Three of New Zealand's leading woolbrokers, all based in Hawke's Bay or Gisborne, are reassuring growers that a low dispersal at the Napier sale this month was a "blip" rather than part of a long-term trend.
Just 54 per cent of the July 7 offering of 7500 bales sold - one of four times in the past five weeks more than 30 per cent has been left in the stores after the sales, which alternate week-about between Napier (North Island) and Christchurch (South Island).
It was a sharp downturn from the June 23 Napier sale when 77 per cent of the 12,180 was sold, while in the last three South Island sales the dispersal was 61 per cent of 5800 bales last week, 66 per cent of 10,900 bales on June 30, and 63 per cent of 4400 bales on June 16.
The pep talk is being delivered by Napier-based Kells Wools, Waipukurau-based Wright Wool, and Gisborne-based Fred Tate Wools ahead of today's Napier sale, at which about 6000 bales are being offered.
Philippa Wright, of Waipukurau, conceded: "Coming off one of the best seasons for wool for many years, it was disappointing to witness a poor sale in Napier."