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.
A full cross-section of wool types from the 12,800 bales on offer attracted solid interest with 79% selling, reports New Zealand Wool Services International Ltd's general manager, John Dawson.
The weighted indicator for the main trading currencies hardly moved compared to the last sale easing by 0.26%.
Dawson says compared to the last time sold in the South Island on September 27, Merino fleece finer than 19.5 micron were firm to 2.5% dearer with 20 to 24.0 micron 2 to 4% stronger.
Mid micron fleece 25 to 27 micron was 4% stronger and 28 to 31.5 micron 2% dearer.
Compared to the last sale in the North Island on October 4, fine crossbred Fleece were up to 5% dearer. Fine crossbred shears 3/5 to 2/4 inches were 4 to 5% stronger with 2/3 inch wools buyers' favour.
Coarse crossbred fleece were firm to 2% dearer. Coarse crossbred shears 3/5 inches remained firm with 3/4 and 2/4 1.5 to 4% stronger. The 2/3 inch shears were 1% easier.
Crossbred oddments were generally up to 5% stronger.
Well spread competition with China, India and Western Europe principals was supported by United Kingdom, Middle East and Australasia.
The next sale on October 17 comprises about 8660 bales from the North Island.
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Fifty Eight years ago, on the 16th of August 1968, August Claas, the founder of the harvesting company and father of Helmut Claas, personally presented a Claas Senator combine harvester to Scottish farmer John Steven.
New Zealand consumers are paying more for beef mince than ever before, with the average retail price now sitting above $24 per kilogram, according to Rabobank.
State farmer Pamu has delivered its strongest operating result on record.
Four years since it was first detected in New Zealand, researchers and growers now know much more about management of maize pest fall armyworm (FAW).

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