53years ago Fluctuations in the value of wool have always been common. In this article, Farmer’s Weekly explained some of the reasons for this.
As October gives place to November, the first signs are appearing that the decline in world wool values, which has been gradual but almost unbroken since the season opened, may have been arrested. Should this prove the case, it is not before its time so far as woolgrowers’ interest are concerned for, since late August, Merino wools in general have shed most of the price rise which was slowly acquired over the larger part of last season.
During the final week of October, Merino tops (i.e. combed wool) in the Bradford market were quoted at precisely the prices ruling a year earlier, though crossbred tops from New Zealand were below the prices of a year ago. This does not necessarily mean that Merino wools were back to October 1965 prices, because competition for limited business in the Bradford top market has been forcing top prices relatively below wool costs of the day.
But it does mean that, in general, Merino wool prices were not far removed from those of 12 months earlier, and this seems to make nonsense of the cautiously optimistic forecasts with which the season-opening was greeted by experts in many of the chief consuming countries.
LACK OF MONEY
What has gone wrong in the wool world to falsify the prophets? The short answer is money, or, to be more strictly accurate, the lack of it. It is not, and this is important, that wool is not wanted. There is, indeed, ample evidence to the contrary. Nor can the difficulties of the wool world be blamed on the competition of man-made fibres, for these, too, are having their difficulties.
PRICE WAR
Denne historien er fra March 22, 2019-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra March 22, 2019-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
New farmers' seedling pitfalls
Inexperienced farmers may be tempted to grow seedlings from seed themselves, but they have much to gain by trusting a seedling grower at a nursery to perform this task for them instead
South African avocado production: a success story
Avocado production in South Africa has expanded markedly since the industry's humble beginnings over 80 years ago. From a small grove planted in 1938 in what was then Nelspruit, the industry has blossomed to seven million trees planted on 20 000ha. Dr Guy Witney, project manager at Great Brak Avos, spoke to Annelie Coleman about the country's avocado production.
Unlocking value through livestock exports
Exporting livestock might sound like a daunting business that's better left for big companies, but Gerrie Ferreira, who farms near Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape, has been doing it successfully for almost 30 years, sometimes in partnership with other breeders. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the huge potential this market holds, and offers some advice for farmers who are contemplating going this route.
An agribusiness's dedication to community upliftment
For agribusiness NWK, located in Lichtenburg, North West, corporate social investment is an important part of creating a positive influence alongside financial returns. Johan Bezuidenhout, NWK’s group manager of corporate marketing and communication, spoke to Annelie Coleman about why the company chooses to invest millions of rands in the area it operates in every year.
Empowering dreams, transforming lives
Since its launch in 2013, the Agri's Got Talent competition has revolutionised the lives of many farmworkers by unlocking their hidden talents and fostering a culture of empowerment. Glenneis Kriel spoke to various finalists about how the contest has changed their lives.
Foreign investment: agriculture maintains its appeal
South Africa remains a popular destination for foreign investors, despite an often negative outlook from its citizens. It is a gateway to Africa, and with its counterseasonal production to the Northern Hemisphere and favourable weather, local agriculture is especially well placed to attract foreign interest, bringing with it hope for rural communities
The real value and message of COP29 for SA agriculture
While the 2024 Conference of the Parties may have disappointed those who hoped for real progress, it's more important for South African agriculture to highlight its role in carbon mitigation
Improving efficiencies in feed and grain milling
Bühler, a Swiss-based company that provides solutions and equipment for various industries, including food and animal feed processing, has pledged that by 2025, it will deliver scalable solutions that will reduce energy, waste and water by 50% in the value chains of its customers.
Tips for better olive production
At an SA Olive Association field day in November, industry experts shared ways to improve olive production efficiencies, from soil preparation to harvesting.
More effort needed to protect vulnerable cheetah
On International Cheetah Day, commemorated every year on 4 December, emphasis was placed on the vulnerability of the species.
