Editorial: Making wool great again
OPINION: Otago farmer and NZ First MP Mark Patterson is humble about the role that he’s played in mandating government agencies to use wool wherever possible in new and refurbished buildings.
A firming NZ dollar and more reserved overseas buying combined to lower most prices at this week’s wool auction, says NZWSI.
The weighted currency indicator lifted by 1.04% with 93% of the 6,660 bales on offer selling, says NZWSI marketing executive, Malcolm Ching.
Ching says compared to the South Island sale on September 10, the North Island offering saw fine crossbred full fleece and longer shears ease 4 to 6% with less interest in this sector from the Chinese market currently.
Shorter shears were firm to 1.5% easier, with interest for these types continuing. Coarse full-length fleece were 2.5% cheaper with shears ranging from firm to 3% softer. Oddments were up to 2% easier.
Ching says China continues as the main market influence, supported by Western Europe, Middle East, and Australasia.
The next sale on September 24 comprises about 9,200 bales from the South Island.
The annual Featherston Booktown Karukatea Festival – a fusion of books and storytelling - celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.
Emissions by dairy cattle decreased by 1.6% according to the latest NZ Greenhouse Gas Inventory report.
Tasman sharemilkers Warric and Rachel Johnson haven't let the 2006 milk payout crash put them out of business.
Labour's agriculture spokesperson says the Government’s decisions are set to hamstring growth within the farming sector.
A recent clinical study has highlighted the potential for a bioactive whey protein to support immune responses to influenza vaccinations.
Many contract milkers in badly drought affected regions around the country are coming under severe financial stress and farm owners are being urged to help them through a bad patch until the start of the new season.