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The slightly easier New Zealand dollar and increased international demand combined to improve most wool prices this week, New Zealand Wool Services International Ltd's marketing manager, Paul Steel reports.
Of the 12,100 bales on offer 79% sold.
The weighted indicator for the main trading currencies dipped 1.2%, helping local price levels.
Steel advises recent lower market levels and slowly reducing stock levels in the manufacturing pipeline have helped stimulate recent buying with China beginning to lift their activity.
Fine mid micron fleece under 28 microns were firm to 3% easier with the coarser end 2 to 4% dearer.
Fine crossbred fleece gained 2 to 3.5% reflecting Chinese interests. Good style coarse crossbred fleece remained firm with average styles firm to 3% dearer.
Coarse shears were generally firm to 1.5% stronger except the 2 to 3 inch wools which lifted 3%.
A nominal offering of first lambs were firm to 1.5% dearer. Oddments came under strong competition lifting 6% for all categories.
Well spread competition with China, India and United Kingdom principals, supported by Western Europe, Australasia and the Middle East.
The next sale on September 6 comprises about 8500 bales from the North 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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