Top wool advocate bales out
The conversion of productive farmland into trees has pretty much annihilated the wool industry.
DESPITE a resurgent New Zealand dollar, the South Island offering of 11,500 bales saw most types range from firm to 3% dearer, NZ Wool Services International Ltd's general manager, John Dawson, reports.
Even with the strength of the sale and an 86% clearance, some growers were still unprepared to accept current market levels with 13% of the offering being passed in.
The weighted indicator for the main trading currencies was 1.36%t up on the last sale on April 3.
Dawson says fine crossbred fleece and shears were between 1 and 3% firmer. Coarse full fleece were firm to 2% dearer with coarse shears firm to 3% dearer. Longer first lambs eased slightly with the balance firm to 2% dearer. Long oddments were generally firm with short oddments up to 1% dearer.
Good competition came from Australasia, China, India and Western Europe principals, and was supported by the Middle East and United Kingdom.
The next sale on Wednesday, April 16 comprises about 8,200 bales from the North Island.
A New Zealand dairy industry leader believes the free trade deal announced with India delivers wins for the sector.
The Coalition Government will need the support of at least one opposition party to ratify the free trade deal with India.
Primary sector leaders have welcomed the announcement of a Free Trade Agreement between India and New Zealand.
At Pāmu’s Kepler Farm in Manapouri, mating has wrapped up at the across-breed Beef Progeny Test.
More than 150 people turned up at Parliament recently to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ).
Biosecurity New Zealand says Kiwis should continue to keep an eye out for yellow-legged hornets (Vespa velutina) over the holiday season.

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