Top wool advocate bales out
The conversion of productive farmland into trees has pretty much annihilated the wool industry.
A slightly weaker NZ dollar, restricted wool supply and recent dearer wool markets in other countries aided the lift for most types at this weeks' South Island auction, says WSI's marketing executive, Paul Steel.
Of the 8,340 bales on offer, 83% sold. The weighted currency indicator was 0.46%t down on last sale of May 2 but started the day below this level, strengthening as the sale progressed.
Steel advises although Mid Micron Fleece was up to 4% dearer compared to a nominal offering at the last South Island sale the indicator is down significantly due to consistently weakening prices for these types in other markets over previous weeks.
Fine Crossbred Fleece and Shears 3 to 4 inches and longer were 3 to 5% dearer with shorter types making a significant recovery of 5 to 8% after last weeks' weakness in this area.
Coarse Crossbred Fleece and Shears were 2.5 to 5.5% stronger.
Finer First Lambs and longer Coarse Lambs Fleece were 2% dearer with Coarser Short Lambs 2 percent easier.
Long Oddments remained fully firm with Short Oddments 3 to 6% dearer.
Well spread competition with China, Western Europe and United Kingdom principals supported by India, Middle East and Australasia.
The rostered North Island sale on May 16 has been cancelled due to insufficient wool. The next sale is in the South Island on May 23 comprising about 7,300 bales.
Fonterra Edendale has been recognised with the Mars Dairy Supplier Quality Award for the top performing supplier sites in the global food company's dairy supply chain.
Sheep milk processor Maui Milk has achieved grass-fed certification of milk supply against the AsureQuality Grass-Fed Scheme.
OPINION: What goes up must come down. So, global dairy prices retreating from lofty heights in recent months wouldn’t come as a surprise to many farmers.
Fonterra directors and councillors are in for a pay rise next month.
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.

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