Low orders, strong dollar soften wool market
The strong dollar, restricted off-shore interest and high volumes of one wool category on offer this week saw local prices ease.
The rapid rise in the New Zealand dollar just prior to auction saw a lowering of local wool prices in many areas says New Zealand Wool Services International (NZWSI).
Marketing executive, Paul Steel says that of the 18,200 bales on offer 88.4% sold.
The weighted indicator for the main trading currencies was up 1.78% compared to the last sale on 12th March.
Steel says that Fine Crossbred Fleece and Shears ranged from firm to 5% dearer.
Coarse Crossbred Full Fleece were generally firm. Coarse Shears were firm to 2% cheaper.
First Lambs were firm to 1.5% cheaper overall.
Long Oddments were 2 to 7% easier with short types firm to 3% down.
There remains strong interest from China and Australasia with support from the Middle East, Western Europe, India, and the United Kingdom.
Next sale on 26th March comprises approximately 9,500 bales from the South Island.
Zespri's sales of kiwifruit for the 2025 season have broken all past records.
Trainee orchard manager Luke St John has won the Central Otago 2026 Young Grower regional title.
James Blair, an agronomist for AS Wilcox, has won the 2026 Pukekohe Young Grower regional title.
Fifty-eight selected individuals, companies, and start-ups will exhibit their ideas and cutting-edge solutions at the 2026 Fieldays Innovation Awards, with Amazon Web Services (AWS), who joins the programme in 2026 as overall sponsor.
A rare piece of New Zealand adventure history will be on display at this year’s Fieldays, with a pair of socks worn by the late Sir Edmund Hillary to take pride of place at the Norsewear site this June.
This month's National Fieldays will again display a strong international flavour, with more exhibitors and overseas delegations in attendance.

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