New Zealand Wool Prices Hit Highest Levels Since 2011 Amid Tight Supply and Surging Demand
Strong competition and tightening supply have seen wool reach its highest prices paid at auction since 2011.
The first wool auction of the 2015/16 season saw a 92% clearance with a slightly softer tone, says NZWI general manager, John Dawson.
The auction, which offered 6800 bales, was made up of 80% short second shear wools.
Despite a weaker New Zealand dollar compared to the last sale on June 25, with the weighted currency indicator down 1.96%, the bulk of the offering was firm to 2% easier.
Dawson says that the seasonal slow-down is due to the approach of European vacation period and well-stocked supply lines in China. This is limiting new orders for wool temporarily.
Fine crossbred shears were firm to 2% cheaper.
Good colour coarse fleece were 1.5% down with average style firm to 1% firmer. Poor styles were up to 1% cheaper. Longer coarse shears were firm to 1% dearer with good colour short types firm to 3% dearer.
Oddments ranged from 2% cheaper to 3.5% dearer.
The auction saw good competition, with exporters continuing to cover orders mainly destined to China, Australasia and Western Europe, supported by India, United Kingdom and the Middle East.
The next sale on July 16 comprises about 7800 bales from the South Island.
ACC says that this week's Fieldays is a great chance for farmers to pause and reflect on their processes and ensure that their life is in balance.
Bank of New Zealand (BNZ)will expand its First Farm support with a new funding boost designed to help more farmers and growers take their next step into farm ownership.
Westmorland Estate Ltd, a Waikato company running three dairy farms, runs on the philosophy that 'you are only as good as your team'.
AgriZeroNZ is ramping up efforts to accelerate the uptake of emissions reduction tools on farm with a new initiative to help more farmers put proven tools into practice.
With the general election just molnths away, farmers have launched a five-point plan for the next government.
The Government is investing in a range of initiatives designed to strengthen the resilience of rural communities and improve preparedness for future adverse events.

OPINION: While we're on the topic of lumberjacks, Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard has no doubt used a chainsaw hundreds of…
OPINION: To a chorus of crying greenies, and not a minute too soon, the Government has moved to put the…