Top wool advocate bales out
The conversion of productive farmland into trees has pretty much annihilated the wool industry.
This week's North Island offering comprising 9,600 bales saw most sectors ease again except the finer lambs fleece, NZ Wool Services International Ltd's general manager, John Dawson says.
There was a 55% clearance with many farmers again refusing to sell at these lower levels.
The weighted indicator for the main trading currencies was down only 0.29% with limited market activity and high client stock levels again being the main market influencers.
Dawson advises Fine Crossbred Shears as well as the Coarse Fleece and Shears softened 3 to 5%.
Lambs Fleece 30 micron and finer went against the trend remaining firm to 3% stronger, however the Coarser types were firm to 1%easier. Second Lambs eased 2 to 3%.
Short Oddments also eased 2 to 3%.
There was restricted competition with China and Western Europe principals and limited support elsewhere.
Next sale on Friday, April 27 (due to the mid-week National holiday) comprises approximately 14,000 bales from the South Island.
One of Fonterra's largest milk suppliers says Fonterra's board and management have got what they wanted - a great turnout and a positive signal from shareholders on the sale of its co-operative's consumer and related business.
Wool farmers are hoping that efforts by two leading companies to develop a more efficient supply chain would eventually boost farmgate returns.
Acclaimed fruit grower Dean Astill never imagined he would have achieved so much in the years since being named the first Young Horticulturist of the Year, 20 years ago.
The Ashburton-based Carrfields Group continues to show commitment to future growth and in the agricultural sector with its latest investment, the recently acquired 'Spring Farm' adjacent to State Highway 1, Winslow, just south of Ashburton.
New Zealand First leader and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has blasted Fonterra farmers shareholders for approving the sale of iconic brands to a French company.
A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.

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