increase font size
Targeted types such as some first lambs fleece and oddments resisted a generally weaker market last week, says New Zealand Wool Services International Ltd's general manager, John Dawson.
Of the 13,230 bales eventually offered as growers continue to resist selling at these lower levels, 67% sold, which is a better result than the past two auctions.
The weighted indicator for the main trading currencies was down 0.6% compared to the last sale on April 19 having minimal impact on prices.
Dawson advises that fine crossbred wools eased up to 3%.
Good colour coarse fleece was 1% softer with poorer styles 2 to 3.5% cheaper. Long coarse shears were 1 to 2% easier with the shorter types 2 to 3.5% down.
First lambs were firm to 2% weaker. Second lambs and long oddments, which are generally better processing wools than comparative North Island types were 8 to 12% stronger.
Good style short oddments were firm with the poorer styles 7 to 12% dearer.
Limited competition with China and Western Europe continuing to dominate, supported by India, Middle East and Australasia.
Next sale on May 3 comprises approximately 7500 bales of North Island wools.
While wool returns continue in the doldrums, smart sheep farmers are looking for alternatives for a product that currently cost more to get off a sheep's back than it's worth. One such initiative is run by husband and wife team Hayden and Anastasia Tristram who farm at Wanstead in the Central Hawke's Bay. Mark Daniel reports.
New research has provided insight into the functional potential of wool-derived protein, with an initial trial revealing it can influence how the body responds to insulin.
South Canterbury farmer Angela Blair has delivered a petition to Parliament calling on the Government to reverse its decision to fit rural schools with synthetic carpet.
Thousands of students could benefit from a new initiative designed to simplify schools’ access to New Zealand wool carpets for their classrooms.
Wool carpet maker Bremworth's Napier plant remains offline following Cyclone Gabrielle in February, with the future of 136 workers still up in the air.
Fonterra has cemented its position as the country’s number one cheesemaker by picking up nine NZ Champion of Cheese trophies this year.
New Zealand dairy processors are welcoming the Government’s commitment to continuing to push for Canada to honour its trade commitments.
An educational programme, set up by Beef + Land New Zealand, to connect farmers virtually with primary and intermediate school students has reported the successful completion of its second year.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has welcomed a resolution adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to declare 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Waikato herd health veterinarian Katrina Roberts is the 2024 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.
OPINION: The new government has clearly signalled big cuts across the public service.
OPINION: Your canine crusader is not surprised by the recent news that New Zealand plant-based ‘fake meat’ business is in…
