Furore as Kāinga Ora rules out wool carpets
State housing provider, Kāinga Ora’s decision to rule out the use of wool carpets in social housing has been described as a slap in the face by sheep farmers.
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.
Fonterra has updated its plan to divest its global consumer business and integrated businesses, Fonterra Oceania and Fonterra Sri Lanka.
Fonterra has announced new financial incentives for farmers who achieve on-farm emissions targets.
OPINION: The farming sector, or at least some parts of it, are preparing for a battle with the Government over its latest international climate change target.
Underground festival is an event for farmers and growers which celebrates the land through great food and inspiring conversations, says event organiser Fran Bailey.
There's been very little reaction to the government science reform announcement, with many saying the devil will be in the detail.
A committee which carried out the review into New Zealand's science system says the underinvestment will continue to compromise the country's future.
OPINION: Ruth Richardson, architect of the 1991 ‘Mother of all Budgets’ and the economic reforms dubbed ‘Ruthanasia’, added her two…
OPINION: Why do vegans and others opposed to eating meat try to convince others that a plant based diet is…