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 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.
As dairy farmers lock in plans for the upcoming mating season, a partnership between Fonterra and Silver Fern Farms has been formed with the aim of making it simpler to create additional value from calves not entering the replacement herd.
Farmers can now get a more reliable view of pasture covers across their farm, thanks to a combination of three data sources.
A warning to dairy farmers not to expect the same good conditions that they experienced last season, has been issued by a leading farm consultant.
South Waikato farmer Bas Nelis is always interested in fine-tuning his business to improve results.
On a farm in Tikorangi, North Taranaki, Brent Stevenson is sharemilking 1,400 cows.
Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson says his party – NZ First - isn’t opposed to the “trade element” of a free trade deal with India.

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