Top wool advocate bales out
The conversion of productive farmland into trees has pretty much annihilated the wool industry.
Targeted types such as some first lambs fleece and oddments resisted a generally weaker market last week, says New Zealand Wool Services International Ltd's general manager, John Dawson.
Of the 13,230 bales eventually offered as growers continue to resist selling at these lower levels, 67% sold, which is a better result than the past two auctions.
The weighted indicator for the main trading currencies was down 0.6% compared to the last sale on April 19 having minimal impact on prices.
Dawson advises that fine crossbred wools eased up to 3%.
Good colour coarse fleece was 1% softer with poorer styles 2 to 3.5% cheaper. Long coarse shears were 1 to 2% easier with the shorter types 2 to 3.5% down.
First lambs were firm to 2% weaker. Second lambs and long oddments, which are generally better processing wools than comparative North Island types were 8 to 12% stronger.
Good style short oddments were firm with the poorer styles 7 to 12% dearer.
Limited competition with China and Western Europe continuing to dominate, supported by India, Middle East and Australasia.
Next sale on May 3 comprises approximately 7500 bales of North Island wools.
In a significant shift for employers, wage theft is no longer only a civil matter but now also a criminal one.
In partnership with Growing Future Farmers (GFF), Fonterra says it is increasing support for young people entering the dairy industry with a new two-year programme.
OPINION: The Government needs to act now to address consenting issues faced by farmers throughout the country.
NZ First leader Winston Peters has continued his criticism of Fonterra to sell its brand business to the French company Lactalis, saying the move is "utter madness".
When it comes to international trade, politicians from all sides of the aisle are united, says Labour's trade spokesman Damien O'Connor.
New Zealand Young Farmers (NZYF) has launched a new initiative designed to make it easier for employers to support their young team members by covering their NZYF membership.

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