Friday, 24 July 2020 11:15

From meat to wool!

Written by  David Anderson
James Parsons. James Parsons.

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.

 

More like this

Autumn sub clover control sets up pasture for spring

Recent widespread autumn rain will have triggered the germination of subterranean clover seeds, and the resulting seedlings should be allowed to reach the 3–4 trifoliate leaf stage before grazing, says Beef+Lamb NZ.

Global wool marketplace to launch

Wools of New Zealand will soon launch the international version of an online global wool marketplace designed to bring farmers and manufacturers closer together.

Featured

National

Top innovators announced

The Fieldays Innovation Award winners have been announced with Auckland’s Ruminant Biotech taking out the Prototype Award.

A big win for wool!

State-owned social housing provider Kainga Ora is switching to wool carpet for its new homes.

Machinery & Products

Calf feeding boost

Advantage Plastics says it is revolutionising calf meal storage and handling, making farm life easier, safer, and more efficient this…

JD's precision essentials

Farmers across New Zealand are renowned for their productivity and efficiency, always wanting to do more with less, while getting…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Arise Sir Paddy

OPINION: Missed out on a knighthood in the King’s Birthday Honours, again?

Ivory bloody towers

OPINION: The antipathy the previous government had for farmers no longer holds court on the Beehive’s 9th floor, but it’s…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter