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.
A South Island offering of 8400 bales saw a generally firmer market this week and an 89% clearance rate, says New Zealand Wool Services International Ltd's marketing executive, Malcolm Ching.
The weighted indicator for the main trading currencies strengthened slightly by 0.39% compared to the last sale on February 23, having minimal impact.
Ching says a rise in customer activity in recent days has seen a previous flat market steady with some sectors showing strong activity, although there are wool types that are still struggling for support.
Fine crossbred fleece and shears were firm to 2.5% stronger with steady Chinese interest. Coarse full Fleece was well supported with levels remaining firm to 3% stronger. Longer shears, which were pressured last sale, eased back by up to 2%. Shorter shears were firm to 3% dearer. Fine Lambs fleece eased slightly with the longer coarser types firm to 3% stronger.
All oddments were 1.5 to 4% dearer. Well spread competition with China, Western Europe and India principals supported by Australasia, Middle East and United Kingdom.
The next sale on March 8 comprises about 17,700 bales from the North Island and 8600 bales from the South Island.
Growers and farmers are being encouraged to have an important conversation before the coming season starts: how to prolong the effectiveness of the crop protection tools they rely on.
A new digital assistant is now helping Ballance Agri-Nutrients farmers speed up nutrient information and ordering.
New Zealand apple and pear industry stakeholders are out in force for the annual conference in Queenstown.
Cameron Reed lives between two worlds.
Improving health and safety is about incremental gain rather than a sudden decision, says Leeston farmer and Federated Farmers health and safety spokesman David Birkett.

A fair question has been raised about how member-funded organisations should conduct themselves when taking a public position on any…
OPINION: It really is getting harder to lampoon government bureaucrats when they do such a good job of it themselves.…