Top wool advocate bales out
The conversion of productive farmland into trees has pretty much annihilated the wool industry.
New Zealand Wool Services International's chief executive John Dawson says a slightly easier NZ dollar and limited wool volumes combined with steadier enquiry, saw most categories well supported.
Of the 5,700 bales on offer, 92% sold.
The weighted indicator for the main trading currencies compared to last sale weakened 0.94%, helping underpin local prices.
Dawson advises that compared to the sale on 5th November, Merino Fleece were generally firm to 2% dearer. Mid Micron Fleece were firm to 3% dearer.
Compared to the 12 November sale, Fine Crossbred Fleece were 1 to 4% dearer, longer shears firm to 4% dearer and shorter types firm to 2.5% easier.
Coarse Crossbred Full Fleece were up to 1.5% dearer.
Long Coarse Shears and very short shears eased 1.5% with 3 to 4 and 2 to 4 inch shears firm to 1.5% firmer.
Oddments were 3 to 6% dearer.
Good competition with China principals, supported by Western Europe and Australasia with limited interest from elsewhere.
Next sale on 26November comprises approximately 5,900 bales from the North Island.
A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.
Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
The key to a dairy system that generates high profit with a low emissions intensity is using low footprint feed, says Fonterra program manager on-farm excellence, Louise Cook.
Rural retailer Farmlands has reported a return to profitability, something the co-operative says shows clear progress in the second year of its five-year strategy.
According to a new report, the Safer Rides initiative, which offered farmers heavily discounted crush protection devices (CPDs) for quad bikes, has made a significant impact in raising awareness and action around farm vehicle safety.
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