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.
New Zealand farming is riding a high, with strong prices, full feed covers and improving confidence lining up at the same time.
Manawatu Mayor Michael Ford says the district sees itself as the agribusiness capital of the lower North Island.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is looking forward to connecting with farmers, rural professionals and community members at this year's Central District Field Days.
Labour Party Leader Chris Hipkins has announced a reshuffle of the party's caucus portfolios.
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says a series of rural resilienced set to be rolled out next week will help farmers and growers better prepared for adverse weather events.
The head of Massey University's School of Agriculture and the Environment, Professor Paul Kenyon, says the outlook for the primary sector is positive with record numbers of students enrolling for Massey's range of undergraduate courses in the primary sector.

OPINION: Election years are usually regarded as the silly season, but a mate of the Hound reckons 2026 is shaping…
OPINION: If farmers poured just a few litres of some pollutant into a stream, the Green Party and the wider…