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The first South Island sale for the 2013/14 season saw small movements each way, but an overall firm market with an 89% clearance of the 8100 bales on offer, NZ Wool Services International Ltd's marketing executive, Paul Steel says.
The weighted indicator for the main trading currencies compared to the last sale on July 11 was practically unchanged, easing by only 0.33%.
Steel advises the mid micron fleece compared to last time sold on June were 27 1 to 3.5% cheaper in line with easing markets elsewhere. Fine crossbred fleece and long shears compared to the sale on July 11 were generally firm.
Shorter shears were firm to 2% dearer.
Coarse crossbred fleece, where comparable were generally firm to buyers favour. Longer coarse shears were up to 2% cheaper with shorter types 1 to 2% dearer.
Long First Lambs were 5 to 8% stronger with shorter types ranging from 1 to 5% dearer. All oddments were 1 to 2% easier.
There was competition with China, Western Europe and the Middle East principal, supported by India, Australasia, United Kingdom and Asia.
The next sale on July 25 comprises about 6800 bales from the North Island and 6300 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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