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.
Legal controls on the movement of fruits and vegetables are now in place in Auckland’s Mt Roskill suburb, says Biosecurity New Zealand Commissioner North Mike Inglis.
Arable growers worried that some weeds in their crops may have developed herbicide resistance can now get the suspected plants tested for free.
Fruit growers and exporters are worried following the discovery of a male Queensland fruit fly in Auckland this week.
Dairy prices have jumped in the overnight Global Dairy Trade (GDT) auction, breaking a five-month negative streak.
Alliance Group chief executive Willie Wiese is leaving the company after three years in the role.
A booklet produced in 2025 by the Rotoiti 15 trust, Department of Conservation and Scion – now part of the Bioeconomy Science Institute – aims to help people identify insect pests and diseases.

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