Top wool advocate bales out
The conversion of productive farmland into trees has pretty much annihilated the wool industry.
The ongoing fallout from the Brexit result, continued minimal activity from China and a strong New Zealand dollar have compounded to make significant inroads into local wool values.
New Zealand Wool Services International chief executive John Dawson reports the weighted currency indicator compared to last sale lifted 0.66%, however against the GBP the New Zealand dollar strengthened a further 4.4% making a shift of over 13% since the Brexit announcement.
Market sentiment is bearish as many clients take a cautious approach during this unsettled period.
Of the 7500 bales on offer, only 54% sold as buyers become very selective, only covering immediate requirements.
Dawson advises that compared to last sale on June 30:
• Fine crossbred shears were 7 to 10% cheaper.
• A nominal selection of average style coarse full length fleece were 1 to 2% easier with poor style 9% cheaper.
• Coarse early shorn and second shears which made up 62% of the offering were 5.5 to 10% cheaper, with the shorter wools affected the most.
• Coarse Oddments were 3 to 7% easier.
Activity was restricted with exporters only covering requirements for prompt shipment mainly for Australasia and the Middle East, with limited activity for Western Europe, China and India.
Next sale on July 14 comprises about 5600 bales from the South Island, down on anticipated roster due to poor weather.
The World Wide Sires National All Day Breeds Best Youth Camp Best All Rounder plaudit has become family affair, with 2026 Paramount Cup winner Holly Williams following in her sister Zara's footsteps.
DairyNZ is giving New Zealand farmers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on governance and leadership experience within the dairy sector.
Herd improvement company LIC has posted a 5.2% lift in half-year revenue, thanks to increasing demand for genetics.
According to the latest Fresh Produce Trend Report from United Fresh, 2026 will be a year where fruit and vegetables are shaped by cost pressures, rapid digital adoption, and a renewed focus on wellbeing at home.
The Roar is a highlight of the game hunting calendar in New Zealand, with thousands of hunters set to head for the hills to hunt male stags during March and April.
OPINION: The past few weeks have been tough on farms across the North Island: floods and storms have caused damage and disruption to families and businesses.