Top wool advocate bales out
The conversion of productive farmland into trees has pretty much annihilated the wool industry.
THE 6000 BALES of North Island wool on offer this week saw a 91% clearance, New Zealand Wool Services International Ltd's general manager, John Dawson reports.
Most wool types saw lower prices than at the previous South Island sale held on November 7. The weighted indicator for the main trading currencies moved only slightly in the week.
Fine crossbred fleece 33 to 35 micron was up to 5% cheaper. Crossbred full-fleece 37 micron and coarser saw a 5% decline. Finer crossbred early shorn and second shear types 32 to 35 micron were generally 2.5 to 5% cheaper. Combing oddments were 5% cheaper, while carding oddment types were par to 2.5% cheaper.
The principal buyers were China and Australasian carpet mills, supported by Western Europe.
The next sale on November 21 comprises 5890 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…