Low orders, strong dollar soften wool market
The strong dollar, restricted off-shore interest and high volumes of one wool category on offer this week saw local prices ease.
Wool markets remain steady with the latest sale seeing increases of 1 to 2% overall, says NZWSI general manager, John Dawson.
The sale of 6,617 bales was a good result, he says, with an offering of 52% Coarse Crossbred Early Shorn and Second Shear types.
There was good demand for shorter Second Shear types 2 to 3 inch 32 to 35 micron as buyers bid to cover Chinese orders.
The trade-weighted indicator was little changed from the last wool sale on 16th July.
Compared to the South Island sale on 16th July, Fine Crossbred Early Shorn and Second Shear types 3/5 and 3/4 inch were 1% dearer.
A limited offering of Coarse Crossbred Fleece wools were up 1%. Coarse Crossbred Early Shorn and Second Shear 37 to 39 micron 3/5 to 2/4 inch were 1% dearer, while 2/3 inch were firm.
A nominal offering of Crossbred Combing Oddments were in Sellers Favour, while good colour Clothing Oddments increased by 2% with poorer colour remaining firm.
Competition was widespread with China dominating.
Next sale on 30th July comprises approximately 8,000 bales from the South Island.
Dairy prices have jumped in the overnight Global Dairy Trade (GDT) auction, breaking a five-month negative streak.
Alliance Group chief executive Willie Wiese is leaving the company after three years in the role.
A booklet produced in 2025 by the Rotoiti 15 trust, Department of Conservation and Scion – now part of the Bioeconomy Science Institute – aims to help people identify insect pests and diseases.
A Taranaki farmer and livestock agent who illegally swapped NAIT tags from cows infected with a bovine disease in an attempt to sell the cows has been fined $15,000.
Bill and Michelle Burgess had an eye-opening realisation when they produced the same with fewer cows.
It was love that first led Leah Prankerd to dairying. Decades later, it's her passion for the industry keeping her there, supporting, and inspiring farmers across the region.

OPINION: The release of the Natural Environment Bill and Planning Bill to replace the Resource Management Act is a red-letter day…
OPINION: Federated Farmers has launched a new campaign, swapping ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ for ‘The Twelve Pests of Christmas’ to…