Super-premium wool contract delivers major boost for New Zealand growers
Keratin biomaterials company Keraplast and Wools of New Zealand have signed a new superpremium wool contract which is said to deliver a boost to wool growers.
Former Beef+Lamb chair James Parsons has been elected as chair of Wools of New Zealand (WNZ).
Parsons – is a beef and sheep farmer located in Northland and well known for his past chairmanship of Beef & Lamb NZ and The New Zealand Meat Board. He joined the WNZ Board in November 2019 after being elected by growers at the 2019 AGM.
Interim chair Rebecca Smith created the vacancy when she stepped down from her role of chair but remains as a director.
“Strong wool prices have been through a period of decline for the last two decades and COVID-19 has seen prices crash to an all-time low,” Parsons says. “Yet, WNZ research shows that the price that the consumer pays has not changed, and woolen products are still considered premium products by many.”
He says the current state of the industry is unsustainable at current price levels.
“WNZ is well placed with international representatives and strong partnerships in market.”
The board of Wools New Zealand comprises James Parsons as chair, Craig Hickson, Ian Marshall and Rebecca Smith. Directors who have vacated their positions this year include Mark Shadbolt and Lucy Griffiths.
New Zealand's dairy and beef industries say they welcome the announcement that the Government will invest $10.49 million in the Dairy Beef Opportunities (DBO) programme.
New Zealand farming is riding a high, with strong prices, full feed covers and improving confidence lining up at the same time.
Manawatu Mayor Michael Ford says the district sees itself as the agribusiness capital of the lower North Island.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is looking forward to connecting with farmers, rural professionals and community members at this year's Central District Field Days.
Labour Party Leader Chris Hipkins has announced a reshuffle of the party's caucus portfolios.
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says a series of rural resilienced set to be rolled out next week will help farmers and growers better prepared for adverse weather events.

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