No.8 Wire: Wool's red hot run tipped to continue

New Zealand wool is in demand.

Much interest is expected to be shown in today's North Island wool sale in Napier after a succession of rising prices which some observers believe are at a level not seen since 1989.

There are many variables on the market, such as the exchange rates, but the coarse crossbred wool indicator has shown steady increase over recent sales.

It hit 627c/kg clean at the last Napier sale three weeks ago, which compared with about 450 in the similar type markets of August last year.

Napier broker Richard Kells said the prediction of sale outcomes was difficult, perhaps highlighted by his observation mid-sale on August 13. "Red-hot," he said at the time. "But we expect things to remain firm, at least. I don't expect to see prices falling away."

Health and safety

A series of health and safety field days supported by Beef + Lamb NZ have begun in Hawke's Bay. The first was held on Tuesday near Hastings, while three more are planned -- next Tuesday at Sherenden Station, Taihape Rd, two days later at the Crawshaws at the corner of SH2 and Wai Iti Rd, Nuhaka, and on September 15, Sam and Hannah Morrah's Ohineumuri, Bird Rd, Wanstead.

Having a ball in Wairoa

The Wairoa A&P Society's Spring Ball will be held at the showgrounds in Wairoa on September 19, a fundraiser which will kick off the build-up to the annual show to be held on January 14-16.

Show secretary Sue Wilson says it's a chance for the community to dress up and have fun.

Guests will get to see the showgrounds upgraded pavilion transformed into a venue "with a bit of wow factor that is ideal for all types of events".

Knowing their bacon

Hawke's Bay has missed out on the honours in the 100 per cent New Zealand Bacon and Ham Awards which were announced in Wellington yesterday.

Top prize for Bacon of the Year went to Christchurch butchers Kurt Robinson and Ferguson Robertson, of Cashmere Cuisine, with a honey-cured manuka smoked middle eye bacon described by a judge as "the most appealing looking bacon I've seen in this year's competition. I am eager to cook it".

It was the second time speciality butcher shop owner Kurt Robinson had won a supreme award, having produced the Ham of the Year in 2010.

"To now have one of each is just amazing," he said.

The competition attracted 197 entries from 50 entrants nationwide, with a panel of 33 judges comprising leading chefs, food connoisseurs and master butchers.

Category winners were: Middle Bacon, The Meat Factory Ltd, Kihikihi; Shoulder Bacon, Sam's Butchery, Auckland; Streaky Bacon, Independent Meat Processors, Christchurch; Middle Eye Bacon, Cashmere Cuisine, Christchurch (Bacon of the Year); Dry Cured Middle Bacon, Eastside Butchery, Temuka.

People's Choice Award, Mercury Bay Meats, Whitianga.