Top wool advocate bales out
The conversion of productive farmland into trees has pretty much annihilated the wool industry.
The combined North and South Island first wool auction for 2013 resulted in a strong market based on recent increased buying interest particularly from China, New Zealand Wool Services International Ltd’s general manager, John Dawson says.
Of the 21,900 bales on offer, 90% sold. The weighted indicator for the main trading currency compared to the last sale on December 19 was practically unchanged, lifting only 0.05% and having no impact on prices.
Dawson advises the range of types available in each Island influenced the market pressure, backed up by client requirements for urgent shipment. The overall effect is that inter Island price variations have now largely been removed with most types having similar values at both selling centres. The higher volumes of coarse short shears available were the only types to lose some ground.
Mid Micron remained firm.
Fine crossbred fleece and shears increased 2.5 to 6%. Coarse crossbred fleece and longer shears ranged from 1.5% to 8% dearer with the North Island lifting the most.
Short coarse shears were firm to 3.5% easier. Lambs fleece were 3 to 5% dearer. Long oddments ranged from firm to 5% stronger. Short oddments were firm to 7% dearer.
Strong competition was dominated by China supported by Western Europe, Middle East, India, United Kingdom and Australasia.
The next sale on January 17 comprises about 10,600 bales from the North Island and 6200 bales from the South Island.
Acclaimed fruit grower Dean Astill never imagined he would have achieved so much in the years since being named the first Young Horticulturist of the Year, 20 years ago.
The Ashburton-based Carrfields Group continues to show commitment to future growth and in the agricultural sector with its latest investment, the recently acquired 'Spring Farm' adjacent to State Highway 1, Winslow, just south of Ashburton.
New Zealand First leader and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has blasted Fonterra farmers shareholders for approving the sale of iconic brands to a French company.
A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.
Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
The key to a dairy system that generates high profit with a low emissions intensity is using low footprint feed, says Fonterra program manager on-farm excellence, Louise Cook.

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