Fine wool farmers received a huge boost at the season-opening sale in Melbourne this week, with prices for superfine fleece wool rising 15 to 20% on last year.
New Zealand Merino commercial manager Keith Ovens described the price for 15 micron to 17 micron wool as "extremely strong", but added that the whole fleece wool market had lifted from last year's level.
"There is a distinct lack of quality Australian wool in the finer bracket and there was very encouraging signs for fleece wool in the 15-, 16- and 17-micron bracket."
Buyers paid higher premiums for well-prepared lines.
New Zealand Merino offered 1000 bales of wool, mostly held over from 2005, 2006 and last season, with 97% sold.
But, the strength of the market indicated the coming season could be favourable for growers.
The only blight was for wool 19 micron and stronger, where prices were just below last year, and for locks, crutchings and eye clips for which Mr Ovens said there was little to no demand.