Top wool advocate bales out
The conversion of productive farmland into trees has pretty much annihilated the wool industry.
Wool prices eased for most types again this week for the North Island, says NZ Wool Services International marketing executive, Malcolm Ching.
The North Island offering was at 6,100 bales with 90 % of the selection sold with most growers meeting the market.
Compared to the last sale on 22nd October, the weighted indicator for the main trading currencies firmed by 0.47%.
This had minimal impact as restricted demand continues to be the main market driver.
Fine Crossbred Full Fleece eased 1.5 to 4% with shorter types ranging from firm to 4% cheaper.
Good colour Coarse Full Fleece came down 3.5% with longer shears 1.5 to 4% easier.
Shorter Shears fared better as local demand underpins them, with 3 to 4 to 2 to 3 inch wools firm to buyers favour.
Good colour Short Oddments were 3.5% easier.
There is limited competition with Europe and China principals for the fine crossbred wools and Australasia is dominating the coarse wools. Limited support from elsewhere.
Next sale on 5th November comprises of approximately 5,400 bales from the South Island.
In a significant shift for employers, wage theft is no longer only a civil matter but now also a criminal one.
In partnership with Growing Future Farmers (GFF), Fonterra says it is increasing support for young people entering the dairy industry with a new two-year programme.
OPINION: The Government needs to act now to address consenting issues faced by farmers throughout the country.
NZ First leader Winston Peters has continued his criticism of Fonterra to sell its brand business to the French company Lactalis, saying the move is "utter madness".
When it comes to international trade, politicians from all sides of the aisle are united, says Labour's trade spokesman Damien O'Connor.
New Zealand Young Farmers (NZYF) has launched a new initiative designed to make it easier for employers to support their young team members by covering their NZYF membership.

OPINION: Every time politicians come up with an investment scheme where they're going to have a crack at 'picking winners'…
OPINION: What are the unions for these days?