Markets resilient, farmers hopeful
OPINION: The global dairy market continues to show resilience, and farmers remain cautiously optimistic as we move into the latter half of 2025.
The 7,500 bales of North Island wools on offer this week saw a 97% clearance and a generally dearer market, reports NZWSI marketing executive, Malcolm Ching.
The weighted currency indicator for the main trading currencies eased again compared to the last sale on 27th August, coming down 0.92%, mainly due to the US dollar influence.
Ching says that apart from the finer end of the Fine Crossbred longer shears, which came down 2 to 4%, the balance of this category ranged from 3 to 7% dearer with shorter types benefiting the most.
Coarse Crossbred Fleece were firm to 2.5% firmer with better styles attracting the most support.
Coarse Shears were firm to 4.5% stronger with shorter types in strong demand.
Oddments were firm to 1.5% dearer.
Overall, there was good competition with China, Australasia and Western Europe dominating, supported by the Middle East, United Kingdom and India.
The next sale is scheduled for 10th September and comprises approximately 8,900 bales from the South Island.
Fertiliser co-operative Ballance has written down $88 million - the full value of its Kapuni urea plant in Taranaki - from its balance sheet in the face of a looming gas shortage.
The Government and horticulture sector have unveiled a new roadmap with an aim to double horticulture farmgate returns by 2035.
Canterbury farmers and the Police Association say they are frustrated by proposed cuts to rural policing in the region.
The strain and pressure of weeks of repairing their flood-damaged properties is starting to tell on farmers and orchardists in the Tasman district.
The sale price of Fonterra’s global consumer and associated businesses to the world’s largest dairy company Lactalis has risen to $4.22 billion.
Alliance Group's proposal to sell a 65% shareholding to Ireland's Dawn Meats won't solve the red meat industry's structural problems, says former Federated Farmers meat and wool chair Toby Williams.
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