Top wool advocate bales out
The conversion of productive farmland into trees has pretty much annihilated the wool industry.
Increased activity from China and India helped lift some wool sector prices significantly for the 11,700 bales on offer this week, New Zealand Wool Services International Ltd's general manager, John Dawson reports.
There was an 88% clearance. The weighted indicator for the main trading currencies strengthened 0.68% with market demand overriding this potentially negative influence.
Dawson says merino fleece followed the Australian market trend over recent sales, increasing 10% to 15%. Mid micron fleece 24.5 to 26 micron was less in demand, easing by 1% to 2% with 26.5 to 31.5 micron firm to 3% stronger.
Fine crossbred full fleece came under strong competition with prices generally 5% to 7.5% dearer. Fine Crossbred 3/5 and 3/4 inch shears were also strongly contested, lifting 6% to 10%. The shorter types barely changed.
Good colour coarse crossbred fleece were 3% to 5% dearer with average styles firm to 2% dearer. Coarse Long Second Shears were 3% to 5% firmer with shorter types generally 5% to 9% stronger.
Strong competition from China and India was supported by Western Europe, Middle East, United Kingdom and Australasia.
The next sale on November 1 comprises a reduced volume of about 6800 bales of North Island wools.
Changed logos on shirts otherwise it will be business as usual when Fonterra’s consumer and related businesses are expected to change hands next month.
Reflecting on the past year, Horticulture New Zealand chief executive Kate Scott says there has been a lot to celebrate.
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Director General Ray Smith is giving a big shout-out to the horticulture sector, especially kiwifruit.
Early forecasts for New Zealand's apples and pears point to a standout season marked by exceptional fruit quality and high pack-out rates.
Tickets are now available for Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s (B+LNZ) Out the Gate, returning from 19-21 May 2026 at Te Pae, Christchurch.
Dairy Women's Network (DWN) is welcoming AgriHealth as a new partner.

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