Top wool advocate bales out
The conversion of productive farmland into trees has pretty much annihilated the wool industry.
The 7,900 bales of North Island wool on offer this week saw a 68.7% clearance with a generally firm to dearer trend, New Zealand Wool Services International Ltd's general manager, John Dawson reports.
The weighted indicator for the main trading currencies eased 1.93% compared to the last sale on May 10.
Dawson advises a nominal offering of fine crossbred fleece was well supported, lifting by 3 to 3.5%. Coarse second shears remained firm. Lambs Fleece 2/4 inches and longer were firm to 1% stronger with the shorter types firm to 1.5% easier.
All oddments generally remained firm however direct comparison between the North and South Island types this season is difficult to achieve.
Limited competition with China dominating, supported by Western Europe, Middle East and India.
Next sale on May 24 comprises a reduced quantity of approximately 7,280 bales from the South Island.
Changed logos on shirts otherwise it will be business as usual when Fonterra’s consumer and related businesses are expected to change hands next month.
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.

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