Beef + Lamb NZ's Lambing Kit Checklist for a Tough Season
With lambing underway in many regions, Beef + Lamb New Zealand is encouraging farmers to put together a wellequipped lambing kit to help minimise lamb losses, particularly in bad weather.
The South Island sale of 8565 bales comprising a wide range of wool types saw good support with 78% of the offering selling.
NZ Wool Services International Ltd’s chief executive John Dawson reports the a weakening NZ dollar compared to the main trading currencies saw the weighted indicator easing 1.1% compared to last week, giving a small amount of support to local prices.
Dawson advises pressure for quick shipment of orders and the diverse wool types on offer attracted good support, helping underpin the market.
Compared to last time offered at the South Island sale on September 22 merino fleece 16 to 19 microns were firm to 1.5% cheaper with 20 to 23 microns generally 1.5% easier and mid micron fleece 25 microns were 1% dearer with 25.5 to 29 microns 1 to 4% cheaper.
Compared to the North Island sale on September 29 fine crossbred fleece 32 to 35 microns were firm with early shorn and second shears 3 to 5 and 3 to 4 inches also remaining firm. Shears 2 to 4 inches were 2 to 3.5% cheaper with 2 to 3 inches firm to 1% cheaper.
Coarse crossbred full fleece were firm for good colour and 1% dearer for average colour.
Longer coarse shears were firm with 2 to 4 inches 3.5 to 5.5% cheaper and 2 to 3 inches 2.5% easier.
Short oddments were 4 to 6% cheaper with faulted lines discounted the most.
The next sale on October 20 comprises about 5600 bales from the North Island and 8150 bales from the South Island.
Farms across the upper North Island are trialling different pasture mixes as part of a research programme that aims to build greater resilience into farming systems.
Election years are always a concerning time for farmers, according to DairyNZ chair Tracy Brown.
The Ballance Farm Environment Awards are coming to the West Coast of the South Island.
Most dairy regions around the country have had a pretty good season so far says Tracy Brown.
Rural leader Mark Hooper has been appointed as an independent director to the NZPork board, bringing extensive farming, governance and advocacy experience to the role.