Top wool advocate bales out
The conversion of productive farmland into trees has pretty much annihilated the wool industry.
The latest combined North and South Island wool auction saw a 91% clearance and a generally firm market, says NZWSI general manager, John Dawson.
The auction comprised 20,585 bales.
The weighted indicator for the main trading currencies was down 1.47% compared to the last sale on 11th June helping underpin local values.
Dawson advises that Finer Mid Micron Fleece were 3 to 6% easier with the coarser types firm to 2% dearer.
Fine Crossbred Fleece and Shears, which had been under pressure for the Chinese market, eased 2 to 6%.
Coarse Crossbred Full Fleece were firm in the South Island and ranged from firm to 3.5% cheaper in the North. Longer Coarse Shears were 1 to 2.5% cheaper with the short types 1 to 2% dearer.
First Lambs were 1 to 3% easier.
Long Oddments were firm to 3% dearer with short oddments ranging between 1 to 7% stronger.
The end of season sale was well supported with China, Australasia and the Middle East principals, supported by India, Western Europe and the United Kingdom.
The first sale for the 2015/16 season on 9th July, comprises approximately 9,400 bales from the North Island.
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.
A warning to farmers and topdressing pilots to take extra care as Christmas approaches.
Moves are afoot to get a team of Australians over here to help repair North Canterbury's irrigation machinery, ravaged by the big windstorm of late October.
As you approach Hastings from the south along SH2, the colour of the west-facing hills are a good indicator of a drought.
Global beef trade is expected to grow steadily over the next five years, driven by increasing demand from Asia and strategic export expansions by South American countries.

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