increase font size
Most types of wool eased this week because of the strengthening NZ dollar and completed shipping requirements, says NZ Wool Services International Ltd’s marketing executive, Paul Steel.
The finer crossbred wools were impacted the most. The weighted indicator for the main trading currencies lifted by 1.39% compared to the last sale on March 19. Of the 9700 bales on offer, 81% sold.
Steel says this week’s South Island prices came more into line with North Island levels in the finer wools as urgent shipments for Asia were completed. The price disparity between centres has now largely dissipated.
Fine crossbred full fleece eased 3- 5% with shorter shears 2-4% cheaper. Good and poor colour coarse crossbred full fleece remained firm with average style 1% easier.
Coarse shears were down 1-3%. First lambs were 1.5-2.5% cheaper. Long coarse oddments were 2% softer with good colour short oddments firm and average/poor styles 1-4% easier.
There was reduced competition, with Asia, Australasia and the Middle East most active, supported by Western Europe, India and the United Kingdom.
The next sale which will be held on Wednesday, April 1, due to the Easter break, comprises about 7800 bales from the North Island.
While wool returns continue in the doldrums, smart sheep farmers are looking for alternatives for a product that currently cost more to get off a sheep's back than it's worth. One such initiative is run by husband and wife team Hayden and Anastasia Tristram who farm at Wanstead in the Central Hawke's Bay. Mark Daniel reports.
New research has provided insight into the functional potential of wool-derived protein, with an initial trial revealing it can influence how the body responds to insulin.
South Canterbury farmer Angela Blair has delivered a petition to Parliament calling on the Government to reverse its decision to fit rural schools with synthetic carpet.
Thousands of students could benefit from a new initiative designed to simplify schools’ access to New Zealand wool carpets for their classrooms.
Wool carpet maker Bremworth's Napier plant remains offline following Cyclone Gabrielle in February, with the future of 136 workers still up in the air.
Fonterra has cemented its position as the country’s number one cheesemaker by picking up nine NZ Champion of Cheese trophies this year.
New Zealand dairy processors are welcoming the Government’s commitment to continuing to push for Canada to honour its trade commitments.
An educational programme, set up by Beef + Land New Zealand, to connect farmers virtually with primary and intermediate school students has reported the successful completion of its second year.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has welcomed a resolution adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to declare 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Waikato herd health veterinarian Katrina Roberts is the 2024 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.
