Elders is to withdraw from regular wool auctions in New South Wales from 2027, following the closure of the Yennora Wool Selling Centre and the planned relocation of sales activity to Goulburn. The agency has told woolgrowers that most of its clients’ wool will instead be offered through Melbourne.
The decision was communicated to Elders clients on Monday 2 November. A letter attributed to Ryan Robinson, general manager for the northern region, and Bruce McLeish, northern region wool manager, said the business had assessed the available selling arrangements before selecting Melbourne. Elders said selected superfine sales would continue at Goulburn.
Melbourne selected for buyer competition
Elders said Melbourne offered the greatest level of competition for growers because it is the world’s largest wool selling centre. The agency stated that about 27 active buyers operate there on a typical sale day, describing the market as deeper and more competitive than the alternatives considered.
“Melbourne is the largest wool selling centre in the world and will provide a deeper and more competitive buying environment.”
The statement provided to The Land by Bruce McLeish said the move was intended to provide greater market depth and certainty for growers. He said the decision had been made in the interests of clients and to support the strongest possible selling outcomes and returns for their wool.
Changes for New South Wales growers
The planned change follows the opening of Elders Wool’s Melbourne facility in 2024. Elders said wool from its New South Wales clients had already been handled at the site since the facility was launched. The centre represents a $25 million investment and uses automated handling systems, according to the company.
The new Goulburn selling centre is expected to be ready when auctions resume in 2027. While Elders will no longer participate in the regular northern New South Wales market, the agency has indicated that the Goulburn site will retain a role for selected superfine offerings.
| Measure | Figure | Period or context |
|---|---|---|
| Elders wool sold through Yennora | 25,000 bales | 2025-26 season |
| All brokers’ national throughput | 434,870 bales | 2025-26 season |
| Elders’ share of national throughput | 29.1% | 2025-26 season |
A substantial volume moving through a different centre
Elders sold 25,000 bales through Yennora during the 2025-26 season. Across all brokers, national throughput was reported at 434,870 bales, with Elders accounting for 29.1% of that total. Those figures illustrate the scale of the wool volume connected with the agency as its New South Wales selling arrangements change.
- Regular Elders sales in New South Wales will no longer be held through the agency after the move from Yennora.
- Most Elders wool from the state will be sold through Melbourne from 2027.
- Selected superfine sales are planned to continue at Goulburn.
The move will make Melbourne the principal auction centre for Elders’ New South Wales wool, while Goulburn is expected to provide a continuing outlet for selected superfine lots once its selling centre is operational.
