Wool generally steady
A versatile and stylish South Island selection on offer this week saw most types well supported, despite a slightly firmer NZ dollar, says NZ Wool Services International's chief executive John Dawson.
This week's South Island offering of 8,500 bales of wool saw an 84 % clearance says New Zealand Wool Services International Limited's general manager, John Dawson.
Market pressure pushed some prices up while others eased slightly, however overall it was generally a firm sale.
The weighted indicator for the main trading currencies compared to the last sale on 19th February was practically unchanged, easing only 0.21%.
Dawson says that Fine crossbred fleece 34 micron and finer were firm to 1.5% dearer with 35 microns up to 2% easier.
Fine crossbred shears were firm to 3% cheaper reflecting less activity from China as they take their New Year vacations.
Coarse crossbred fleece good and average styles were firm, with poorer styles 1% cheaper. Coarse shears were firm to 1% dearer.
First lambs 28 micron and finer were 2% dearer, 28.5 to 30 micron up to 1.5 % easier and coarse types firm to 2.5 % dearer.
Long oddments were up to 2% dearer with good colour short oddments 3 to 5 % cheaper and poorer styles firm to 3% easier.
Limited competition with Australasia, India and the Middle East principals supported by China and Western Europe.
Next sale on 5th March comprises approximately 12,600 bales from the North Island and 8,000 bales from the South Island.
Listed rural trader PGG Wrightson chair Garry Moore and his deputy Sarah Brown have been voted out by shareholders.
It was love that first led Leah Prankerd to dairying.
DairyNZ has appointed Dr Jenny Jago to a newly created leadership team role - science partnerships & impact advisor - as part of a strategic refresh of the organisation's science leadership.
OPINION: Public pressure has led to Canterbury Police rightly rolling back its proposed restructure that would have seen several rural police stations closed in favour of centralised hubs.
When I interview Rachel Cox, she is driving - on her way to her next meeting.
With Fonterra's UHT plant at its Edendale site less than a year from completion, demand continues to grow for products the plant will produce, such as Anchor Whipping Cream.
OPINION: Voting is underway for Fonterra’s divestment proposal, with shareholders deciding whether or not sell its consumer brands business.
OPINION: Politicians and Wellington bureaucrats should take a leaf out of the book of Canterbury District Police Commander Superintendent Tony Hill.