Wool campaign making strides
A group set up to boost education and promotion of wool says it has made positive strides during the first year of its three-year strategy.
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.
The European Union Ambassador says the new free trade agreement (FTA) between the bloc and New Zealand will bring significant benefits to both parties.
Less Wellington bureucracy and more local, on-farm common sense was the focus of recent meetings held in South Canterbury as part of the Government's National Woolshed tour program.
'A lot of interest and positive responses' appears to be the way farmers are viewing the Government's initiative to hold a series of woolshed meetings around the country.
A Southland farming leader wants the regional council to delay a proposed regional rates hike, much of which is intended to fund flood protection works.
Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) says access to personal banking services in rural communities is fundamental to promoting outcomes that benefit Kiwi consumers.
A group set up to boost education and promotion of wool says it has made positive strides during the first year of its three-year strategy.