Strong wool market shows signs of recovery after prolonged slump
The strong wool market has improved in the past six months, despite drops in production over recent years.
OPINION: This old mutt still struggles to understand the absolute disaster that strong wool has become over the past 30 years or so.
He's been around a while now, back when the old Wool Board existed, and seen the many machinations that entity evolved into until it was finally disbanded.
Nothing better illustrates the ongoing, slow death of this once magnificent industry than current prices.
A mate of the Hound's recently received a gross valuation for 38 bales of his crossbred fleece - at an average weight of 181kg each - of just over $6,200, which still had handling fees and other costs to be charged of around 18 cents/kg or around $1,200.
This means he will net around $5,000.
However, the problem is it cost him $16,000 to shear the sheep!
No wonder farmers are turning to self-shedding sheep as we are witnessing the death of crossbred wool sheep farming in this country!
The Commerce Commission has finalised new information disclosure requirements for local councils and water organisations that deliver water supply and wastewater services.
Beef + Lamb NZ (B+LNZ) is calling for significant changes to the Government’s reforms to the Resource Management Act (RMA).
NZPork says the Government needs to strengthen its proposed planning laws to ensure New Zealand's pig farmers can continue to produce pork.
Good news for kiwifruit growers - a record crop with forecast per hectare returns at record levels for all fruit categories for the 2025-26 season.
As guests gathered on what is known as the Speaker's Lawn - a beautifully manicured patch of grass behind the main buildings of Parliament - to mingle and enjoy a lamb chop to celebrate National Lamb Day, the mood was very much upbeat.
Global dairy prices are on a roll, recording a fourth consecutive jump on the Global Dairy Trade (GDT) auction this year.

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