Top wool advocate bales out
The conversion of productive farmland into trees has pretty much annihilated the wool industry.
New Zealand Wool Services International marketing executive, Malcolm Ching reports that the 15,000 bales on offer from both centres this week saw a slight easing for most types.
Higher volumes than anticipated, a stronger New Zealand dollar and sluggish overseas interest over the past weeks added to the softer tone.
Despite the easier market, 93% sold. The weighted currency indicator lifted 0.83%.
Ching advises that compared to the December 3 sale, Mid Micron Fleece were 2.5 to 4% cheaper.
Compared to the North Island sale of December 10, Fine Crossbred Fleece and Shears were generally 1 to 3% cheaper however some specific types resisted this trend.
Coarse Crossbred good colour fleece remained firm with average and poor styles 1 to 2% easier.
Crossbred Shears were firm to 2% cheaper with good support for the better style shorter wools.
First Lambs eased 1.5 to 3%. Oddments received varied support, ranging from firm to 6% cheaper.
There was good competition with China, Australasia and Western Europe principals supported by Middle East, United Kingdom and India.
The next sale is on January 7, 2016 comprising about 13,000 bales from the North Island.
Environment Canterbury, alongside industry partners and a group of farmers, is encouraging farmers to consider composting as an environmentally friendly alternative to offal pits.
A New Zealand dairy industry leader believes the free trade deal announced with India delivers wins for the sector.
The Coalition Government will need the support of at least one opposition party to ratify the free trade deal with India.
Primary sector leaders have welcomed the announcement of a Free Trade Agreement between India and New Zealand.
At Pāmu’s Kepler Farm in Manapouri, mating has wrapped up at the across-breed Beef Progeny Test.
More than 150 people turned up at Parliament recently to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ).

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