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 Wool auction comprising 15,300 bales saw some variation in price levels between types and selling centres compared to last sale on January 31, however overall the market generally steadied, says New Zealand Wool Services International Ltd's general manager, John Dawson reports.
The weighted indicator for the main trading currencies was unchanged with 87% of the offering sold.
Dawson advises steady enquiry and lower than expected wool flow is helping the market to stabilise.
Mid Micron Fleece 28 and 29 micron were up to 2% firmer with 30 micron 1.5% easier. Fine crossbred fleece were generally firm with the second shear types ranging from firm to 4% stronger.
Coarse crossbred fleece varied between Islands with the South up to 1.5% firmer and the North firm to 2% cheaper.
Overall the coarse shears were firm to slightly dearer. Short first lambs were firm in the North and between 1 and 4% easier in the South. Long coarse oddments were 3 to 5% cheaper with short oddments strongly contested lifting between 6 and 13%.
Competition was limited with China the principal supported by India, Europe, Middle East and the United Kingdom. The next sale on February 14 comprises about 7500 bales from the North Island and 6600 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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