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 Limited's CEO John Dawson reports that targeted buying saw some types well supported at the North Island auction.
Others either held steady or eased slightly.
Of the 5,000 bales on offer 88% sold. The weaker New Zealand dollar against most of the traded currencies saw the weighted indicator come down 0.80% compared to the last sale on 21st April.
According to Dawson, fine Crossbred Shears were firm to 2% easier. Coarse Crossbred Fleece were firm to 1.5% cheaper. Coarse Crossbred Shears were well supported, ranging from firm to 3% dearer with good styles sought after.
Shorter First Lambs were 1 to 3% easier with long Lambs firm to 4% dearer.
Long Oddments were firm to 1% cheaper with short oddments 2 to 5% dearer.
Next sale on 5th May comprises approximately 4,700 bales from the South Island.
Farmer-owned co-operative Ravensdown is winding down the operations of its agritech subsidiary C-Dax following a long decline in sales.
The recent East Coast Farming Expo, held over two days at Wairoa, offered an insight into the current state of agriculture on the east of the North Island, at a time when the locals are remembering the second anniversary of Cyclone Gabrielle.
A Research programme supported by Beef+Lamb NZ is investigating the potential of ‘accelerometer’ sensors for early detection of conditions such as facial eczema (FE) in sheep.
In the past year, the Farmer Time for Schools programme which seeks to connect New Zealand school students with farmers, has experienced further growth.
Fresh Carriers Co. Ltd (FCC) and Zespri have completed the first ever kiwifruit charter powered by a low-emissions fuel.
New Zealand lingerie brand Rose & Thorne is expanding its virtual bra fitting service in an effort to provide rural women in with better access to specialised advice.
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