Top wool advocate bales out
The conversion of productive farmland into trees has pretty much annihilated the wool industry.
The 7000 bales of South Island wools on offer this week saw a slightly easier market overall with an 82% clearance, reports NZ Wool Services International Ltd's general manager, John Dawson.
The weighted indicator for the main trading currencies lifted 0.21% to the downward pressure on local prices.
Dawson reports the northern European summer break and continuing pressure on China's internal economic situation is limiting the market at present as exporters cover for immediate shipment commitments only.
The fine and coarse end of the mid micron wools were firm to 2.5% dearer, with only the 26.5 to 27.5 types 1 to 3.5% cheaper. Fine crossbred full fleece were firm to 3% cheaper with shorter types firm to 2% easier.
Coarse crossbred full fleece and longer shears eased by 1% with the shorter types coming back 2 to 4%. A nominal offering of first lambs were firm to 4% cheaper.
Limited competition was spread mainly between China, Australasia and the Middle East with support from Western Europe, India and the United Kingdom.
The next sale on August 8 comprises about 5400 bales from the South Island.
The Meat Industry Association (MIA) is once again looking for game-changing ideas for New Zealand's red meat processing and exporting sector.
Environment Southland is inviting feedback on two bylaws that play a critical role in safeguarding the region's waterways and ensuring the safety of the local community.
While the North Island is inundated with rain, Southland is facing receding water levels as warm weather and lack of rainfall continues.
Entries have opened for the 2026 Fieldays Innovation Awards.
Organisers are expecting another full field of 40 of the country’s top shearers for the popular Speed Shearing event at this year’s Southern Field Days at Waimumu.
The Southern Field Days Innovation Awards have a great record in picking winners and the winner of the 2024 event will be putting up a display to support the event at this year’s show.

OPINION: Meanwhile, red blooded Northland politician Matua Shane Jones has provided one of the most telling quotes of the year…
OPINION: This old mutt has been around for a few years now and it seems these ‘once in 100-year’ weather…