Central Otago wool among world’s finest
This year the finest wool ever sold through a PGG Wrightson Wool auction of 'The Bend' from Ranfurly’s 12.5 micron achieved an impressive $155 per kilogram greasy destined for Italian mills. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp, photos PGG Wrightson Wool.
The Schneider Group, an internationally renowned company specialising in the sourcing, processing and supply of high-quality fibres for their mill in Italy, regularly purchase merino wool from ‘The Bend’ in Ranfurly, but this year was a milestone.
On October 24 2024, driven by solid competition for the ultra-fine clip, PGG Wrightson Wool’s South Island C17 Auction broke a world record for the finest merino wool sold through auction at 12.5-micron, which was grown on the Central Otago property of John and Sam McAtamney.
“Kevin Waldron is a huge part of our achievements having been our wool classer for over 20 years, as he has an exceptional eye for ultra-fine wool. He’s been selecting rams with us at Forest Range every year. They just do really well here with no special treatment.” – John McAtamney, The Bend, Ranfurly
PGG Wrightson Wool South Island Wool Sales Manager, Dave Burridge, says he is incredibly proud to have been part of the selling process that day, achieving an impressive price of $155 per kilogram greasy. This set a new benchmark for New Zealand fine-wool, the highest price that the team at PGW Wool has seen for ultra-fine merino 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,” Dave says.
He explains that the wool is exceptionally well-grown and well-prepared as key qualities that truly set The Bend’s wool apart on the global stage.
“Kevin Waldron (PGG Wrighton’s Wool Representative) is a huge part of our achievements having been our wool classer for over 20 years with an exceptional eye for ultra-fine wool. He’s been selecting rams with us at Forest Range every year. They just do really well here with no special treatment,” John McAtamney says.
He explains that The Bend’s breeding selection has moved beyond chasing micron over the years to getting wool weights up and improving the style of the wool.
Representing The Schneider Group at the auction was fine wool procurement specialist Helen Cameron, who 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.”
