Top wool advocate bales out
The conversion of productive farmland into trees has pretty much annihilated the wool industry.
The South Island sale of 8565 bales comprising a wide range of wool types saw good support with 78% of the offering selling.
NZ Wool Services International Ltd’s chief executive John Dawson reports the a weakening NZ dollar compared to the main trading currencies saw the weighted indicator easing 1.1% compared to last week, giving a small amount of support to local prices.
Dawson advises pressure for quick shipment of orders and the diverse wool types on offer attracted good support, helping underpin the market.
Compared to last time offered at the South Island sale on September 22 merino fleece 16 to 19 microns were firm to 1.5% cheaper with 20 to 23 microns generally 1.5% easier and mid micron fleece 25 microns were 1% dearer with 25.5 to 29 microns 1 to 4% cheaper.
Compared to the North Island sale on September 29 fine crossbred fleece 32 to 35 microns were firm with early shorn and second shears 3 to 5 and 3 to 4 inches also remaining firm. Shears 2 to 4 inches were 2 to 3.5% cheaper with 2 to 3 inches firm to 1% cheaper.
Coarse crossbred full fleece were firm for good colour and 1% dearer for average colour.
Longer coarse shears were firm with 2 to 4 inches 3.5 to 5.5% cheaper and 2 to 3 inches 2.5% easier.
Short oddments were 4 to 6% cheaper with faulted lines discounted the most.
The next sale on October 20 comprises about 5600 bales from the North Island and 8150 bales from the South 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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