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.
Prices were generally lower for most categories when 19,700 bales went offer from this week's combined North and South Island auction which saw an 80% clearance, NZ Wool Services International Ltd's general manager, John Dawson reports.
The weighted indicator for the main trading currencies weakened 0.96% compared to the last sale on January 24 however this favourable factor had limited impact on local prices.
Dawson advises that mid micron fleece were firm to 4% cheaper. Fine crossbred fleece and longer shears 32 to 35 micron were generally 2 to 4% cheaper with the shorter types 1.5 to 3.5% easier.
Coarse crossbred fleece were 2.5 to 6% weaker with the coarser, poorer styles affected the most.
Coarse shears were generally 2 to 6% cheaper except a small offering of the shorter types in the South Island which were between firm and 4.5% stronger.
First lambs were 2 to 4% cheaper. Longer coarse oddments were generally unchanged overall with the shorter types generally 3 to 5% easier.
Overall it was a mixed market with targeted buying between types and selling centres with local shipping requirements playing a major role. Chinese buying will slow now as businesses start closing for the Chinese New Year celebration.
In this latest sale there was limited competition with China the principal, supported by Australasia, Middle East, India, Western Europe and the United Kingdom. The next sale is on February 8 comprises about 8100 bales from the North Island and 6200 bales from the South Island.
Mobile phone coverage and reliability are deteriorating in rural areas, and farming families are bearing the cost, according to a Federated Farmers survey.
HelloFresh New Zealand has launched a limited-edition Country Cookout Box of Southern-inspired meals, arriving as the 2026/27 rodeo season gets underway.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand Incorporated (BLNZ Inc) is marking 40 years of promoting red meat to New Zealand consumers, citing its taste, family meals and nutritional benefits.
Pāmu has welcomed Taranaki student Paige Burston as its newest First Foundation Scholar, supporting her journey towards a career in agriculture and animal science.
Farmer-owned fertiliser company, Ballance Agri Nutrients is welcoming National’s plan to negotiate security agreements with key supplier countries to protect New Zealand-bound products from export restrictions and greater supply chain certainty.
Carrfields has announced the appointment of Stu Hall to the newly created role of chief operating officer, Carrfields Ltd, reflecting the continued growth of their agribusinesses and the need to ensure the company has the leadership capacity and support in place as it pursues the emerging opportunities ahead.

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