1.   One of their major concerns was the slump in wool prices.

2.   A long-running drought in eastern states was breaking, and wool prices were heading up.

3.   But the fleece sits unsold because wool prices are so low that proceeds would not even cover shearing expenses.

4.   Higher sugar and wool prices were offset by lower prices for beef and wheat.

5.   In Sydney, Australian wool prices steadied this week following two weeks recovery, amid widespread competition dominated by Japanese trading houses and European buyers.

6.   Wool prices are quoted internationally in Australian dollars.

7.   The revised figures reflect a slump in wool prices and an increasing number of farmers shifting to grain production as a result.

8.   After four weeks of sharp gains, Australian wool prices fell back this week, as steep recent price rises encouraged more supply into the market.

9.   Australian wool prices kept climbing thanks to firm demand.

10.   Australian wool prices rose for the first time in almost two months thanks to thin supply at auctions and dry weather in producer regions that could hamper production.