First up, Rowena asked about the supply chain for wool in the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle. Grant reiterated the major challenges being faced, particularly 'round scouring in the North Island. The major scouring plant in the North Island was severely flooded and is closed. The other plant in the North Island can't operate at the same capacity. Early indications are that the damaged plant won't be up and running 'til November or December.

Rowena then turned to the current state of demand for wool.  Grant confirmed that demand is still there for better quality wools. He mentioned again that there's been a lot of yellowing wools through the market this year. He said a change has started. But significant amounts of poor-quality wools have hit the market, a lot of it climate-driven. New season wools coming through are much better quality and demand for these is increasing.

Rowena then raised a good news story. The Farmers retail chain now stocks blankets made from New Zealand-sourced wools. A big well done to the team at Farmers! Grant agrees this is a great good news story. Great to get one over the Aussies who were the previous wool suppliers!