increase font size
New Zealand Wool Services International CEO John Dawson says the strengthened New Zealand dollar has negatively impacted at this week's South Island sale with most types easing in local terms.
The weighted indicator for the main trading currencies has lifted 2.97 percent compared to the last North Island sale on 1st October and 4.67 percent against the previous South Island sale.
Of the 8,423 bales on offer 75.4 percent sold.
Dawson reports that compared to the South Island sale on 24th September, Merino Fleece 17 to 23.5 microns were 2 to 6 percent cheaper in-line with currency movements and high seasonal volumes.
Mid Micron Fleece 24 to 27 microns were 2 to 4 percent cheaper with 28 to 30.5 microns down 7 to 9 percent.
Compared to the North Island sale on 1st October, Fine Crossbred Full Fleece 31.5 and 32 microns were 3 to 4 percent dearer with 32.5 and 33 microns up to 9.5 percent dearer as limited volumes pressured this segment. Fine Crossbred Second Shears 32 to 35 microns were generally 1.5 to 5 percent cheaper with shorter types under continued pressure.
Coarse Crossbred Fleece were up to 1 percent easier.
Coarse Second Shears were 1.5 to 2.5 percent cheaper.
Short Oddments were down 1.5 to 3.5 percent.
Well spread interest with Western Europe and China dominating the Fine Wool sector with Australasia and China strong on the fine and coarse crossbred wools, supported by Middle East, United Kingdom and India sparingly.
Next sale on 15th October comprises approximately 5,000 bales down 30 percent on anticipated roster volumes.
While wool returns continue in the doldrums, smart sheep farmers are looking for alternatives for a product that currently cost more to get off a sheep's back than it's worth. One such initiative is run by husband and wife team Hayden and Anastasia Tristram who farm at Wanstead in the Central Hawke's Bay. Mark Daniel reports.
New research has provided insight into the functional potential of wool-derived protein, with an initial trial revealing it can influence how the body responds to insulin.
South Canterbury farmer Angela Blair has delivered a petition to Parliament calling on the Government to reverse its decision to fit rural schools with synthetic carpet.
Thousands of students could benefit from a new initiative designed to simplify schools’ access to New Zealand wool carpets for their classrooms.
Wool carpet maker Bremworth's Napier plant remains offline following Cyclone Gabrielle in February, with the future of 136 workers still up in the air.
Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford is claiming “some real success” on the 12 policy priorities it placed before the Coalition Government.
Federated Farmers is throwing its support behind the Fast-track Approvals Bill introduced by the Coalition Government to enable a fast-track decision-making process for infrastructure and development projects.
The latest report from ANZ isn’t good news for sheep farmers: lamb returns are forecast to remain low.
Divine table grapes that herald the start of a brand-new industry in Hawke’s Bay have been coming off vines in Maraekakaho.
In what appears to be a casualty of the downturn in the agricultural sector, a well-known machinery brand is now in the hands of liquidators and owing creditors $6.6 million.
One of New Zealand’s deepest breeder Jersey herds – known for its enduring connection through cattle with the UK’s longest reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II – will host its 75th anniversary celebration sale on-farm on April 22.
