That followed a slight fall from 242 the previous year.
The number of plastic object finds rose 300% and there was a doubling of steel objects.
The central North Island is the main problem area, the report from the country’s only wool scourer said.
South Island results were much better with the number of incidents falling to 123 from 175 in 2017-18, and from 252 two seasons ago.
The number of finds and the range of contaminants show it is not just harvesting workers responsible for the high numbers, Wool Classers Association executive officer Bruce Abbott said.
Wool growers and others using the shearing sheds must also take responsibility for making sure they are kept clean and that material does not accidentally get into bales.
The clear message is to clean up the sheds after shearing and again before the next shearing starts, Abbott said.
Otago-based Abbott is quite pleased with the South Island improvement, saying a lot of work has been done at field days on how to prevent contamination and the strength of the finer, higher-value wool sector has also helped, with more awareness among farmers of the financial impacts of contaminants.
But the South Island incidence is still a problem.
It is hard to see how so many wool press-bars end up in the sacks, Abbott said.
Stock feed bags, clothing, boots and gumboots, car keys, twine and strapping, wooden pallets, drench guns, cell phones, live ammunition, jugs, and a toilet brush were among other items found.
A problem area is fadges – the part-bales and other pieces of wool waiting for packing into full bales. When left lying round other objects are thrown in with it, Abbott said. The fadge should easily be collected, bagged and sealed so nothing else gets in.
“It should be a small job.”
He urged farmers to also ensure they put a rubbish bin in the shearing shed.
The report said there are potentially significant costs to the industry beyond the direct costs of damage to scour machinery and the wool.
With a quarter of the clip being exported greasy, contamination is exported as well, which affects the reputation of NZ wool.
Abbott urged farmers and harvest staff to work together to:
Remove clothing and towels from the wool room or where wool is likely to be stacked;
Remove water bottles and drink containers;
Secure personal items and other stuff in a zipped pocket or bag;
Use only paper as a division in bales where the likes of necks and bellies need to be separated and;
Find press bars and pins straight away if they’re missing, before doing the next bale.
