Top wool advocate bales out
The conversion of productive farmland into trees has pretty much annihilated the wool industry.
A SLIGHTLY easier New Zealand dollar, limited wool supply and steady shipping demand combined to lift prices across the board at the South Island sale, New Zealand Wool Services International Ltd's general manager, John Dawson reports.
Recent poor weather has restricted shearing, creating a seasonal shortfall with the next South Island sale on June 19 now cancelled.
Of the 6,640 bales on offer 91% sold with some growers holding out for higher price levels.
The weighted indicator for the main trading currencies compared to the last sale on May 29 was down 0.7%.
Dawson advises that:
Fine Crossbred Fleece and Shears were 3 to 5% dearer. Coarse Crossbred Fleece and shears were generally 3 to 4.5% dearer with shorter shears up to 6% stronger.
Lambs Fleece were 2 to 4% dearer. Good style short oddments were up 3 to 5% with poor styles 6 to 9% stronger.
There was good competition with China, India, Western Europe and Australasia principals, supported by United Kingdom and the Middle East.
The next sale on June 12 comprises about 9,300 bales from the North Island, down 20% on anticipated rostered volumes.
Reflecting on the past year, Horticulture New Zealand chief executive Kate Scott says there has been a lot to celebrate.
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Director General Ray Smith is giving a big shout-out to the horticulture sector, especially kiwifruit.
Early forecasts for New Zealand's apples and pears point to a standout season marked by exceptional fruit quality and high pack-out rates.
Tickets are now available for Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s (B+LNZ) Out the Gate, returning from 19-21 May 2026 at Te Pae, Christchurch.
Dairy Women's Network (DWN) is welcoming AgriHealth as a new partner.
Northland Field Days patron Ross Newlove remembers the inaugural field days he attended 40 years ago.

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