Wool pellets to boost gardens
With wool prices steadily declining and shearing costs on the rise, a Waikato couple began looking for a solution for wool from their 80ha farm.
The ongoing fallout from the Brexit result, continued minimal activity from China and a strong New Zealand dollar have compounded to make significant inroads into local wool values.
New Zealand Wool Services International chief executive John Dawson reports the weighted currency indicator compared to last sale lifted 0.66%, however against the GBP the New Zealand dollar strengthened a further 4.4% making a shift of over 13% since the Brexit announcement.
Market sentiment is bearish as many clients take a cautious approach during this unsettled period.
Of the 7500 bales on offer, only 54% sold as buyers become very selective, only covering immediate requirements.
Dawson advises that compared to last sale on June 30:
• Fine crossbred shears were 7 to 10% cheaper.
• A nominal selection of average style coarse full length fleece were 1 to 2% easier with poor style 9% cheaper.
• Coarse early shorn and second shears which made up 62% of the offering were 5.5 to 10% cheaper, with the shorter wools affected the most.
• Coarse Oddments were 3 to 7% easier.
Activity was restricted with exporters only covering requirements for prompt shipment mainly for Australasia and the Middle East, with limited activity for Western Europe, China and India.
Next sale on July 14 comprises about 5600 bales from the South Island, down on anticipated roster due to poor weather.
Farmer-owned co-operative Ravensdown is winding down the operations of its agritech subsidiary C-Dax following a long decline in sales.
The recent East Coast Farming Expo, held over two days at Wairoa, offered an insight into the current state of agriculture on the east of the North Island, at a time when the locals are remembering the second anniversary of Cyclone Gabrielle.
A Research programme supported by Beef+Lamb NZ is investigating the potential of ‘accelerometer’ sensors for early detection of conditions such as facial eczema (FE) in sheep.
In the past year, the Farmer Time for Schools programme which seeks to connect New Zealand school students with farmers, has experienced further growth.
Fresh Carriers Co. Ltd (FCC) and Zespri have completed the first ever kiwifruit charter powered by a low-emissions fuel.
New Zealand lingerie brand Rose & Thorne is expanding its virtual bra fitting service in an effort to provide rural women in with better access to specialised advice.
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