Top wool advocate bales out
The conversion of productive farmland into trees has pretty much annihilated the wool industry.
New Zealand Wool Services International's chief executive John Dawson says a slightly easier NZ dollar and limited wool volumes combined with steadier enquiry, saw most categories well supported.
Of the 5,700 bales on offer, 92% sold.
The weighted indicator for the main trading currencies compared to last sale weakened 0.94%, helping underpin local prices.
Dawson advises that compared to the sale on 5th November, Merino Fleece were generally firm to 2% dearer. Mid Micron Fleece were firm to 3% dearer.
Compared to the 12 November sale, Fine Crossbred Fleece were 1 to 4% dearer, longer shears firm to 4% dearer and shorter types firm to 2.5% easier.
Coarse Crossbred Full Fleece were up to 1.5% dearer.
Long Coarse Shears and very short shears eased 1.5% with 3 to 4 and 2 to 4 inch shears firm to 1.5% firmer.
Oddments were 3 to 6% dearer.
Good competition with China principals, supported by Western Europe and Australasia with limited interest from elsewhere.
Next sale on 26November comprises approximately 5,900 bales from the North 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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