Top wool advocate bales out
The conversion of productive farmland into trees has pretty much annihilated the wool industry.
The North Island wool auction this week remained mostly firm except for the higher volume of shorter shears, which eased, compared to last week.
New Zealand Wool Services International Limited's marketing executive, Paul Steel reports that the weighted indicator for the main trading currencies eased slightly by 0.4% compared to the last sale on 7th May.
Of the 5,500 bales on offer, 98% sold.
Steel says that continued requirement for China saw the Fine Crossbred Shears range from firm to 2.5% dearer. Coarse Crossbred Full Fleece were firm to 2% stronger.
Longer Coarse Shears were 1 to 2.5% firmer with shorter shears, which made up over 50% of the offering, ranging from firm to 2% cheaper.
Long First Lambs fleece remained steady with shorter lamb's wool 1.5 to 2% easier.
Good colour short oddments were 1% cheaper with poor styles firm to 5% lower.
China dominated the auction, supported by Australasia, India, Western Europe and the Middle East.
The next sale on 21st May in the South Island is for approximately 10,000 bales, 4,000 bales above roster. The small volume of previous passed in wools held back by growers is coming forward for sale, attracted by recent improved local price levels.
Environment Canterbury, alongside industry partners and a group of farmers, is encouraging farmers to consider composting as an environmentally friendly alternative to offal pits.
A New Zealand dairy industry leader believes the free trade deal announced with India delivers wins for the sector.
The Coalition Government will need the support of at least one opposition party to ratify the free trade deal with India.
Primary sector leaders have welcomed the announcement of a Free Trade Agreement between India and New Zealand.
At Pāmu’s Kepler Farm in Manapouri, mating has wrapped up at the across-breed Beef Progeny Test.
More than 150 people turned up at Parliament recently to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ).

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