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.
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.
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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