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.
Westpac NZ has announced new initiatives that aim to give customers more options to do their banking in person.
New Zealand red meat exports experienced a 29% increase year-on-year in September, according to the Meat Industry Association (MIA).
The head of the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) biosecurity operation, Stuart Anderson, has defended the cost and the need for a Plant Healht and Environment Laboratory (PHEL) being built in Auckland.
BNZ says its new initiative, helping make the first step to farm ownership or sharemilking a little easier, is being well received by customers and rural professionals.
The head of Fonterra's R&D facility in Palmerston North is set to literally cross the road and become the new vice chancellor at Massey University.
Allan Freeth, chief executive of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has announced he is resigning.

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