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.
New Zealand Wool Services International CEO John Dawson says the strengthened New Zealand dollar has negatively impacted at this week's South Island sale with most types easing in local terms.
The weighted indicator for the main trading currencies has lifted 2.97 percent compared to the last North Island sale on 1st October and 4.67 percent against the previous South Island sale.
Of the 8,423 bales on offer 75.4 percent sold.
Dawson reports that compared to the South Island sale on 24th September, Merino Fleece 17 to 23.5 microns were 2 to 6 percent cheaper in-line with currency movements and high seasonal volumes.
Mid Micron Fleece 24 to 27 microns were 2 to 4 percent cheaper with 28 to 30.5 microns down 7 to 9 percent.
Compared to the North Island sale on 1st October, Fine Crossbred Full Fleece 31.5 and 32 microns were 3 to 4 percent dearer with 32.5 and 33 microns up to 9.5 percent dearer as limited volumes pressured this segment. Fine Crossbred Second Shears 32 to 35 microns were generally 1.5 to 5 percent cheaper with shorter types under continued pressure.
Coarse Crossbred Fleece were up to 1 percent easier.
Coarse Second Shears were 1.5 to 2.5 percent cheaper.
Short Oddments were down 1.5 to 3.5 percent.
Well spread interest with Western Europe and China dominating the Fine Wool sector with Australasia and China strong on the fine and coarse crossbred wools, supported by Middle East, United Kingdom and India sparingly.
Next sale on 15th October comprises approximately 5,000 bales down 30 percent on anticipated roster volumes.
Among the regular exhibitors at last month’s South Island Agricultural Field Days, the one that arguably takes the most intensive preparation every time is the PGG Wrightson Seeds site.
Two high producing Canterbury dairy farmers are moving to blended stockfeed supplements fed in-shed for a number of reasons, not the least of which is to boost protein levels, which they can’t achieve through pasture under the region’s nitrogen limit of 190kg/ha.
Buoyed by strong forecasts for milk prices and a renewed demand for dairy assets, the South Island rural real estate market has begun the year with positive momentum, according to Colliers.
The six young cattle breeders participating in the inaugural Holstein Friesian NZ young breeder development programme have completed their first event of the year.
New Zealand feed producers are being encouraged to boost staff training to maintain efficiency and product quality.
OPINION: The world is bracing for a trade war between the two biggest economies.