General price increases of between 20 and 50 cents were enjoyed across the entire merino spectrum.

The Benchmark Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) rose by 8 cents, to close at 1820 cents, only 1 cent below the record level achieved in January.

Worth noting, due to currency movements, when viewed in US dollar terms, the EMI lost 17 cents, a reverse of what was seen in the previous sale.

As the year progresses, so too does the amount of vegetable matter (vm) present in wools across the country; in particular in the Eastern States, where FNF (Free, Nearly Free) wools (less than 1.0 percent vm) currently make up just over half of the fleece offering.

The continual decline of these wools is increasing the premium that buyers are prepared to pay, resulting in larger price rises in these types, when compared to similar wools carrying more fault.

The skirting market went against the trend of the fleece. Losses were felt across all microns, generally between 20 and 30 cents, with wools with less than 2 percent least affected.

The crossbred sector has managed to record rises for the third consecutive week. Gains were posted across the entire range, generally between 5 and 20 cents.

Main buyer interest was focussed on better prepared lines, and as a result these wools enjoyed the greatest lift in price.

The oddments were discounted this sale. Wools carrying more than 3 percent vm were the hardest hit as buyers favoured the lower vm types.

Prices were generally reduced by 20 to 40 cents, pushing the carding indicators down by an average of 23 cents.

Week 35 sees another increase in the national offering. Currently, there are 44,506 bales on offer in Sydney, Melbourne and Fremantle.

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