Top wool advocate bales out
The conversion of productive farmland into trees has pretty much annihilated the wool industry.
THE 12,500 BALES of North Island wool on offer this week generally lifted to come into line with South Island levels. There was a 93% clearance rate, says New Zealand Wool Services International Ltd's general manager, John Dawson, says.
Compared to the last sale on December 19 the currency indicator firmed by 0.45% having minimal impact on the market.
Dawson advises the first sale after the Christmas break was well supported assisted by the cancellation of the rostered South Island sale and limited anticipated volumes available next week.
Fine crossbred fleece and shears of good and poor colour were firm to 1% dearer with average styles lifting 5%. Coarse crossbred fleece of good and poor colour were up 2 to 3% with average styles 5% stronger.
Coarse shears were generally 1 to 2% firmer except average style 3 to 5 inches and better style 3 to 4 inches 5 to 7% dearer. Short first lambs fleece remained firm. Long oddments were 1% firmer with short oddments firm to 4% easier.
There was limited competition with China and Australasia dominating, supported by Western Europe, Middle East and India.
The next sale on January 16 comprises about 10,300 bales from the North Island and 7600 bales from the South Island.
According to ASB, Fonterra's plan to sell it's Anchor and Mainlands brands could inject $4.5 billion in additional spending into the economy.
New Zealand’s trade with the European Union has jumped $2 billion since a free trade deal entered into force in May last year.
The climate of uncertainty and market fragmentation that currently characterises the global economy suggests that many of the European agricultural machinery manufacturers will be looking for new markets.
Dignitaries from all walks of life – the governor general, politicians past and present, Maoridom- including the Maori Queen, church leaders, the primary sector and family and friends packed Our Lady of Kapiti’s Catholic church in Paraparaumu on Thursday October 23 to pay tribute to former prime Minister, Jim Bolger who died last week.
Agriculture and Forestry Minister, Todd McClay is encouraging farmers, growers, and foresters not to take unnecessary risks, asking that they heed weather warnings today.
With nearly two million underutilised dairy calves born annually and the beef price outlook strong, New Zealand’s opportunity to build a scalable dairy-beef system is now.

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