Top wool advocate bales out
The conversion of productive farmland into trees has pretty much annihilated the wool industry.
New Zealand Wool Services International Limited's CEO John Dawson reports that targeted buying saw some types well supported at the North Island auction.
Others either held steady or eased slightly.
Of the 5,000 bales on offer 88% sold. The weaker New Zealand dollar against most of the traded currencies saw the weighted indicator come down 0.80% compared to the last sale on 21st April.
According to Dawson, fine Crossbred Shears were firm to 2% easier. Coarse Crossbred Fleece were firm to 1.5% cheaper. Coarse Crossbred Shears were well supported, ranging from firm to 3% dearer with good styles sought after.
Shorter First Lambs were 1 to 3% easier with long Lambs firm to 4% dearer.
Long Oddments were firm to 1% cheaper with short oddments 2 to 5% dearer.
Next sale on 5th May comprises approximately 4,700 bales from the South Island.
Another Australian state has given the green light to virtual fencing, opening another market for Kiwi company Halter.
Farmer interest continues to grow as a Massey University research project to determine the benefits or otherwise of the self-shedding Wiltshire sheep is underway. The project is five years in and has two more years to go. It was done mainly in the light of low wool prices and the cost of shearing. Peter Burke recently went along to the annual field day held Massey's Riverside farm in the Wairarapa.
Applications are now open for the 2026 NZI Rural Women Business Awards, set to be held at Parliament on 23 July.
Ravensdown has announced a collaboration with Kiwi icon, Footrot Flats in an effort to bring humour, heart, and connection to the forefront of the farming sector.
Forest & Bird's Kiwi Conservation Club is inviting New Zealanders of all ages to embrace the outdoors with its Summer Adventure Challenges.
Fonterra has slashed another 50c off its milk price forecast as global milk flows shows no sign of easing.

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