The combined North and South Island Wool auction comprising 15,300 bales saw some variation in price levels between types and selling centres compared to last sale on January 31, however overall the market generally steadied, says New Zealand Wool Services International Ltd's general manager, John Dawson reports.

Prices were generally lower for most categories when 19,700 bales went offer from this week's combined North and South Island auction which saw an 80% clearance, NZ Wool Services International Ltd's general manager, John Dawson reports.

The Alliance Group is now supplying Pure South beef, venison and lamb to a restaurant in Singapore's iconic waterfront precinct.

DANISH DAIRY cooperative Arla Foods is ditching expansion plans in Europe and increasing its focus on China, Russia and Africa/Middle East.

Lamb producers could learn from New Zealand tourism by targeting top-end Chinese markets, says Westpac economist Nathan Penny.

For the most part, 2013’s economic themes for the rural sector are looking generally positive.

I have two big wishes for 2013; an end to the ‘farmer v. environmentalist’ bickering and the Trans Pacific Partnership.  

The combined North and South Island Wool Sale offering of 16,850 bales saw a softening in price levels as pressure from urgent shipping requirements came off, New Zealand Wool Services International Ltd's general manager John Dawson says.

A China-based subsidiary company of Zespri has pleaded not guilty to charges of criminal smuggling related to alleged under-declaration of customs duties by independent importers in a Shanghai court yesterday.

The combined North and South Island first wool auction for 2013 resulted in a strong market based on recent increased buying interest particularly from China, New Zealand Wool Services International Ltd’s general manager, John Dawson says.