Top wool advocate bales out
The conversion of productive farmland into trees has pretty much annihilated the wool industry.
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.
A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.
Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
The key to a dairy system that generates high profit with a low emissions intensity is using low footprint feed, says Fonterra program manager on-farm excellence, Louise Cook.
Rural retailer Farmlands has reported a return to profitability, something the co-operative says shows clear progress in the second year of its five-year strategy.
According to a new report, the Safer Rides initiative, which offered farmers heavily discounted crush protection devices (CPDs) for quad bikes, has made a significant impact in raising awareness and action around farm vehicle safety.
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