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.
Federated Farmers' new vice president Sandra Faulkner says the issue of adverse events emergency management and infrastructure needs to be taken out of the three-year political cycle.
Building a strong team is one of the biggest drivers of a successful sheep and beef business, but it can also be one of the tougher parts to get right.
Blueberry growers are warning that fresh imports could pose a huge biosecurity risk for NZ’s horticulture sector.
As expected, the US has launched a safeguard investigation into lamb imports, a move that could impact New Zealand sheepmeat returns.
A milk glut around the world shows no sign of easing, putting downward pressure on farmgate milk prices for the next few months.
A pause on Waikato Regional Council's (WRC) plan change that sets new freshwater rules for farming could be announced in the coming weeks.

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