An "outstanding" offering of merino wool was a feature of a sale of South Island wool on Thursday.
A good growing season reflected the good quality of wool put forward for sale, Roger Fuller, of Elders Primary Wool, said.
The clip on offer from Little Valley Station at Alexandra attracted strong competition from the exporters, especially those with an Italian interest, Mr Fuller said.
Prices for crossbred wool remained firm compared to the last South Island sale.
Growers should be pleased with the season returns, considering the "uncertain times" throughout the world, he said.
There was an 80% clearance of the 11,400 bales on offer and there was widespread competition.
China, Australia and New Zealand and Western Europe were principals, supported by the Middle East and India sparingly, New Zealand Wool Services International general manager John Dawson said.
A range of prices:
- Little Valley Station (Alexandra), one bale merino, 15.5 micron, 75.7% yield, 2400 greasy, 3170 clean, four bales merino, 16.7 micron, 74.1% yield, 2065 greasy, 2786 clean, five bales merino, 17 micron, 73.8% yield, 1840 greasy, 2493 clean
- Lammermoor Station (Ranfurly), three bales merino, 16.1 micron, 75.3% yield, 2150 greasy, 2885 clean
- Dunstan Peaks (Omarama), two bales merino hogget, 16.1 micron, 72% yield, 1970 greasy, 2736 clean
- M. and J. Mitchell Ltd (Otago), 45 bales crossbred AA, 37.2 micron, 81.9% yield, 572 greasy, 698 clean
- Highland Farming Co Ltd (Lawrence), 28 bales Perendale hogget AA, 32 micron, 77.7% yield, 574 greasy, 739 clean
- L.J. Vent (Glenorchy), 28 bales Perendale AA, 33.8 micron, 80.4% yield, 558 greasy, 694 clean
- L.E. and G.R. Ruddenklau (Oamaru), 11 bales Perendale hogget AA, 28.1 micron, 76% yield, 575 greasy, 757 clean
- Hamilton Runs Ltd (Ranfurly), 10 bales crossbred hogget AA, 30.6 micron, 76.5% yield, 564 greasy, 737 clean
- S.J.Blakely (Ranfurly), 18 bales Romney hogget AA, 37.6 micron, 78.8% yield, 541 greasy, 687 clean
- D. and S. Hunter Ltd (Palmerston), six bales Romney AA, 38.7 micron, 82.9% yield, 573 greasy, 691 clean
- G.F. Dowling (Ranfurly), 17 bales Romney hogget AA, 35.6 micron, 77.9% yield, 535 greasy, 687 clean