The 2025/26 wool season has ended on a high, with the strong wool indicator finishing 112 percent above where it was a year ago.

Speaking with Jamie Mackay on The Country, Rachel Shearer, General Manager of PGW Wool, said the result marks one of the strongest seasons the industry has experienced in decades and provides renewed confidence for New Zealand sheep farmers.

 As of the final sale of the season, the strong wool indicator reached 760 cents clean, equating to more than $6.00 greasy on average, depending on yield.

"That's a 112 percent increase year on year for the strong wool indicator, which is a great result for the hard-working sheep farmers out there and long overdue," Rachel said.

Strong demand continues to drive competition

Rachel said the national auction system continues to demonstrate its value, particularly at a time when wool supply remains constrained.

Lower sheep numbers, combined with increasing consumer demand for natural fibres, are creating strong competition among buyers. The introduction of additional buyers, including Australian participation through bidr, has further strengthened the buyer bench.

"They've come in, looked at the wool, analysed it against the test results, and they're clambering over themselves to secure this great New Zealand wool," Rachel said.

While the Australian market softened slightly ahead of its seasonal recess, New Zealand prices continued to strengthen across all wool types, with North Island wools performing particularly well.

More than a quarter of the North Island offering achieved prices above $6.00 greasy.

Renewed interest in the auction room

The improving market is also generating renewed interest in the auction process itself.

Rachel said around 50 people watched the latest sale online, while the public gallery at the Christchurch selling centre was filled with young people from across the wool industry.

"It was great to look out and see the future of the industry showing such enthusiasm," she said.

Alongside the next generation of wool representatives and wool classers, experienced industry participants have also been returning to watch the national auctions as interest in the market continues to grow.

Even the lower-value wool is delivering strong returns

One of the standout features of the current market is the value now being achieved for oddments.

Bellies, pieces, crutchings and other lower-value lines, once considered difficult to market, are attracting unprecedented demand.

At the latest sale, average bellies and pieces returned around $6.10, higher than many fleece wool prices seen only a few months earlier.

Rachel also highlighted one line of halfbred necks and backs that had been passed in just 10 weeks earlier. When it was offered again, it sold for almost double the previous bid.

"There is a lot of value in those lines, so make sure they make it to sale," she said.

Looking ahead

While there is still room for further growth, the season has reinforced confidence that strong wool is once again delivering meaningful value for growers.

Improving demand for natural fibres, constrained global supply and increased competition at auction have combined to create a markedly different market from just a few years ago.

With the new wool season beginning on 8 July, the industry heads into the year ahead with optimism and strong momentum.

To stay up to date with the latest National Wool Market Reports > here.