Wool pellets to boost gardens
With wool prices steadily declining and shearing costs on the rise, a Waikato couple began looking for a solution for wool from their 80ha farm.
NZ Wool Services International's North Island offering of 5400 bales received strong support with 99% selling, chief executive John Dawson says.
A similar currency range to last weeks' sale on November 5 saw the weighted indicator down only 0.16% playing a minor role, with awakening Chinese interests and steady enquiry from other sectors underpinning the market.
Dawson advises fine crossbred full fleece and second shears were firm to 4.5% dearer, with the shorter types supported the most.
Coarse full fleece were also firm with shears 1 to 2.5% stronger.
Oddments were generally firm. There was strong competition with China, Australasia and Western Europe principals, supported by India, Middle East and the United Kingdom.
The next sale on November 19 comprises about 5700 bales from the South Island.
Farmer-owned co-operative Ravensdown is winding down the operations of its agritech subsidiary C-Dax following a long decline in sales.
The recent East Coast Farming Expo, held over two days at Wairoa, offered an insight into the current state of agriculture on the east of the North Island, at a time when the locals are remembering the second anniversary of Cyclone Gabrielle.
A Research programme supported by Beef+Lamb NZ is investigating the potential of ‘accelerometer’ sensors for early detection of conditions such as facial eczema (FE) in sheep.
In the past year, the Farmer Time for Schools programme which seeks to connect New Zealand school students with farmers, has experienced further growth.
Fresh Carriers Co. Ltd (FCC) and Zespri have completed the first ever kiwifruit charter powered by a low-emissions fuel.
New Zealand lingerie brand Rose & Thorne is expanding its virtual bra fitting service in an effort to provide rural women in with better access to specialised advice.
OPINION: At last, a serious effort to better connect farmers and scientists.
OPINION: If you believe Maori Party president John Tamihere’s claim that “nothing dodgy” occurred at Manurewa Marae during the last…