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A SLIGHTLY easier New Zealand dollar, limited wool supply and steady shipping demand combined to lift prices across the board at the South Island sale, New Zealand Wool Services International Ltd's general manager, John Dawson reports.
Recent poor weather has restricted shearing, creating a seasonal shortfall with the next South Island sale on June 19 now cancelled.
Of the 6,640 bales on offer 91% sold with some growers holding out for higher price levels.
The weighted indicator for the main trading currencies compared to the last sale on May 29 was down 0.7%.
Dawson advises that:
Fine Crossbred Fleece and Shears were 3 to 5% dearer. Coarse Crossbred Fleece and shears were generally 3 to 4.5% dearer with shorter shears up to 6% stronger.
Lambs Fleece were 2 to 4% dearer. Good style short oddments were up 3 to 5% with poor styles 6 to 9% stronger.
There was good competition with China, India, Western Europe and Australasia principals, supported by United Kingdom and the Middle East.
The next sale on June 12 comprises about 9,300 bales from the North Island, down 20% on anticipated rostered volumes.
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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