Top wool advocate bales out
The conversion of productive farmland into trees has pretty much annihilated the wool industry.
The 4700 bales on offer saw a 74% clearance with mixed results, however all prices paid locally are still above last week’s North Island auction levels, NZ Wool Services International chief executive John Dawson reports.
The weighted currency indicator is up 0.91% having a slight negative impact .
Dawson advises the market continues to be dominated by very targeted buying with better style wools still attracting most attention.
Compared to the last similar South Island selection on November 17;
Merino fleece were 3.5 to 12% dearer.
Mid Micron fleece saw varied results with specific brackets targeted, ranging from 2% cheaper to 3.5% dearer.
Fine crossbred fleece were 4% dearer.
Coarse full fleece and shears were 1 to 4% easier, however compared to last week’s North Island sale were 1 to 7.5% dearer.
Oddments were 3 to 12% cheaper in the South, but compared to the north were 7 to 10% dearer.
Competition was limited with China principals supported by Western Europe, Australasia and the Middle East.
The next sale on December 8 comprises about 9200 bales from the North Island.
A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.
Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
The key to a dairy system that generates high profit with a low emissions intensity is using low footprint feed, says Fonterra program manager on-farm excellence, Louise Cook.
Rural retailer Farmlands has reported a return to profitability, something the co-operative says shows clear progress in the second year of its five-year strategy.
According to a new report, the Safer Rides initiative, which offered farmers heavily discounted crush protection devices (CPDs) for quad bikes, has made a significant impact in raising awareness and action around farm vehicle safety.
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