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THE NORTH Island wool auction generally remained firm to only slightly easier despite local and overseas expectations of a much weaker market.
New Zealand Wool Services International Ltd's general manager, John Dawson, says the resurgent New Zealand dollar accounted for most of the local market slight weakness in some sectors, however in overseas terms most prices are unchanged or slightly dearer.
Of the 9,879 bales on offer 87% sold. The weighted currency indicator lifted by 0.59% compared to the last sale on June 26.
Dawson says fine crossbred fleece and shears were firm to 1% easier. Coarse crossbred good colour fleece was up to 1% dearer. Coarse shears were firm to 1.5% easier. End of season lambs fleece were nominally firm to 1% softer. Short oddments ranged from firm to 4% easier.
Interest was well spread with China, India, Australasia, Western Europe the principals, supported by Middle East and the United Kingdom.
The next sale on July 17 comprises about 10,060 bales from the South Island.
While wool returns continue in the doldrums, smart sheep farmers are looking for alternatives for a product that currently cost more to get off a sheep's back than it's worth. One such initiative is run by husband and wife team Hayden and Anastasia Tristram who farm at Wanstead in the Central Hawke's Bay. Mark Daniel reports.
New research has provided insight into the functional potential of wool-derived protein, with an initial trial revealing it can influence how the body responds to insulin.
South Canterbury farmer Angela Blair has delivered a petition to Parliament calling on the Government to reverse its decision to fit rural schools with synthetic carpet.
Thousands of students could benefit from a new initiative designed to simplify schools’ access to New Zealand wool carpets for their classrooms.
Wool carpet maker Bremworth's Napier plant remains offline following Cyclone Gabrielle in February, with the future of 136 workers still up in the air.
Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford is claiming “some real success” on the 12 policy priorities it placed before the Coalition Government.
Federated Farmers is throwing its support behind the Fast-track Approvals Bill introduced by the Coalition Government to enable a fast-track decision-making process for infrastructure and development projects.
The latest report from ANZ isn’t good news for sheep farmers: lamb returns are forecast to remain low.
Divine table grapes that herald the start of a brand-new industry in Hawke’s Bay have been coming off vines in Maraekakaho.
In what appears to be a casualty of the downturn in the agricultural sector, a well-known machinery brand is now in the hands of liquidators and owing creditors $6.6 million.
One of New Zealand’s deepest breeder Jersey herds – known for its enduring connection through cattle with the UK’s longest reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II – will host its 75th anniversary celebration sale on-farm on April 22.
