New Zealand Wool Prices Hit Highest Levels Since 2011 Amid Tight Supply and Surging Demand
Strong competition and tightening supply have seen wool reach its highest prices paid at auction since 2011.
The combined North and South Island auction offering of 24,400 bales saw a 91% clearance and a firm to dearer market across the board, NZ Wool Services International Ltd's general manager, John Dawson reports.
The weighted indicator for the main trading currencies was practically unchanged compared to the last sale on February 28, firming by 0.23%.
Dawson advises the fine crossbred fleece was generally slightly dearer with the shear types firm to 2% stronger.
Coarse crossbred fleece were firm to 6% stronger with the average and better style wools lifting the most. The coarse shears were firm to 3% stronger.
First lambs were also firm to 3% dearer. Oddments were 1.5 to 7% stronger with North Island wools gaining the most.
Limited competition with China dominated, supported by Australasia, Western Europe, India, Middle East and United Kingdom.
The next sale on March 14 comprises about 9,500 bales from the South Island.
In advance of the Budget, Finance Minister Nicola Willis put a clear damper on expectations and delivered accordingly.
Farmers should be cautiously optimistic as the 2026/27 season kicks off, says DairyNZ.
RaboResearch senior analyst Emma Higgins expects the 2026/27 dairy season to be another profitable one.
The new dairy season is kicking off with plenty of risks to the forecast farmgate price, both upside and downside, says ANZ agricultural economist Matt Dilly.
A potential showdown between the top two Federated Farmers leaders looms at the farmer lobby's annual meeting later this month.
FarmIQ Systems has developed a free land management app to help remove barriers to New Zealand farmers and growers adopting digital tools.

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