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The North Island wool auction received revived support this week with an improved 81% of the 5700 bales selling.
The North Island wool auction received revived support this week with an improved 81% of the 5700 bales selling.
New Zealand Wool Services International Ltd's chief executive, John Dawson reports the weakening NZ dollar across the board saw the weighted currency indicator fall 4.22%.
Despite these positive factors, local prices were still below last week's South Island auction, but only marginally under the last more comparative North Island selection.
Dawson reports that compared to the North Island sale on the July 7, fine crossbred shears ranged from 2% cheaper to 2% dearer. Coarse good colour full fleece were nominally firm with the average style 1 to 2% cheaper.
Coarse crossbred early shorn were 1% cheaper, longer shears firm to 1% dearer with shorter types firm to 2% easier.
Short oddment remained firm.
Limited interest with renewed activity from Western Europe adding a steadying influence, supported by Australasia and the United Kingdom, with India, Middle East and China sparingly.
The next sale on July 28 comprises about 7400 bales from the South 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.
Federated Farmers is throwing its support behind the Fast-track Approvals Bill introduced by the Coalition Government to enable a fast-track decision-making process for infrastructure and development projects.
The latest report from ANZ isn’t good news for sheep farmers: lamb returns are forecast to remain low.
Divine table grapes that herald the start of a brand-new industry in Hawke’s Bay have been coming off vines in Maraekakaho.
In what appears to be a casualty of the downturn in the agricultural sector, a well-known machinery brand is now in the hands of liquidators and owing creditors $6.6 million.
One of New Zealand’s deepest breeder Jersey herds – known for its enduring connection through cattle with the UK’s longest reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II – will host its 75th anniversary celebration sale on-farm on April 22.
Rural trader PGG Wrightson has revised its operating earnings guidance, saying trading conditions have deteriorated since the last market update in February.
