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.
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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