Domestic Wool Slow,
Aussie Wools Higher

GREELEY, Colo. —(USDA)— Domestic wool trading was at a standstill in most areas last week. Demand was moderate to good for very light available supplies. Remaining supplies are held in strong hands following several weeks of sharply higher Australian wool prices.

In warehouse trading, a total weight of 205,000 pounds, graded 28 micron 2.5 inch lamb wool brought 65 cents clean delivered, 1.5-2 inch 29 micron 30 cents grease f.o.b., staple ewe wool, 29-30 micron, burry/seedy 60 cents clean delivered.

Trading in Australia was higher for the fourth consecutive week with the eastern market indicator up 42 to close at 944A cents per kilo. A total of 62,977 bales were offered with clearance at 91 percent. The 21 micron grease wool contracts for February were up 127 at 995A, April up 89 at 927, June up 84 at 914, August up 64 at 892, October up 61 at 880 and December up 49 at 869. The 19 micron clean wool contracts for February were up 40 at 1200A, April up 70 at 1190, June up 95 at 1213 and August up 83 at 1188. The 23 micron clean wool contracts for February were up 102 at 965A, April up 87 at 850, June up 50 at 850 and August up four at 820. The exchange rate was $.5028A to the U.S. dollar, compared to $.4791 last year. The market indicator last year was 779A.

Trading in New Zealand had strong wool up six at 426NZ, finewool up 223 at 1560 and lamb at 442. A total of 21,233 bales were offered with clearance at 94 percent. The exchange rate is .4273NZ to the U.S. dollar, compared to .4380 last year.