saved countless lives over the years. From humble beginnings, Land Search and Rescue has grown to cover our entire nation and provides search and rescue services to the Police and public of New Zealand...

First up, Rowena asked about the supply chain for wool in the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle. Grant reiterated the major challenges being faced, particularly 'round scouring in the North Island. The major scouring plant in the North Island was severely flooded and is closed. The other plant in the North...

Jamie McKay of The Country catches up with Andrew Gibson with PGG Livestock in Taranaki, commenting that it’s been a “bit of an Indian Summer”. Andrew confirms that the rainfall has helped the country stay green having rained throughout the whole summer, “keeping the markets nice and strong” with no...

An animal breeding programme should consist of three parts: an objective, a programme design and animal selection. In other words the ‘what,’ ‘how’ and ‘who’ necessary to improve your stock. If you don’t already have suitable advice on hand, find someone reliable, independent and knowledgeable, and...

Jamie Mackay from The Country recently talked about the wool market with Grant Edwards, General Manager of PGG Wrightson Wool. The big question: is the wool market on the improve? Grant assured Jamie they're still seeing improvement - but it would be good to see a lot more. China is increasing their...

After the town of Wairoa was devastated by Cyclone Garbrielle, the town’s iwi and hapū began coordinating an immediate response to provide essential food and supplies to the community. Central to the relief effort was the need for a safe and secure central hub, where agencies could gather together...

Every spring for the past 11 years, PGW and Ballance Agri-Nutrients have run the Cash for Communities programme to help raise funds for rural schools, clubs, charities and community organisations across New Zealand. One dollar is donated for every tonne of qualifying fertiliser bought between 1...

Prospects lifting for velvet and venison Early season support from the South Korean health food sector, which accounts for 30 to 35 per cent of annual sales for New Zealand production, meant the 2022/23 velvet season started strongly. However, once those big contracts were filled demand fell away...

Eric Heta left school for the freezing works. A country boy, he also milked cows for a year, and enjoyed it. For Eric though, his entry into farming came with the words ‘I do.’ “Marrying a farmer’s daughter prompted my start in farming. I left the freezing works and we went 50-50 sharemilking. Up...

The annual PGG Wrightson Academy Awards marks the grand finale of the PGG Wrightson Academy development programme. Established in 2006, the programme’s purpose is to develop talent within the company, to provide fresh thinking to New Zealand agriculture’s opportunities and problems and develop new...

A farmer and wellbeing professional outlines practical tips and tricks to manage stress on the farm Even at the best of times farming can be a stressful business. Right now, for many of us, this is not the best of times: escalating interest rates, uncertain returns, and cataclysmic weather around...

bidr sale raises $117,180 to help Cyclone Gabrielle victims Deer farmers across New Zealand banded together in mid-March to support their deer industry whānau whose lives were turned upside down by Cyclone Gabrielle. Via an online charity auction on auction site bidr they raised $117,180, a clear...

Early enquiry recommended for anyone wanting dairy livestock next season As dairy farmers plan for the start of next season enquiry for forward settlements of herds and in-calf heifers is firm. Empty rates appear to be two to three per cent higher this season than normal, probably due to the...

Buyers and sellers benefit from flexible cashflow solution A mid-March South Canterbury on farm lamb sale illustrated the effectiveness of Go-Stock, PGG Wrightson’s flexible solution for on-farm cashflow. Hamish Orbell owns and farms 4100 hectare Clayton Station, a Fairlie Basin property farming...