MANAGEMENT
MACHINERY & PRODUCTS
Weaning early benefits for both ewes and lambs. PAGE 28
Welsh/Irish alliance for trailer distribution in NZ. PAGE 32
NEWS WTO ruling a win for NZ beef exports. PAGE 13
TO ALL FARMERS, FOR ALL FARMERS NOVEMBER 21, 2017: ISSUE 642
www.ruralnews.co.nz
Wool bouncing back? PAM TIPA pamelat@ruralnews.co.nz
WOOL EXPORTERS say China has been back in the market in recent weeks. But the jury is out on whether it will continue, says Wool Services International chief executive John Dawson. Or will they take a breather and then come in later? China can be in and out – very active, then no activity at all, Dawson told Rural News. “It is difficult sometimes to pick the timings… but there has been more activity probably for the last six weeks.” That’s clearing both backlog and new wool. The strong wool price indicator is probably only 10-15 cents/kg off its low. But the Chinese tend to operate out of New Zealand in the finer crossbred
end of 30-36 micron, Dawson says. That area has shown more life. “So it is better but it is early days in the season. The weight of wool comes on the market January to April. Stocks are still being held by brokers, farmers and exporters. So as usual it is not a totally clear picture. “We just hope the market continues. We monitor that all the time and try to do our best to keep things moving.”
But ultimately those decisions will be made offshore and there is no clear trend at this stage. “So it is more positive. Obviously the last two years have been bad, especially price-wise. But you’ve got to be a bit wary about making brave predictions. You’ve got to see the evidence first.” CP Wool national wool manager Simon Averill agrees that sales to China are picking up and other mar-
Chips fly, sun shines Action in the team race between New South Wales, the North Island and the South Island in the Stihl woodchopping arena on the first day of the 155th Canterbury A&P Show, last week. At least 100,000 people were expected through the turnstiles during the show’s four days. Rain fell briefly on Wednesday morning, but cleared by early afternoon. The sound of livestock filled the big showgrounds as the sun shone, with MetService recording 27 degrees Celsius at 2pm on the first day. – RURAL NEWS GROUP
kets are holding. “It would be fair to say the stockpiles of hold wool are now moving; we are selling more than we are receiving,” he says. “We could see some volatility in the market over the next period as larger volumes come on stream. This combined with the price-sensitive Chinese buyers could cause some wool types to be in demand at the expense of other wool types.”
WATER ACTION FONTERRA HAS announced an “ambitious plan” to further improve waterway quality nationwide. Fonterra Farm Source chief operating officer Miles Hurrell says the co-op and its farmers, having worked hard to address water quality, are now ready and willing to do even more. “Like all Kiwis we want healthy rivers. Our farmers have spent over $1 billion on environmental initiatives in the last five years and fenced 98% of significant farm waterways. “That’s a major undertaking that highlights our commitment to getting this right. We’re already seeing in some regions that our actions are having a positive impact on water quality. “All intensive land uses have affected water quality in this country, so we have to work together to address the issue. “We’re putting up our hands and promising to work with communities to promote healthy waterways for Kiwis to enjoy. Importantly, we’re backing up our words with action to... make a real difference,” says Hurrell. Fonterra’s six water commitments are: 1. Farm within regional environmental limits 2. Encourage strong environmental farming practices 3. Reduce water use and improve wastewater quality at manufacturing plants TO PAGE 3
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