Top wool advocate bales out
The conversion of productive farmland into trees has pretty much annihilated the wool industry.
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.
Changed logos on shirts otherwise it will be business as usual when Fonterra’s consumer and related businesses are expected to change hands next month.
Reflecting on the past year, Horticulture New Zealand chief executive Kate Scott says there has been a lot to celebrate.
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Director General Ray Smith is giving a big shout-out to the horticulture sector, especially kiwifruit.
Early forecasts for New Zealand's apples and pears point to a standout season marked by exceptional fruit quality and high pack-out rates.
Tickets are now available for Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s (B+LNZ) Out the Gate, returning from 19-21 May 2026 at Te Pae, Christchurch.
Dairy Women's Network (DWN) is welcoming AgriHealth as a new partner.

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