A New Zealand crossbred wool futures market : thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Agricultural Science

Abstract

The New Zealand wool clip approximates six hundred and sixty million pounds greasy weight, and is made up of over ninety eight per cent crossbred wool 1 In New Zealand this term applies to lustre wool varying in fineness from 36's to 56's irrespective of the breed or cross of the sheep. Growers may sell their wool by public auction in New Zealand, by private treaty to an individual buyer on their farm, or by auction in the London market. Most wool is sold at auction with only about twelve per cent being sold privately. Auction sales are held in eight selling centres: Auckland, Napier, Wanganui, Wellington, Christchurch, Timaru, Dunedin and Invercargill. [From Introduction]