Editorial: Wool's Back in the Black
OPINION: Confidence in the wool sector is rebounding as prices hit levels not seen in more than 15 years.
CONCERNS OVER Europe’s economy has hit wool consumer and processor confidence, making many buyers stand out of the market, says Wool Services International.
That resulted in an average 4% easing in prices at yesterday’s (December 8) auction. With sellers reluctant to accept lower market levels 31% was passed in.
Currency played little part, the weighted indicator for the main trading currencies being just 0.14% up since last week’s auction.
WSI says fine crossbred full fleece as well as 3/5 and 3/4 inch shears were 3 to 4% softer with the shorter types discounted by 5 to 8%.
Coarse crossbred fleece was 3.5 to 5% easier with longer shears 3 to 6% cheaper and 2/4 and 2/3 inch shears 6 to 7% weaker.
Coarse combing oddments ranged from 5 to 8% cheaper. Clothing oddments 2/4 inch resisted the trend and increased by 1%, but shorter types were up to 4% softer.
China and Australasia dominated the buying.
The next sale, December 15, comprises approximately 6,600 bales from the North Island and 6,900 bales from the South Island, which is 9,000 bales less than the anticipated rostered quantities.
A Palmerston North shearer has been sentenced to six months' community detention and 12 months' supervision after being found to have physically abused three lambs while shearing them.
Power Farming has launched a joint venture in Southland.
Food rescue charity Meet the Need has released its 2025/26 Impact Report, revealing a record year of growth alongside a stark warning: demand for food support across New Zealand is rising faster than supply can keep up.
As we move into the second half of 2026, the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) reports that Year-to-Date figures ending June 30 saw new tractor deliveries hitting 1,386 units or 10.7% ahead of the same period in 2025.
The avocado sector is entering the new season with a larger crop and positive market opportunities.
New Zealand growers have always adapted to changing conditions, but one challenge is steadily gaining ground across the horticulture sector: resistance.

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