Top wool advocate bales out
The conversion of productive farmland into trees has pretty much annihilated the wool industry.
There is still steady demand and a general underlying strength to the wool market, says John Dawson, general manager, New Zealand Wool Services International Ltd.
Although the South Island sale saw several categories at slightly lower price levels than last week's North Island sale, of the 10,362 bales offered this week, which was considerably more than anticipated, 75% sold. The passed-in wools were predominantly lots with inflated grower reserves.
The weighted indicator for the main trading currencies was unchanged compared to the last sale on November 1.
Dawson says merino fleece were firm to 4% cheaper. Mid micron fleece finer than 26 micron were firm to 3.5% dearer, 26.5 to 30 micron were up to 4% cheaper with 30.5 to 31.5 microns up to 6% dearer. Fine crossbred fleece generally remained firm. Longer fine crossbred shears were 1.5 to 4.5% dearer with shorter types firm. Coarse crossbred fleece were generally buyers favour. Longer coarse shears were up to 1.5% easier with shorter types 1 to 3% cheaper. Oddments were 7% stronger.
Good competition with China, India and Western Europe principals was supported by Middle East and the United Kingdom.
The next sale on November 15 comprises about 9125 bales from the North Island.
The National Wild Goat Hunting Competition has removed 33,418 wild goats over the past three years.
New Zealand needs a new healthcare model to address rising rates of obesity in rural communities, with the current system leaving many patients unable to access effective treatment or long-term support, warn GPs.
Southland farmers are being urged to put safety first, following a spike in tip offs about risky handling of wind-damaged trees
Third-generation Ashburton dairy farmers TJ and Mark Stewart are no strangers to adapting and evolving.
When American retail giant Cosco came to audit Open Country Dairy’s new butter plant at the Waharoa site and give the green light to supply their American stores, they allowed themselves a week for the exercise.
Fonterra chair Peter McBride says the divestment of Mainland Group is their last significant asset sale and signals the end of structural changes.

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