Getting sheep shape at Pyramid Farm
The vineyards at Pyramid Farm in Marlborough’s Avon Valley have never been run of the mill, with plantings that follow the natural contours of the land, 250 metres above sea level.
The North Island wool auction received revived support this week with an improved 81% of the 5700 bales selling.
New Zealand Wool Services International Ltd's chief executive, John Dawson reports the weakening NZ dollar across the board saw the weighted currency indicator fall 4.22%.
Despite these positive factors, local prices were still below last week's South Island auction, but only marginally under the last more comparative North Island selection.
Dawson reports that compared to the North Island sale on the July 7, fine crossbred shears ranged from 2% cheaper to 2% dearer. Coarse good colour full fleece were nominally firm with the average style 1 to 2% cheaper.
Coarse crossbred early shorn were 1% cheaper, longer shears firm to 1% dearer with shorter types firm to 2% easier.
Short oddment remained firm.
Limited interest with renewed activity from Western Europe adding a steadying influence, supported by Australasia and the United Kingdom, with India, Middle East and China sparingly.
The next sale on July 28 comprises about 7400 bales from the South Island.
Among the regular exhibitors at last month’s South Island Agricultural Field Days, the one that arguably takes the most intensive preparation every time is the PGG Wrightson Seeds site.
Two high producing Canterbury dairy farmers are moving to blended stockfeed supplements fed in-shed for a number of reasons, not the least of which is to boost protein levels, which they can’t achieve through pasture under the region’s nitrogen limit of 190kg/ha.
Buoyed by strong forecasts for milk prices and a renewed demand for dairy assets, the South Island rural real estate market has begun the year with positive momentum, according to Colliers.
The six young cattle breeders participating in the inaugural Holstein Friesian NZ young breeder development programme have completed their first event of the year.
New Zealand feed producers are being encouraged to boost staff training to maintain efficiency and product quality.
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