increase font size
Wool prices eased for most types again this week for the North Island, says NZ Wool Services International marketing executive, Malcolm Ching.
The North Island offering was at 6,100 bales with 90 % of the selection sold with most growers meeting the market.
Compared to the last sale on 22nd October, the weighted indicator for the main trading currencies firmed by 0.47%.
This had minimal impact as restricted demand continues to be the main market driver.
Fine Crossbred Full Fleece eased 1.5 to 4% with shorter types ranging from firm to 4% cheaper.
Good colour Coarse Full Fleece came down 3.5% with longer shears 1.5 to 4% easier.
Shorter Shears fared better as local demand underpins them, with 3 to 4 to 2 to 3 inch wools firm to buyers favour.
Good colour Short Oddments were 3.5% easier.
There is limited competition with Europe and China principals for the fine crossbred wools and Australasia is dominating the coarse wools. Limited support from elsewhere.
Next sale on 5th November comprises of approximately 5,400 bales from the South Island.
While wool returns continue in the doldrums, smart sheep farmers are looking for alternatives for a product that currently cost more to get off a sheep's back than it's worth. One such initiative is run by husband and wife team Hayden and Anastasia Tristram who farm at Wanstead in the Central Hawke's Bay. Mark Daniel reports.
New research has provided insight into the functional potential of wool-derived protein, with an initial trial revealing it can influence how the body responds to insulin.
South Canterbury farmer Angela Blair has delivered a petition to Parliament calling on the Government to reverse its decision to fit rural schools with synthetic carpet.
Thousands of students could benefit from a new initiative designed to simplify schools’ access to New Zealand wool carpets for their classrooms.
Wool carpet maker Bremworth's Napier plant remains offline following Cyclone Gabrielle in February, with the future of 136 workers still up in the air.
The country’s 4200 commercial fruit and vegetable growers will vote from May 14 on a new HortNZ levy.
Meat processor Alliance Group is asking farmer shareholders to inject more capital in order to remain a 100% co-operative.
A vet is calling for all animals to be vaccinated against a new strain of leptospirosis (lepto) discovered on New Zealand dairy farms in recent years.
Dairy
Rural banker Rabobank is partnering with Food Rescue Kitchen on a new TV series which airs this weekend that aims to shine a light on the real and growing issues of food waste, food poverty and social isolation in New Zealand.
Telco infrastructure provider Chorus says that it believes all Kiwis – particularly those in the rural areas – need access to high-speed, reliable broadband.
OPINION: The new government has clearly signalled big cuts across the public service.
OPINION: Your canine crusader is not surprised by the recent news that New Zealand plant-based ‘fake meat’ business is in…
