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.
Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay is encouraging farmers and growers to stay up to date with weather warnings and seek support should they need it.
The closure of SH2 Waioweka Gorge could result in significant delays and additional costs for freight customers around the Upper North Island, says Transporting New Zealand.
OPINION: The year has started positively for New Zealand dairy farmers and things are likely to get better.
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Director General Ray Smith believes there is potential for an increase in dairy farming in New Zealand.
New Zealand's new Special Agricultural Trade Envoy, Horowhenua dairy farmer, company director and former Minister of Agriculture, Nathan Guy says the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India is a good deal for the country.
New figures show dairy farmers are not only holding on to their international workforce, but are also supporting those staff to step into higher-skilled roles on farm.