Editorial: Wool's Back in the Black
OPINION: Confidence in the wool sector is rebounding as prices hit levels not seen in more than 15 years.
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.
A four year trial has reaffirmed that mixing plantain into dairy pastures can help reduce nitrogen losses to freshwater while maintaining milk production and profitability, say researchers.
Fonterra has opened its upgraded Chengdu Application Centre, bringing New Zealand dairy expertise closer to customers in one of China's fastest-growing regions.
When it comes to annual rebates, it's been a long time between drinks for Ravensdown shareholders.
Special courses for secondary school teachers to help excite kids about agriculture and horticulture are now being run at Massey University.
Running a tight and self-contained ship is the key to the success of the country's largest dairy farmer, says Blair Robinson, the new man at the helm of Dairy Holdings.
Federated Farmers president Colin Hurst and his family raised a glass of milk last week to toast the start of a new addition to their farming operation at Makihihi, south of Timaru.

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