Top wool advocate bales out
The conversion of productive farmland into trees has pretty much annihilated the wool industry.
The 4700 bales on offer saw a 74% clearance with mixed results, however all prices paid locally are still above last week’s North Island auction levels, NZ Wool Services International chief executive John Dawson reports.
The weighted currency indicator is up 0.91% having a slight negative impact .
Dawson advises the market continues to be dominated by very targeted buying with better style wools still attracting most attention.
Compared to the last similar South Island selection on November 17;
Merino fleece were 3.5 to 12% dearer.
Mid Micron fleece saw varied results with specific brackets targeted, ranging from 2% cheaper to 3.5% dearer.
Fine crossbred fleece were 4% dearer.
Coarse full fleece and shears were 1 to 4% easier, however compared to last week’s North Island sale were 1 to 7.5% dearer.
Oddments were 3 to 12% cheaper in the South, but compared to the north were 7 to 10% dearer.
Competition was limited with China principals supported by Western Europe, Australasia and the Middle East.
The next sale on December 8 comprises about 9200 bales from the North Island.
Mating wrapped up last month at the across-breed Beef Progeny Test on Pāmu’s Kepler Farm in Manapouri.
Libby Judson is a keeper of memories from an age gone by. Tim Fulton tells her story.
A New Zealand-first native tree study has highlighted the Bioeconomy Science Institute's position as a forestry research leader.
Hemp fibre processor Rubisco is relocating its core processing facility to Ashburton as part of a $20-$30 million expansion to leverage what it says is an accelerating global demand for sustainable and renewable fibres.
Tradition meets some of the latest in technology at the 2026 East Coast Farming Expo.
OPINION: Trade Minister Todd McClay and the trade negotiator in government have presented Kiwis with an amazing gift for 2026 - a long awaited and critical free trade deal with India.

OPINION: If the hand-wringing, cravat and bow-tie wearing commentariat of a left-leaning persuasion had any influence on global markets, we'd…
OPINION: With Winston Peters playing politics with the PM's Indian FTA, all eyes will be on Labour who have the…