Domestic Wool Slow,
Aussie Wools Higher

GREELEY, Colo. —(USDA)— U.S. wool trading was slow last week following several active trading weeks. Demand remains good for the light supplies.

In Territory trading, Nebraska sold 40,000 pounds, original bag, bellies out and untied, staple 26-29 micron, average yield, $.53 grease f.o.b.; Montana, two-year clips totaling 40,000 pounds, OB, BOU, staple 22-22.5 micron, $.82 grease f.o.b., 10,000 pounds, OB, BOU, staple, 20 micron yearling wool $1.30; Colorado, 80,000 pounds, 1.5-2.5 inch 21-25 micron, average 23-24 micron, $.50 f.o.b., net to producers, crossbred 24-27 micron $.35.

In warehouse trading a total of 80,000 pounds of graded 22-23 micron staple length brought $1.95-2.05 f.o.b., 22 micron $2.25 f.o.b. for export.

Australia’s eastern market indicator was up 11 to close at 1160A cents per kilo clean. A total of 82,597 bales were offered with clearance at 93 percent. Grease 21 micron wool contracts for October were up five at 1251A, December up two at 1278, February up five at 1266, April up five at 1256, June up 13 at 1247, and August up seven at 1230. The 19 micron cash clean wool contracts for October were down six at 1373A, December down 18 at 1370, February down 12 at 1371, April down 12 at 1371. The 23 micron cash clean contracts for October were up six at 1209A, December up 11 at 1209, February down 35 at 1209, and April up 35 at 1200. The Australian dollar is .5458 U.S. compared to .5055 and a 694A indicator last year.

New Zealand sales were higher on all classes. Strong wool was up 11 at 516NZ, medium wool up 25 at 898, finewool up 30 at 1585. A total of 10,126 bales were offered with clearance at 88 percent. New Zealand’s currency is .4801 of the U.S dollar compared to .4126 last year.