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.
Potatoes New Zealand has congratulated Peter Reynolds of TA Reynolds Ltd in Pukekohe on being awarded the Horticulture New Zealand Bledisloe Cup, recognising a lifetime of service and contribution to New Zealand horticulture.
Signing up to a benchmarking tool is not about competition, but about improving collectively, says Ximena Puig and Alvaro Luzardo who are 50-50 sharemilkers at a 164-hectare (effective) dairy farm in Eketāhuna in the Lower North Island.
A leading British farming politician says he's impressed with the positive attitude of New Zealand farmers that he met during his recent trip here.
OPINION: With 10,500 dairy farms, New Zealand continues to punch above its weight around the world.
The Southern Dairy Hub (SDH), which runs a demonstration farm for South Island farmers, has a new general manager.
Esther Guy-Meakin has been announced as the new chief executive of the New Zealand Meat Board (NZMB).

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