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THE NORTH Island wool auction generally remained firm to only slightly easier despite local and overseas expectations of a much weaker market.
New Zealand Wool Services International Ltd's general manager, John Dawson, says the resurgent New Zealand dollar accounted for most of the local market slight weakness in some sectors, however in overseas terms most prices are unchanged or slightly dearer.
Of the 9,879 bales on offer 87% sold. The weighted currency indicator lifted by 0.59% compared to the last sale on June 26.
Dawson says fine crossbred fleece and shears were firm to 1% easier. Coarse crossbred good colour fleece was up to 1% dearer. Coarse shears were firm to 1.5% easier. End of season lambs fleece were nominally firm to 1% softer. Short oddments ranged from firm to 4% easier.
Interest was well spread with China, India, Australasia, Western Europe the principals, supported by Middle East and the United Kingdom.
The next sale on July 17 comprises about 10,060 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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