Prices for most types of wool lifted at the sale of North Island and South Island wool in Christchurch last week.
The unprecedented fluctuations of the New Zealand dollar meant that compared with the previous sale on August 4, a drop of more than 600 points has occurred with opening trading at 81.2c compared to the US greenback.
The subsequent drop in currency resulted in some upswing in prices, though it did not reflect the exact percentage drop in the dollar, PGG Wrightson Wool auctioneer Dave Burridge said.
Bidding was widespread as buyers were eager to fill newly written contracts before possible further volatility affecting longer-term business.
Roger Fuller, of Elders Primary Wool, described the offering of crossbred fleece as some of the best seen for many years and the price was reflecting the good quality.
"Compared to this time last year, prices are up 86% and considering where the currency is, these levels are extremely good."
A small quantity of merino wool was on offer. Compared with a year ago, early indications were encouraging for prices for the season ahead.
Compared with the previous sale, good style crossbred fleece (31 to 39 micron) lifted 1%-3%, while poorer styles lifted 4%.
Second shear fleece (75mm to 100mm) was 2%-4% dearer while 50mm-75mm second shear was largely unchanged. Crossbred oddments lifted 2%-4%.
A range of prices.-
H. and M. L. Howard (Palmerston), 15 bales Romney AA, 36.1 micron, 75.3% yield, 487c/kg greasy, 646c/kg clean; J. A. Nichol (Mosgiel), 60 bales crossbred AA, 37.6 micron, 77.2% yield, 498 greasy, 645 clean; P. J. Dowling (Ranfurly), 23 bales Romney AA, 38 micron, 77.9% yield, 504 greasy, 647 clean; Auldamor Ltd (Outram), 36 bales Romney AA, 38.4 micron, 78.9% yield, 509 greasy, 645 clean and eight bales Romney bellies and pieces, 38.1 micron, 67.3% yield, 420 greasy, 624 clean; R. J. and J. M. Blakely (Ranfurly), 25 bales crossbred AA, 35.5 micron, 77.8% yield, 512 greasy, 658 clean; Ottrey Farms Ltd (Central Otago), 19 bales crossbred 2-tooth, 38 micron, 76.4% yield, 493 greasy, 645 clean; Calder Farming Ltd (St Bathans), 11 bales Romney second-shear, 39.2 micron, 81.4% yield, 509 greasy, 625 clean; Strathview Farm (Clarks Junction), 40 bales Romney AA, 39.4 micron, 78.7% yield, 505 greasy, 642 clean.
