Top wool advocate bales out
The conversion of productive farmland into trees has pretty much annihilated the wool industry.
THE WOOL SALE held in the South Island today (Thursday) comprised 10,334 bales of which 7, 587 reached market reserves or above, New Zealand Wool Services International Limited's general manager, John Dawson reports.
The weighted indicator for the main currencies was up 2.09% and 73.5% of the offering sold.
Increased demand coupled with continued grower resistance to further declining prices saw price levels resist the strong New Zealand dollar.
Compared to the North Island sale on May 31, 2012 Coarse Crossbred Fleece and Early Shorn types 3 to 5 inch and longer were 5% dearer. Coarse Crossbred Second Shears 2 to 4 inch and 3 to 4 inch were 4 % dearer. First Lambs were 1% dearer. Crossbred Oddments were 2% dearer.
A good spread of buyers was active including China, India, Western Europe and Australasia with support from United Kingdom and Middle East.
Compared to the last South Island sale on the May 24 prices were generally firm to buyers favour.
The next sale on June 14, 2012 comprises approximately 12,500 bales of North Island wool.
A New Zealand dairy industry leader believes the free trade deal announced with India delivers wins for the sector.
The Coalition Government will need the support of at least one opposition party to ratify the free trade deal with India.
Primary sector leaders have welcomed the announcement of a Free Trade Agreement between India and New Zealand.
At Pāmu’s Kepler Farm in Manapouri, mating has wrapped up at the across-breed Beef Progeny Test.
More than 150 people turned up at Parliament recently to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ).
Biosecurity New Zealand says Kiwis should continue to keep an eye out for yellow-legged hornets (Vespa velutina) over the holiday season.

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