Top wool advocate bales out
The conversion of productive farmland into trees has pretty much annihilated the wool industry.
TO MOST New Zealanders, wool carpet feels better than synthetic, a survey by Colmar Brunton on behalf of carpet maker Cavalier Bremworth, has found.
Shoppers aged 35 and over handled and walked barefoot across a wool and synthetic carpets that were the same colour, pile height and construction.
“More than two thirds chose the wool over the synthetic version,” says Cavalier Bremworth marketing manager Desiree Keown.
“Three quarters of them said the wool carpet was softer and 61% said it was denser, despite being the same weight as the synthetic option. Other comments favouring wool said it had ‘better bounce’, was more natural and less itchy.
“By contrast, the synthetic carpets were variously described as gritty, hard, thin, slimy and smelling of chemicals.”
Keown says the survey shows Kiwis prefer natural, sustainable materials over artificial textiles.
“Our national psyche is all about being real and genuine so the results are not a great shock. They fit in with our Pure New Zealand image and will be music to the ears of the nation’s sheep farmers, who produce the best quality wool in the world.”
Keown says wool carpets are not only soft, comfortable and natural; they’re fire resistant, easy-to-clean and very durable, looking better for longer.
State farmer Pāmu (Landcorp) has announced a new equity partnership in an effort to support pathways to farm ownership for livestock farm operators.
Following a recent overweight incursion that saw a Mid-Canterbury contractor cop a $12,150 fine, the rural contracting industry is calling time on what they consider to be outdated and unworkable regulations regarding weight and dimensions that they say are impeding their businesses.
Trade Minister Todd McClay says his officials plan to meet their US counterparts every month from now on to better understand how the 15% tariff issue there will play out, and try and get some certainty there for our exporters about the future.
A landmark New Zealand trial has confirmed what many farmers have long suspected - that strategic spring nitrogen use not only boosts pasture growth but delivers measurable gains in lamb growth and ewe condition.
It was recently announced that former MP and Southland farmer Eric Roy has stepped down of New Zealand Pork after seven years. Leo Argent talks with Eric about his time at the organisation and what the future may hold.