Top wool advocate bales out
The conversion of productive farmland into trees has pretty much annihilated the wool industry.
The combined North and South Island auction offering of 24,400 bales saw a 91% clearance and a firm to dearer market across the board, NZ Wool Services International Ltd's general manager, John Dawson reports.
The weighted indicator for the main trading currencies was practically unchanged compared to the last sale on February 28, firming by 0.23%.
Dawson advises the fine crossbred fleece was generally slightly dearer with the shear types firm to 2% stronger.
Coarse crossbred fleece were firm to 6% stronger with the average and better style wools lifting the most. The coarse shears were firm to 3% stronger.
First lambs were also firm to 3% dearer. Oddments were 1.5 to 7% stronger with North Island wools gaining the most.
Limited competition with China dominated, supported by Australasia, Western Europe, India, Middle East and United Kingdom.
The next sale on March 14 comprises about 9,500 bales from the South Island.
The Meat Industry Association (MIA) is once again looking for game-changing ideas for New Zealand's red meat processing and exporting sector.
Environment Southland is inviting feedback on two bylaws that play a critical role in safeguarding the region's waterways and ensuring the safety of the local community.
While the North Island is inundated with rain, Southland is facing receding water levels as warm weather and lack of rainfall continues.
Entries have opened for the 2026 Fieldays Innovation Awards.
Organisers are expecting another full field of 40 of the country’s top shearers for the popular Speed Shearing event at this year’s Southern Field Days at Waimumu.
The Southern Field Days Innovation Awards have a great record in picking winners and the winner of the 2024 event will be putting up a display to support the event at this year’s show.

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