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WOOL PRICES at yesterday’s (December 15) auction were 2-4% down on last week’s sale, which also saw a drop of about 4% overall.
Wool Services International says this week’s slide was despite the weighted indicator for the main trading currencies being nearly 3% lower, this potential positive factor being “overruled” by current poor market conditions.
WSI marketing executive, Paul Steel, says that apart from Merino wools which had a mixed day with some categories easing slightly and others increasing marginally, the balance of the offering was cheaper, with a 70% clearance.
Mid Micron fleece, which was last offered at the December 1 sale, was 1-4% softer.
Fine crossbred, compared to last week’s sale, was 1.5-2% easier with the longer shears 2-3% weaker. The 2 to 4 inch shears eased between 3% and 5% but shorter types generally only 1% down.
Coarse crossbred fleece and shears, good and average style, were generally 2% easier with the poorer types 4-6% weaker. Long oddments were 5-7% down with the short types 3-5% cheaper.
While prices achieved were down, there was widespread competition at the auction, says WSI, with China and Australasia principals supported by United Kingdom and Europe.
The next sale is December 21 comprising about 9,950 bales from the North Island and 6,450 bales from the South Island.
New Zealand's 2026-27 freshwater fishing season has opened, with anglers encouraged to head to rivers and lakes over the coming days as conditions look favourable across much of the country.
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.

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