Move over ham, here comes lamb
It’s official, lamb will take centre stage on Kiwi Christmas tables this year.
The North Island auction received mixed support with the stronger NZ dollar having a limited impact in some areas.
New Zealand Wool Services International's chief executive John Dawson says the North Island auction received mixed support with the stronger NZ dollar having a limited impact in some areas.
Of the 6,500 bales on offer 97.5% sold.
The weighted indicator for the main trading currencies was up 1.35% compared to the last sale on 19th November, accounting for a corresponding local market reduction in some sectors.
Dawson advises that the finer end of the Fine Crossbred Fleece were up to 1.5% dearer with the stronger end buyer's favour.
Fine Crossbred Shears 3 to 5 and 3 to 4 inches were firm to 2.5% cheaper with the shorter lengths firm to 2% dearer.
Coarse Crossbred Full Fleece were 1.5% cheaper with Coarse Shears firm to 2% dearer.
Long Oddments remained firm with shorter oddments 3 to 7% cheaper.
Lambs Fleece were nominally unchanged.
Well spread competition with China and Australasia principals supported by Western Europe, Middle East, India and the United Kingdom.
Next sale on 3 December will comprise of approximately 5,000 bales from the South Island with the North Island sale cancelled due to weather affecting shearing.
Despite some trying circumstances recently, the cherry season looks set to emerge on top of things.
Changed logos on shirts otherwise it will be business as usual when Fonterra’s consumer and related businesses are expected to change hands next month.
Reflecting on the past year, Horticulture New Zealand chief executive Kate Scott says there has been a lot to celebrate.
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Director General Ray Smith is giving a big shout-out to the horticulture sector, especially kiwifruit.
Early forecasts for New Zealand's apples and pears point to a standout season marked by exceptional fruit quality and high pack-out rates.
Tickets are now available for Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s (B+LNZ) Out the Gate, returning from 19-21 May 2026 at Te Pae, Christchurch.

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