Lanaco and Blueair Launch World-First NZ Wool Air Filter
New Zealand wool is reaching new heights as air filtration companies move away from synthetic products to biodegradable alternatives.
THE 12,500 BALES of North Island wool on offer this week generally lifted to come into line with South Island levels. There was a 93% clearance rate, says New Zealand Wool Services International Ltd's general manager, John Dawson, says.
Compared to the last sale on December 19 the currency indicator firmed by 0.45% having minimal impact on the market.
Dawson advises the first sale after the Christmas break was well supported assisted by the cancellation of the rostered South Island sale and limited anticipated volumes available next week.
Fine crossbred fleece and shears of good and poor colour were firm to 1% dearer with average styles lifting 5%. Coarse crossbred fleece of good and poor colour were up 2 to 3% with average styles 5% stronger.
Coarse shears were generally 1 to 2% firmer except average style 3 to 5 inches and better style 3 to 4 inches 5 to 7% dearer. Short first lambs fleece remained firm. Long oddments were 1% firmer with short oddments firm to 4% easier.
There was limited competition with China and Australasia dominating, supported by Western Europe, Middle East and India.
The next sale on January 16 comprises about 10,300 bales from the North Island and 7600 bales from the South Island.
Farmgate lamb prices are down by 8%, beef cattle by 4.5% and farm expenditure up by 4.2%.
Kiwifruit growers are watchful but remain optimistic as concerns around the potential effects of the El Niño weather pattern this season.
Almond hulls sourced from Australian orchards may have the potential to help New Zealand cows reduce emissions, boost milk yield and lower input costs.
Striking a balance between meeting the needs of industry to speed up approval time for products but on the other hand ensuring that risks are properly assessed.
Surprised, humbled and quite thrilled. That’s the reaction of James Allen, one of the founding partners and now chief executive of AgFirst, on being made a life member of the Institute of Rural Professionals.

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