Top wool advocate bales out
The conversion of productive farmland into trees has pretty much annihilated the wool industry.
The combined North and South Island sale comprising 14,100 bales saw a 91.2% clearance with an overall firm market tone, says NZ Wool Services International Ltd's general manager, John Dawson.
The weighted indicator for the main trading currencies increased by 0.42% compared to last sale on November 29 with little impact in most areas.
Dawson says recent renewed activity from China has helped stimulate the finer sector of the market with carpet types generally holding their ground.
Mid micron fleece strengthened 1.5 to 5%. Fine crossbred full fleece ranged from firm to 5% stronger. Fine crossbred shears 2 to 4 inches to 3 to 5 inches were generally 2 to 5% dearer with only the shorter types decreasing by up to 3%.
Coarse crossbred fleece and shears were generally firm to buyers favour. First lambs fleece were firm to 2% dearer.
Long oddments were buyers favour with shorter types firm to 4% stronger.
China dominated the market with limited support by Western Europe, Middle East, United Kingdom, India and Australasia.
The next sale on December 13 comprises about 7200 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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