WEEKLY MARKET REPORT

Week Ending 31^st August, 2012

Northern Micron Indices Comparison: Source of information: AWEX

RAM SALES DEFY WOOL MARKET

Attention shifted to Newcastle this week as they hosted their first superfine sale of the season. A very stylish offering kept buyers interested over the opening two days with prices tapering off on the final day. The finer indicators edged higher on the back of a superior style of fleece wool not seen in the previous three sales in Sydney. The very stylish offering of ultra-fine types was well supported providing some relief in this sector of the market which is suffering from a large lack of demand. 17 micron and finer were 10 to 30 cents better with 17.5s just in sellers’ favour. All other indicators (18 to 22) finished in negative territory to the tune of 20 to 30 cents with 21 and broader suffering from a lack of supply and most orders for these medium types shifting to Melbourne. No real highlights to speak of with just 4 lots making over 2,000 cents, a 14.1 micron weaner lot topping the sale selling for 2,300 cents and no lots appraised as 1PPs.

The excellent catalogue of skirtings kept buyers on their toes till the final lot on Thursday. The offering consisted of mainly 19 micron and finer with the better style and length lots under 3% VM increasing in value as the sale progressed. Oddly enough, the lower style lots with comparable VM were not keenly sought after losing value by up to 20 cents. The heavier VM lots (up to 5%) found good support to close 10 to 20 cents higher. Cardings continued to recover some lost ground with the MCI adding 15 cents to 545. Locks added close to 30 cents, while stains were quoted 20 cents better. Crutchings looked 10 cents higher than the previous sale with some bulky, low VM lots attracting big premiums to the tune of 50 to 80 cents. Crossbreds had a mixed week as finer types (26 to 28s) finished in buyers’ favour with the 30 micron and broader lots up to 5 cents up.

This week saw Dubbo host the annual Rabobank National Merino Sheep Show and Ram Sale. Congratulations must go to Warwick and Garry Kopp from Towalba at Peak Hill who took out the Supreme Champion Ram from a hot field of interstate finalists. The lack-lustre wool market didn’t seem to affect prices as 44 of the 58 rams sold for a healthy average of $6020. The top price was $44,000 for a Poll Ram snapped up by Wally Merriman and John Crawford from Boorowa. Other highlights were Roseville Park top price $11,000, average $7,155; Langdene top price $25,000, averaging $12,000 - a great result; Nerstane from Walcha a $10,000 top price averaging $4,875; and Haddon Rig an $8,000 top price to average $4,300. Sales recommence in Sydney for the next five weeks where hopefully the market can stabilise. We sell on Wednesday with 1100 bales on offer.

Eastern Market Indicators (AUD cents/kg clean)                                               AUD/USD Currency Exchange

                Eastern 934 cents ê 7 cents compared with 23/08/12                         1.0336 ê 0.0188 compared with 23/08/12

                Northern Market Indicators (AUD cents/kg clean)

                Northern 945 cents ê 10 cents compared with 23/08/12