Top wool advocate bales out
The conversion of productive farmland into trees has pretty much annihilated the wool industry.
The local market lifted significantly for the 10,400 bales on offer at the South Island sale this week, NZ Wool Services International Ltd's general manager, John Dawson says.
The weakening NZ dollar, particularly against the US dollar which was down 4.97% compared to the last sale on May 9 and the weighted currency indicator down 3.91% was the principal market influence. This was supported by recent strong purchasing interest and a seasonal limited wool supply.
Dawson says a nominal offering of mid micron fleece were firm to 3% dearer.Fine crossbred fleece lifted up to 3.5% with the second shears 5 to 8% stronger. Good colour coarse crossbred fleece lifted 6% with poorer styles 2.5 to 5.5% dearer.
Coarse longer second shears were 4 to 6.5% firmer with shorter types 5 to 9% stronger. First lambs fleece ranged from 3 to 7% dearer. All coarse oddments were 9 to 10% stronger.Strong competition from Western Europe, Australasia and the United Kingdom was supported by China, India and the Middle East.
The next sale on the May 30 comprises 11,300 bales from the North Island.
Additional reductions to costs for forest owners in the Emissions Trading Scheme Registry (ETS) have been announced by the Government.
Animal welfare is of paramount importance to New Zealand's dairy industry, with consumers increasingly interested in how food is produced, not just the quality of the final product.
Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay is encouraging farmers and growers to stay up to date with weather warnings and seek support should they need it.
The closure of SH2 Waioweka Gorge could result in significant delays and additional costs for freight customers around the Upper North Island, says Transporting New Zealand.
OPINION: The year has started positively for New Zealand dairy farmers and things are likely to get better.
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Director General Ray Smith believes there is potential for an increase in dairy farming in New Zealand.

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