Editorial: Making wool great again
OPINION: Otago farmer and NZ First MP Mark Patterson is humble about the role that he’s played in mandating government agencies to use wool wherever possible in new and refurbished buildings.
John Dawson, CEO of NZWSI, reports that the South Island sale this week saw a strong market with steady support.
Of the 9,250 bales on offer, 84.4% sold.
The weighted indicator for the main trading currencies was down 0.72% compared to the last sale on 17th September, helping hold up local price levels.
Dawson advises that in line with other Merino-growing markets, local prices for Merino Fleece 18 to 23.5 microns saw a slight easing. Compared to the last sale on 10th September, prices were 2 to 6% cheaper.
Mid Micron from 24 to 28.5 microns were firm to 1.5% cheaper. Compared to the sale of 17th September, Fine Crossbred Full Fleece were 2.5% firmer and shear types 2 to 4% dearer, with the very short types under the most pressure.
Coarse Fleece were up to 2% firmer with Coarse shears firm to 2% dearer.
Oddments were firm to 2% stronger.
There is still competition with China continuing to dominate, supported by Western Europe, Middle East, Australasia, and very limited activity from India and the United Kingdom.
The next sale on 1st October comprises approximately 6,000 bales from the North Island.
A Māori-owned agribusiness helping to turn a long-standing animal welfare and waste issue into a high-value protein stream for the dairy and red meat sectors wants more industry support.
Only this season’s $10/kgMS bumper payout has saved some dairy farms along the Taranaki coast from absolute disaster due to the present drought – dubbed as one of the worst ever for some.
A survey of contract milkers in the dairy sector has revealed some shocking statistics - 43% of respondents reported abusive behaviour from a farm owner and a whopping 72% suffered a mental and/or financial setback in the role.
The 2025 game bird season is underway with Hawke’s Bay and Southland reporting the ideal weather conditions for hunters – rain and wind.
A group of meat processing companies, directors and managers have been fined a total of $1.6 million for deliberately and illegally altering exported tallow for profit.
New Zealand’s top cheeses for 2025 have been announced and family-owned, Oamaru-based Whitestone Cheese is the big winner.
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