Top wool advocate bales out
The conversion of productive farmland into trees has pretty much annihilated the wool industry.
NZ Wool Services International Limited's CEO John Dawson says the strengthening dollar and low overseas interest saw most types ease for the 5,100 bales of North Island wool on offer this week.
The weighted currency indicator compared to the last sale on the 8th of October firmed 2.27%, having an easing effect on local wool prices with 82% selling.
Very limited activity from the usually dominant Chinese market saw their usual types incur significant reductions, however continued covering from past sales for the Australasian carpet market resulted in steadier prices for this sector on limited supply.
Dawson advises, Finer Crossbred full fleece were 13% to 17% cheaper with the coarser end 3% easier.
Fine Crossbred shears ranged from 1% to 3% cheaper in local terms with the very short types fairing the best.
Full length Coarse Crossbred wools were 2% to 3% cheaper with shears firm to 1% easier.
Short Oddments received limited attention, reducing up to 10%.
Limited competition with most activity covering old sales to China and Australasia with limited interest from Western Europe, Middle East, United Kingdom and India.
Next sale on 22nd October comprises approximately 7,950 bales from the South island.
Dannevirke farmer Dan Billing has been announced as the new national chair of Beef + Lamb New Zealand's (B+LNZ) Farmer Council.
A Mid Canterbury beef farm has unlocked a new market for its products thanks to its unusual beef breed, and an award-winning pie taking the district by storm.
The number of beef straws going into dairy cows is on the increase, according to LIC beef genetics product lead Paul Charteris.
OPINION: Farmers along the east coast of both islands are being urged to start planning for drought as recent nor'west winds have left soil moisture levels depleted.
European growers are playing a key role in ensuring Kiwifruit marketer Zespri has year-round supply of high-quality fruit for consumers.
ANZ's chief executive Antonia Watson says agriculture has proven to be “a shining light” for New Zealand’s economy.

OPINION: Winston Peters has described the decision to sell its brand to Lactalis and disperse the profit to its farmer…
OPINION: The Hound reckons a big problem with focusing too much on the wrong goal - reducing livestock emissions at…