Domestic Wool Slow,
Aussie Wools Higher

GREELEY, Colo. —(USDA)— Domestic wool trading turned slow the past 10 days, due mostly to producers taking a "wait and see" position in regard to the wool segment of the 2002 farm bill. Most agree that price levels are attractive but do not want to miss out on any type of payment, thus the light trading. Demand was good at firm to higher price levels.

In Texas, 250,000 pounds of 21-25 micron ewe wool, averaging 2-2.5 inch, average to low yield, past years' accumulation at 50 cents net.

In warehouse trading 57,000 pounds were offered with clearance at 86 percent, 21-22 micron, 2.8 inch, high yielding 73.8 cents f.o.b. the warehouse with no adjustment for freight or handling charges; 19.5 micron 1.75-2 inch, average yield 60.3-62.3 cents; 20-20.5 micron, 1.5-1.75 inch, average yield 50.5-58.1 cents; 20 micron 1.1-1.3 inch 25.5 cents, 19.5-20.5 micron with either mud or vegetable matter 29.5-29.8 cents, high yielding lot 3.2 inch 23.5 micron 60.3 cents and 1.1-1.3 inch lot 28.5 cents; 40,000 pounds, original bag, bellies out and untied lamb wool 2.8-3 inch, 20-21 micron, average yield 67 cents f.o.b.

Colorado, 6000 pounds 20-22 micron lamb wool, 2-2.5 inch, high yielding 46 cents.

Weather across many states has delayed shearing, but it will resume next week in most areas.

Trading in Australia closed the week up 22 at 992A cents per kilo clean. A total of 67,289 bales were offered with clearance at 92 percent. The 21 micron grease wool contracts for April were up three at 1039A, June up nine at 1012, August up two at 956, October down five at 920, December up seven at 913 and February the same at 904. The 19 micron clean wool contracts for April were down six at 1164A, June up eight at 1173, August up 15 at 1155 and October up 18 at 1158. The 23 micron clean wool contracts for April were up 17 at 1017A, June up 15 at 998, August up 16 at 948 and October up five at 900. The exchange rate was $.5198 to the U.S. dollar compared to $.5170 last year. Market indicator last year was 812A.

Trading in New Zealand was mixed. Strong wool was down four at 475NZ, lamb wool up 22 at 518. A total of 14,247 bales were offered with clearance at 88 percent. The exchange rate was .4187 New Zealand to the U.S. dollar compared to .4420 last year.

In mohair trading in South Africa, the second Cape sale of the season reacted sharply higher, mostly on adult hair. Nearly 100 percent was sold. Fine adult and kid hair was up 17 percent, young goat up nine percent and adult up 14 percent. Average prices in U.S. dollars in South Africa, kid hair $6.59, young goat $2.51, fine adult $1.97 and strong adult $1.84. More specific prices included

long kid hair less than 26 micron $7.39-10.88, average $9, 26.1-28 micron $3.69-8.66, average $6.56, over 28 micron $3.35-5.75, average $3.80; young goat, less than 20 microns $2.88-3.74, average $3.47, 30-32 micron $2.16-3.65, average $2.86 and over 32 micron $2.24-2.69, average $2.27; adult less than 34 micron $1.44-2.30, average $2.01, 34.1-36 micron $1.62-2.32, average $1.92, 36-38 micron $1.60-1.97, average $1.82 and over 38 micron $1.56-1.97, average $1.85.