Wool pellets to boost gardens
With wool prices steadily declining and shearing costs on the rise, a Waikato couple began looking for a solution for wool from their 80ha farm.
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.
Among the regular exhibitors at last month’s South Island Agricultural Field Days, the one that arguably takes the most intensive preparation every time is the PGG Wrightson Seeds site.
Two high producing Canterbury dairy farmers are moving to blended stockfeed supplements fed in-shed for a number of reasons, not the least of which is to boost protein levels, which they can’t achieve through pasture under the region’s nitrogen limit of 190kg/ha.
Buoyed by strong forecasts for milk prices and a renewed demand for dairy assets, the South Island rural real estate market has begun the year with positive momentum, according to Colliers.
The six young cattle breeders participating in the inaugural Holstein Friesian NZ young breeder development programme have completed their first event of the year.
New Zealand feed producers are being encouraged to boost staff training to maintain efficiency and product quality.
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