Lanaco and Blueair Launch World-First NZ Wool Air Filter
New Zealand wool is reaching new heights as air filtration companies move away from synthetic products to biodegradable alternatives.
The 7800 bales of North Island wool on offer this week saw a 92% clearance with a firm market for the finer crossbred wools and lower levels for the coarser sector, NZ Wool Services International Ltd's marketing executive Paul Steel says.
The weighted indicator for the main trading currencies was 1.63% stronger than the last sale on December 6 which accounted for the lower levels, however in foreign currency terms the market was generally very firm.
Continued demand for quick shipment from the Chinese market kept the finer types under steady pressure, with the seasonally higher volumes of coarser types due on the market and stronger currency combining to impact on this sector.
Steel advises fine crossbred fleece and longer shears were firm with shorter types 1% to 2% easier. Full length coarse crossbred fleece was firm to 1.5% softer.
Coarse Shears were generally 1 to 2.5% cheaper with the shorter end affected the most.
Long oddments came under solid demand, lifting up to 4%. The shorter types ranged from 1.5 to 4% cheaper.
China was the principal, supported by India, Western Europe, United Kingdom and Australasia.
The next sale on Wednesday, December 19 comprises about 8200 bales from the North Island and 9800 bales from the South Island.
Central Otago District Council (CODC) has voted against a plan to spread treated sewage sludge from Cromwell and Alexandra on farmland near Lauder, a decision Federated Farmers says reflects strong opposition from rural residents.
Pāmu has released its FY26 Integrated Annual Report, reporting a Net Operating Profit of $113 million, more than double the $49 million recorded in FY25.
Meat Industry Association data, released alongside the Red Meat Sector conference in Wellington, shows export value climbing across the US, China, UK and Canada.
Applications are set to open for the 2027 Zanda McDonald Award, a trans-Tasman award recognised for identifying and fast-tracking talented young leaders in agriculture and agribusiness.
The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (the College) and Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network are calling for investment in a proposed new training pathway for rural GPs, warning that many rural practices are struggling to recruit while a large share of the existing workforce nears retirement.
Synlait has swung to second-half profit as operations stabilise, but the dairy processor still posted a $75.4m annual loss.

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