Top wool advocate bales out
The conversion of productive farmland into trees has pretty much annihilated the wool industry.
A weakening New Zealand dollar and steady offshore buying saw all wool types improve for the latest South Island wool auction, reports NZWSI.
The auction, which offered 9300 bales, saw 87% selling, says NZWSI marketing executive, Malcolm Ching.
The weighted indicator for the main trading currency came down 1.29% compared to the last sale on September 3.
Merino fleece, 21.5 micron and finer, were 5-10% dearer with 22 to 23.5 microns 1- 2% firmer than the last time they sold, on August 27, says Ching.
Mid micron fleece, 24 to 29 micron, were firm to 3.5% dearer with 29.5 to 31.5 3 to 7% stronger.
Compared to the September 3 sale, fine crossbred full fleece and longer shears were 4-6.5% dearer with shorter shears 1-3% firmer.
Coarse crossbred full fleece were 5-7% stronger, longer shears 3- 6% dearer and shorter shears ranged from 1.5- 6% stronger.
Oddments were firm to 4% firmer.
The auction saw strong competition with China the principal, supported by Western Europe, Australasia, Middle East and India.
The next sale has been fixed for September 17 and comprises about 6000 bales from the North Island.
Acclaimed fruit grower Dean Astill never imagined he would have achieved so much in the years since being named the first Young Horticulturist of the Year, 20 years ago.
The Ashburton-based Carrfields Group continues to show commitment to future growth and in the agricultural sector with its latest investment, the recently acquired 'Spring Farm' adjacent to State Highway 1, Winslow, just south of Ashburton.
New Zealand First leader and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has blasted Fonterra farmers shareholders for approving the sale of iconic brands to a French company.
A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.
Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
The key to a dairy system that generates high profit with a low emissions intensity is using low footprint feed, says Fonterra program manager on-farm excellence, Louise Cook.

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