The Country 16/10/25: Peter Newbold talks to Jamie Mackay

The General Manager of PGG Wrightson Real Estate takes his monthly look at the state of a buoyant rural market and offers his industry opinion on the Alliance deal as head of PGG’s livestock division.

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Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
Monthly. Here on the country, we tell you how much
your farm's worth, and I can tell you this for nothing.
Your farm's worth a bit more than it was this
time a month ago. Peter Newbold heads the real estate
division for PGG Rights, and interestingly he also heads the
livestock division. Just before we get to rural real estate, Peter,
what are your thoughts on this alliance group, Dawn meets Deal.

(00:23):
What are you hearing from your stock agents and your farmers.

Speaker 2 (00:28):
Well, I guess my personal opinion is I hope it
goes through again, because you know, if it doesn't, there's
a lot of things that could happen which could then
disadvantage not only the shareholders but the industry at large.
So I think, personally, and a lot of the guys
that work for me and operate in the industry, think

(00:48):
it'd be a good thing to take place. I know
there's groups out there that have different views, but that's
our vi you, well, my view and the team that
worked for me.

Speaker 1 (00:57):
Let's have a look at the state of the rural
real lie state market. This is an interesting comment from you.
You say it will be hard to think we'll have
any dairy farm listings on the market at the end
of the selling season. Such is the demand.

Speaker 2 (01:11):
Yeah, look, it's incredible, really. I think there's a couple
of things at play. One, there's not a lot on
the market, and then those that are coming to the market,
there's a huge amount of interest. You know, when we
have open days, there's large numbers attending, and then just
the traffic to the websites and I'm sure that's the
same with our competitors as well is massive. So yeah,
look it's moving along really well. There is a small

(01:35):
upward increase in value, which I think is healthy, but
there is a point. You know, we're at guest a
certain level and those buyers aren't going to move beyond that.
But look, it's a really healthy space to be in
and I think it's only going to continue on. And
when you look at the future of dairy why wouldn't it.
So Yeah, good time for dairy farmers. And I think
it's also good for those coming into the industry because

(01:58):
they can see a good few mature ahead of themselves.

Speaker 1 (02:01):
Should I be buying a Kiwi fruit farm and the
buyer plenty or of I missed that boat?

Speaker 2 (02:07):
I think you should. And I say that when you
look at that the industry as such, it's well, it's
well managed. What they're looking ahead at is really positive.
You Now, if you look at that whole healthy food
space in Asia, I think everything looks fantastic for keewing fruit.
I think from a value point of view, we've seen

(02:29):
some upward movement and then probably a month or two
away to see any a lot of sales activity. But
I think keewy fruit has a magnificent future looking out.
So here's Jamie. If you've got a few, Bob, you
should invest that way.

Speaker 1 (02:42):
Well, I don't know if I have actually, to be
perfectly honest, just been over visiting family. They've spent it
all on me. In Australia, Hey Peter, let's finish on
sheep and beef. Plenty of listings unlike dairy, plenty of
listings on the market at the moment.

Speaker 2 (02:58):
Yeah, there are a lot, and there's a couple of
things happening there too. There's still a large number to
come to the market and a lot of larger property.
So I think that's an interesting piece. You're probably a
little bit slower out of the blocks then I thought.
But then you've also got to look in the South Island.
You know, carving's just finished. There's probably still a bit

(03:19):
of landing taking place. A few issues in the North
Island with weather, but I think that their menum is growing.
And I was speaking to the North Island team this
morning and definitely we're just starting to see a bit
of activity there. I think the South Island will follow.
But you know, one thing's for sure, there are some
magnificent properties out there for people to get in. And
again a bit like the dairy, the future for red

(03:41):
meats looks really strong. So yeah, a little bit slower
out of the blocks, but I think we'll gain the
mentum as we head into Christmas.

Speaker 1 (03:48):
And falling intustrate. It's a good time to buy a farm.

Speaker 2 (03:52):
Oh definitely. And I think you know we've often mentioned
it before, but if you look at you know, inflation
is sort of under control. You know, straights have dropped again,
they may even drop in the future, and then you've
got good returns. You know, we're seeing that, I think
start to filter through to provincial New Zealand, and you
know when you drive around you can just see a
spring in people step and I think things are looking

(04:14):
good and I think the country should be proud of
our rural community, backbone of.

Speaker 1 (04:20):
The economy, as we say here on the country. Peter Newbold,
thanks for your time.

Speaker 2 (04:26):
Yeah, thanks, Jomie, and go the Highlanders on Friday Night.

Speaker 1 (04:29):
Highlanders. Hey hey, hey, hey hey, let's just go with Otago.

Speaker 2 (04:34):
Sorry, I mean me and Otago.

Speaker 1 (04:36):
Good on you mate, See you later, yes,