Top wool advocate bales out
The conversion of productive farmland into trees has pretty much annihilated the wool industry.
A full cross-section of wool types from the 12,800 bales on offer attracted solid interest with 79% selling, reports New Zealand Wool Services International Ltd's general manager, John Dawson.
The weighted indicator for the main trading currencies hardly moved compared to the last sale easing by 0.26%.
Dawson says compared to the last time sold in the South Island on September 27, Merino fleece finer than 19.5 micron were firm to 2.5% dearer with 20 to 24.0 micron 2 to 4% stronger.
Mid micron fleece 25 to 27 micron was 4% stronger and 28 to 31.5 micron 2% dearer.
Compared to the last sale in the North Island on October 4, fine crossbred Fleece were up to 5% dearer. Fine crossbred shears 3/5 to 2/4 inches were 4 to 5% stronger with 2/3 inch wools buyers' favour.
Coarse crossbred fleece were firm to 2% dearer. Coarse crossbred shears 3/5 inches remained firm with 3/4 and 2/4 1.5 to 4% stronger. The 2/3 inch shears were 1% easier.
Crossbred oddments were generally up to 5% stronger.
Well spread competition with China, India and Western Europe principals was supported by United Kingdom, Middle East and Australasia.
The next sale on October 17 comprises about 8660 bales from the North Island.
Acclaimed fruit grower Dean Astill never imagined he would have achieved so much in the years since being named the first Young Horticulturist of the Year, 20 years ago.
The Ashburton-based Carrfields Group continues to show commitment to future growth and in the agricultural sector with its latest investment, the recently acquired 'Spring Farm' adjacent to State Highway 1, Winslow, just south of Ashburton.
New Zealand First leader and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has blasted Fonterra farmers shareholders for approving the sale of iconic brands to a French company.
A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.
Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
The key to a dairy system that generates high profit with a low emissions intensity is using low footprint feed, says Fonterra program manager on-farm excellence, Louise Cook.

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