This week's sale of New Zealand merino wool in Australia was described as the strongest yet in five years of sales in Melbourne.
The average price for every kilogram of the 1560 bales of New Zealand wool sold through the centre was $12.70 a kg greasy, $1 a kg higher than the previous record.
New Zealand Merino commercial manager Keith Ovens said a combination of quality, a shortage of super fine wool and a favourable exchange rate was to the advantage of New Zealand growers.
The growing season had not been favourable in some parts of Australia.
Demand for wool of 15, 16 and 17 microns was exceptionally strong, with some of the best spinners' wool jumping $3 to $5 a kg on recent sales and some attracting up to four bidders.
Earnscleugh Station sold a bale of 13.9 micron wool for $216 a kg greasy.
Mr Ovens was pleased with the sale, saying it was a well-earned reward for farmers for staying true to producing quality merino wool.
"It is where it needs to be to balance the hikes in on-farm costs."