Lanaco and Blueair Launch World-First NZ Wool Air Filter
New Zealand wool is reaching new heights as air filtration companies move away from synthetic products to biodegradable alternatives.
A NEAR 2% rally in the New Zealand dollar against the main wool trading currencies was reflected in corresponding slide in prices at this week’s combined North and South Island auction, says Wool Services International.
Following falls averaging 4% at each of the two previous sales, it brings the overall fall this month to about 10%.
Of 16,500 bales offered at Wednesday’s (December 21) sale, 76% sold with Chinese, Australasian and European buyers the principals, supported by sparing interest from the Middle East and India.
WSI general manager John Dawson said mid micron fleece was firm to 2% easier except for the 29.5 to 30.5 micron bracket which dropped 6-9%.
Fine crossbred fleece and shears, 32 to 35 micron, were firm to 2% cheaper while coarse crossbred fleece and shears, 36 micron and coarser, were generally 1.5% easier. However, poorer styles in the North Island eased up to 5%.
Coarse long oddments saw lifts of up to 5% in the South and a firm to 2% drop in the North. Clothing oddments weakened 3-6% with the North Island affected the most.
The next auction is January 12, with 14,400 bales from the North and 9,600 bales from the South expected to be offered.
Farms across the upper North Island are trialling different pasture mixes as part of a research programme that aims to build greater resilience into farming systems.
Election years are always a concerning time for farmers, according to DairyNZ chair Tracy Brown.
The Ballance Farm Environment Awards are coming to the West Coast of the South Island.
Most dairy regions around the country have had a pretty good season so far says Tracy Brown.
Rural leader Mark Hooper has been appointed as an independent director to the NZPork board, bringing extensive farming, governance and advocacy experience to the role.

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