NEW ZEALAND MARKET REPORT

Summary

Market continues to strengthen.

Comment

Both centres selling today with the South Island offering 5,520 bales and the North Island offering 10,600 bales.  The selection in the North consisted of 30% crossbred fleece, 30% shears, 30% lambs and 10% associated oddments.  In the South the selection was 50% fleece, 30% shears/hoggets, 10% lambs and 10% associated oddments.  Prices increased again this week on the back of last weeks increases with all sectors operating.  The good colour fleece was particularly sought after.  The main competition was from the United Kingdom, Europe and the Sub Continent with support from China and local mills.

Fleece

Good colour 5% dearer.

Average colour sellers favour.

Shears

Crossbred second shear 6% dearer.

Lambs

Crossbred lambs 5% dearer.

Oddments

Crossbred oddments including lamb oddments 4% dearer.

Passings

6% Passed In.

Next Auction

South Island only offering 8,500 bales on 25th February.