Editorial: Wool's Back in the Black
OPINION: Confidence in the wool sector is rebounding as prices hit levels not seen in more than 15 years.
THE NORTH Island wool auction generally remained firm to only slightly easier despite local and overseas expectations of a much weaker market.
New Zealand Wool Services International Ltd's general manager, John Dawson, says the resurgent New Zealand dollar accounted for most of the local market slight weakness in some sectors, however in overseas terms most prices are unchanged or slightly dearer.
Of the 9,879 bales on offer 87% sold. The weighted currency indicator lifted by 0.59% compared to the last sale on June 26.
Dawson says fine crossbred fleece and shears were firm to 1% easier. Coarse crossbred good colour fleece was up to 1% dearer. Coarse shears were firm to 1.5% easier. End of season lambs fleece were nominally firm to 1% softer. Short oddments ranged from firm to 4% easier.
Interest was well spread with China, India, Australasia, Western Europe the principals, supported by Middle East and the United Kingdom.
The next sale on July 17 comprises about 10,060 bales from the South Island.
OPINION: As the general election approaches, political parties are churning out policies in the hope of attracting more votes.
An LIC bull, Tronnoco AR Sadio-ET S3F, bred by Tony and Keri O'Connor of Tronnoco Farming Co Ltd near Timaru, has won the 2026 Mahoe Trophy.
With forecasters advising El Niño conditions will develop through winter and strengthen into spring and summer, Ballance Agri-Nutrients is encouraging farmers and growers to think ahead about nutrient planning and be prepared to work around challenging weather conditions.
In the past, much has been made of the concept of farm to fork, but an Australian expert in food science and marketing with experience in the dairy industry, Dr Angeline Achariya, says the reverse of this slogan is critical to win modern day consumers.
Efficiency is the big one because it tracks back into what is done on farm.
A four year trial has reaffirmed that mixing plantain into dairy pastures can help reduce nitrogen losses to freshwater while maintaining milk production and profitability, say researchers.

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