Editorial: Wool's Back in the Black
OPINION: Confidence in the wool sector is rebounding as prices hit levels not seen in more than 15 years.
The wool market was generally down this week due to a combination of strained exporter cash flows, slower demand and a slightly stronger dollar, New Zealand Wool Services International's general manager, John Dawson says.
The Auckland port dispute further impacted on exporter cash flows with some deferred shipping due to lack of containers.
South Island price levels have now come more into line with their North Island counterparts.
The weighted indicator for the main trading currencies compared to the last sale on the March 22 was marginally stronger by 0.5%.
Compared with last week's South Island sale Crossbred Fleece was generally up to 5% cheaper, Early Shorn Second Shear 2.5% cheaper and Short Length Second Shear 2.5 to 5% cheaper. Lambs were up to 3% cheaper. Oddments were 2.5 to 5% cheaper. Compared with last week's North Island sale prices were generally firm with the exception of Lambs which are still 1% above North Island values.
The next sale on the April 4 comprises approximately 12,000 bales of North Island wool.
A Palmerston North shearer has been sentenced to six months' community detention and 12 months' supervision after being found to have physically abused three lambs while shearing them.
Power Farming has launched a joint venture in Southland.
Food rescue charity Meet the Need has released its 2025/26 Impact Report, revealing a record year of growth alongside a stark warning: demand for food support across New Zealand is rising faster than supply can keep up.
As we move into the second half of 2026, the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) reports that Year-to-Date figures ending June 30 saw new tractor deliveries hitting 1,386 units or 10.7% ahead of the same period in 2025.
The avocado sector is entering the new season with a larger crop and positive market opportunities.
New Zealand growers have always adapted to changing conditions, but one challenge is steadily gaining ground across the horticulture sector: resistance.

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