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The 7,500 bales of North Island wools on offer this week saw a 97% clearance and a generally dearer market, reports NZWSI marketing executive, Malcolm Ching.
The weighted currency indicator for the main trading currencies eased again compared to the last sale on 27th August, coming down 0.92%, mainly due to the US dollar influence.
Ching says that apart from the finer end of the Fine Crossbred longer shears, which came down 2 to 4%, the balance of this category ranged from 3 to 7% dearer with shorter types benefiting the most.
Coarse Crossbred Fleece were firm to 2.5% firmer with better styles attracting the most support.
Coarse Shears were firm to 4.5% stronger with shorter types in strong demand.
Oddments were firm to 1.5% dearer.
Overall, there was good competition with China, Australasia and Western Europe dominating, supported by the Middle East, United Kingdom and India.
The next sale is scheduled for 10th September and comprises approximately 8,900 bales from the South Island.
While wool returns continue in the doldrums, smart sheep farmers are looking for alternatives for a product that currently cost more to get off a sheep's back than it's worth. One such initiative is run by husband and wife team Hayden and Anastasia Tristram who farm at Wanstead in the Central Hawke's Bay. Mark Daniel reports.
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