At PGG Wrightson Wool’s C17 South Island auction on 24 October in Christchurch, a remarkable milestone was reached in the world of fine wool. John and Sam McAtamney, wool growers from ‘The Bend’ in Ranfurly, achieved a record-breaking result with their 12.5-micron merino wool. This ultra-fine wool sold for an impressive $155 per kilogram greasy, setting a new benchmark for New Zealand fine-wool.

John and Sam have dedicated years to producing some of the finest wool in New Zealand, if not globally. Their dedication to quality and meticulous preparation have earned them a well-deserved reputation for excellence in the wool industry. Their latest achievement is a testament to this hard work, as their merino wool fetched the highest price that the team at PGW Wool have seen for ultra-fine merino wool.

Pictured: Doug McKay, South Island Auctioneer & Procurement Manager for PGW Wool, knocks the hammer down on Lot 437, selling at a record-breaking $155 per kilogram greasy.

“Our team at PGW Wool is incredibly proud to have been part of the selling process,” says Dave Burridge, South Island Wool Sales Manager. “John and Sam have every reason to be proud of this result. The wool is exceptionally well-grown and well-prepared - qualities that truly set it apart on the global stage.”

Pictured (left to right): Doug McKay, South Island Auctioneer & Procurement Manager for PGW Wool, Helen Cameron, Fine Wool Procurement Specialist for The Schneider Group, Dave Burridge, South Island Wool Sales Manager.

The buyer of this extraordinary wool was The Schneider Group, an internationally renowned company specialising in the sourcing, processing, and supply of high-quality animal fibres. Represented at the auction by Fine Wool Procurement Specialist, Helen Cameron, The Schneider Group will process the wool in their mill in Italy, which is globally recognised for its expertise in handling ultra-fine fibres like the 12.5-micron merino wool from ‘The Bend.’

Pictured: Lot 437, a 12.5 micron wool from ‘The Bend’ that sold at auction for a phenomenal $155 per kilogram greasy.

Helen expressed her excitement about acquiring such a rare fibre. “It’s always thrilling to see wool of this calibre coming out of New Zealand. While we do see some ultra-fine wool like this from Australia, it’s rare to get it down to these microns, making it a truly special find for us.”

This auction result not only reflects the high demand for fine merino wool but also sets the stage for future successes. Dave emphasised how encouraging it is to see this level of interest from international buyers. “We’re expecting more fine wool shearing over the next month, and we’re confident that more ultra-fine microns will be coming through the market soon.”

The Christchurch Wool Exchange continues to be a strong performer, to any Wool Exchange in the world particularly for fine wool. Its global presence has ensured that New Zealand’s high-quality wool remains at the forefront of the industry.