Prices for most styles of ewe wool increased slightly at yesterday's wool sale in Christchurch.
The offering of very high quality pre-lamb shorn wool commanded strong bidding from the full bench of buyers, PGG Wrightson Wool auctioneer Dave Burridge said.
There was also a sense of urgency from buyers wanting to complete orders, understanding there would be restricted volumes in the next few weeks, after adverse weather stopped shearing in most areas.
Compared with last week's sale, good-style full-length crossbred fleece (35 to 39 micron) lifted 1%-2%, second-shear fleece (75mm to 125mm) and lamb's wool lifted 2%-3%, while crossbred oddments increased 2%-4%.
The first offering of new-season merino wool saw good inquiry. Compared with the corresponding time last year, prices for 16-17 micron wool were up by 85%, 18 micron up by 65% and 19-21 micron up by 50%, Roger Fuller, of Elders Primary Wool, said.
The quality of merino wool offered was "outstanding", showing an exceptional growing season and a very high standard of preparation, he said.
A range of prices.-
McQueen Farming (Lawrence), 53 bales Perendale AA, 36.1 micron, 77.7% yield, 517 greasy, 665 clean; J. A. Nichol (Mosgiel), 75 bales Romney AA, 37.4 micron, 77.6% yield, 514 greasy, 662 clean; Hamilton Runs Ltd (Ranfurly), 25 bales Merino crossbred AA, 31.7 micron, 78.7% yield, 559 greasy, 710 clean; Deep Hill Farm (Outram), 24 bales crossbred hogget AA, 32.9 micron, 78.3% yield, 540 greasy, 690 clean; Cairn Hill Ltd (Becks), 35 bales crossbred AA, 36.5 micron, 77.4% yield, 510 greasy, 659 clean; Poplar Grove Station (Otago), 40 bales Romney AA, 35.3 micron, 77.9% yield, 526 greasy, 675 clean; Eweburn Station (Otago), 45 bales crossbred AA, 37.2 micron, 77.4% yield, 508 greasy, 656 clean.
