Agsafe Weekly Rural Report

Finance:  The NZ dollar firmed over the week finishing up 2 cents against the US dollar at 62 cents.    Brent Crude is moving around the $US80/barrel and fuel prices seem to change most days. 

Wool:  Wool prices remain in the doldrums but some people are still positive it can change.

Beef, Sheep & Venison schedules: The venison and  sheep schedules are steady across the country with some minor inter-company changes noted for the coming week.  The beef schedules are up slightly as farmers are not pushed to off-load stock with the good grass growing conditions.

Dairy Prices:  The g/DT was up 0.5%.  WMP dropped 1.8% while SMP was up 1.3%.  It was a good result showing an increasing confidence in the dairy industry.