WE SHOULD give thanks for those fearless souls who still believe they can save the strong-wool industry. As those who have gone before have found, the path to this salvation can be unforgiving.

A KEY Australian agricultural executive has warned if the Trans Pacific Partnership negotiations get bogged down in complications, they will advise their Government not to bother.

A KEY Australian agricultural executive has warned if the Trans Pacific Partnership negotiations get bogged down in complications, they will advise their Government not to bother.

The 7800 bales of North Island wool on offer this week saw a 92% clearance with a firm market for the finer crossbred wools and lower levels for the coarser sector, NZ Wool Services International Ltd's marketing executive Paul Steel says.

The combined North and South Island sale comprising 14,100 bales saw a 91.2% clearance with an overall firm market tone, says NZ Wool Services International Ltd's general manager, John Dawson.

GLOBAL DAIRY commodity prices continue to rise and fundamentals are supporting a firmer tone across dairy markets as global supply diminishes.

Fonterra Chairman elect John Wilson says the launch of TAF and opening of the new Darfield site symbolises the strong future for the 100% farmer controlled and owned cooperative.

Fonterra is investing $500 million at its Darfield site to meet growing milk production in Canterbury.

When Fonterra shareholder Philip van der Bijl stepped up to ring the market bell on the stroke of midday today it marked the start of live share trading among farmers, and a new era of opportunity for New Zealanders to join the Fonterra success story.

Prime Minister John Key has opened Fonterra's new $200 million Darfield site in Christchurch.