Agsafe Weekly Rural Report

Finance:  The NZ dollar was steady against the major trading currencies which is good news for the exporters.    Brent Crude is around $US85.00/barrel.  Fuel prices may ease this week as the Auckland fuel tax is removed.

Wool:  Wool prices remain in the doldrums.  Mike Hoskings was promoting Merino woollen garments through the week, but the Merino wool is not the problem, it is the coarse wools

Beef, Sheep & Venison schedules: the schedules are steady with only minor intercompany changes across most categories.. Venison prices are steady and beef schedules are only adequate, but the outlook is good.  Lamb prices are a disaster!! 

Dairy Prices  The new dairy season is underway with calving about to commence.  AgFirst released its economic report on dairying during the week and it is obvious that an $8 plus payout is needed.