Furore as Kāinga Ora rules out wool carpets
State housing provider, Kāinga Ora’s decision to rule out the use of wool carpets in social housing has been described as a slap in the face by sheep farmers.
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.
Construction is underway at Fonterra’s new UHT cream plant at Edendale, Southland following a groundbreaking ceremony recently.
The New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA) has launched a new summer checklist for animal owners this year.
The Amuri Basin Future Farming (ABFF) Project in North Canterbury is making considerable strides in improving irrigation efficiency, riparian management, and environmental innovation.
A Farmlands shareholder is questioning the rural trader’s decision to more than double its annual card fee.
The Brandt Hastings team, joined by Rudolph the Red-Nose Rein ‘Deere’, spread holiday cheer this week at the Hawke’s Bay Hospital children’s ward.
There's been a dramatic and larger than expected drop in the number of lambs produced in New Zealand.
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