Top wool advocate bales out
The conversion of productive farmland into trees has pretty much annihilated the wool industry.
A weakening New Zealand dollar and steady offshore buying saw all wool types improve for the latest South Island wool auction, reports NZWSI.
The auction, which offered 9300 bales, saw 87% selling, says NZWSI marketing executive, Malcolm Ching.
The weighted indicator for the main trading currency came down 1.29% compared to the last sale on September 3.
Merino fleece, 21.5 micron and finer, were 5-10% dearer with 22 to 23.5 microns 1- 2% firmer than the last time they sold, on August 27, says Ching.
Mid micron fleece, 24 to 29 micron, were firm to 3.5% dearer with 29.5 to 31.5 3 to 7% stronger.
Compared to the September 3 sale, fine crossbred full fleece and longer shears were 4-6.5% dearer with shorter shears 1-3% firmer.
Coarse crossbred full fleece were 5-7% stronger, longer shears 3- 6% dearer and shorter shears ranged from 1.5- 6% stronger.
Oddments were firm to 4% firmer.
The auction saw strong competition with China the principal, supported by Western Europe, Australasia, Middle East and India.
The next sale has been fixed for September 17 and comprises about 6000 bales from the North Island.
With the current situation in the European farm machinery market being described as difficult at best, it’s perhaps no surprise that the upcoming AgriSIMA 2026 agricultural machinery exhibition, scheduled for February 2026 at Paris-Nord Villepinte, has been cancelled.
The Meat Industry Association of New Zealand (MIA) has launched the first in-market activation of the refreshed Taste Pure Nature country-of-origin brand with an exclusive pop-up restaurant experience in Shanghai.
Jayna Wadsworth, daughter of the late New Zealand wicketkeeper Ken Wadsworth, has launched an auction of cricket memorabilia to raise funds for I Am Hope's youth mental health work.
As we move into the 2025/26 growing season, the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) reports that the third quarter results for the year to date is showing that the stagnated tractor market of the last 18 months is showing signs of recovery.
DairyNZ chair Tracy Brown is urging dairy farmers to participate in the 2026 Levy vote, to be held early next year.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is calling for nominations for director roles in the Eastern North Island and Southern South Island electoral districts.

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