Top wool advocate bales out
The conversion of productive farmland into trees has pretty much annihilated the wool industry.
The more varied offering at this weeks' South Island auction saw targeted buying with better demand for the longer wools.
New Zealand Wool Services International Ltd's chief executive John Dawson reports that of the 5,800 bales on offer 61% sold, reflecting the general slow-down in new orders coming forward and exporters only buying for immediate requirements.
The continuing strengthening of the New Zealand dollar saw the weighted currency indicator lift 1.87% week on week, limiting market opportunities.
Dawson advises that compared to the South Island sale on June 30, Mid Micron Fleece were 1 to 2.5% cheaper with Fine Crossbred Fleece down 3.5%.
Compared to the North Island sale on July 7, Longer Finer Crossbred Shears were 2 to 4% dearer with shorter shears firm to 1% cheaper.
Coarse Crossbred Full Fleece, good and average styles were 1 to 1.5% easier with poor styles 3 to 5% dearer.
Coarse Second Shears 2 to 4 inches to 3 to 5 inches were 2 to 5% firmer with shorter types firm.
Long Oddments remained firm with good colour short oddments 2 to 4% dearer.
Limited activity with Australasia and Middle East principals, supported by Western Europe, China and India.
Next sale on July 21 comprises about 6,000 bales from the North Island.
In a significant shift for employers, wage theft is no longer only a civil matter but now also a criminal one.
In partnership with Growing Future Farmers (GFF), Fonterra says it is increasing support for young people entering the dairy industry with a new two-year programme.
OPINION: The Government needs to act now to address consenting issues faced by farmers throughout the country.
NZ First leader Winston Peters has continued his criticism of Fonterra to sell its brand business to the French company Lactalis, saying the move is "utter madness".
When it comes to international trade, politicians from all sides of the aisle are united, says Labour's trade spokesman Damien O'Connor.
New Zealand Young Farmers (NZYF) has launched a new initiative designed to make it easier for employers to support their young team members by covering their NZYF membership.

OPINION: Every time politicians come up with an investment scheme where they're going to have a crack at 'picking winners'…
OPINION: What are the unions for these days?