Firmer prices for better wools
The 5100 bales of South Island wools on offer this week through the Wool Services International auction saw strong competition and a 90.5% clearance.
ALMOST ALL wool types increased in value this week at the combined wool auction, Wool Services International reports.
A stronger New Zealand dollar, limited wool availability and renewed client interest contributed, says WSI marketing executive, Paul Steel reports.
Of the 18,100 bales on offer, 93% sold. Compared to the last sale on January 9, the weighted indicator for the main currencies increased by 0.81%.
Compared to last time sold on December 19, mid micron fleece 27 to 28.5 microns were slightly easier by 1 to 2.5% with 29 to 31 microns 2 to 4.5% stronger.
Compared to the January 9 sale, fine crossbred fleece and shears 31.5 to 35 microns ranged from 1 to 5% dearer.
Coarse crossbred fleece 36 micron and coarser were 1 to 5% dearer with the average styles increasing the most.
Coarse second shears were 1 to 3% firmer. First lambs 27 to 31 microns were firm to 7% dearer with the finer types increasing the most.
Combing oddments eased by 2 to 4 percent with short types slightly easier in the South but up to 3% dearer in the north.
Strong competition with China, Australasia and Western Europe the principals, was supported by India, Middle East and United Kingdom.
The next sale on January 23 comprises about 8,200 bales from the North Island and 6,000 bales from the South Island.
Federated Farmers says it is cautiously welcoming signals from the Government that a major shake-up of local government is on its way.
Ashburton cropping and dairy farmer Matthew Paton has been elected to the board of rural services company, Ruralco.
The global agricultural landscape has entered a new phase where geopolitics – not only traditional market forces – will dictate agricultural trade flows, prices, and production decisions.
National Lamb Day is set to return in 2026 with organisers saying the celebrations will be bigger than ever.
Fonterra has dropped its forecast milk price mid-point by 50c as a surge in global milk production is putting downward pressure on commodity prices.
The chance of a $10-plus milk price for this season appears to be depleting.

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