Select for Desirable Wool Traits

How to Select for Desirable Wool Traits

•           Record grease fleece weight and staple length of each fleece at shearing.

•           If possible, obtain clean fleece weight.

•           Rank fleeces according to weight of fibre produced and staple length.

•           If possible, rank sheep within a given grade of wool, within a given age classification, and within a group in which the number of lambs raised is known.

SA Wool Market Surges To Record Level

Port Elizabeth – The wool market traded 14,3% higher and the Cape Wools Merino Indicator increased by a surprising 2016 points to close at a value of R161,61 (Clean). In the Australian market, the indicator gained 3,1%. The Cape Wools All Wool Indicator strengthened by 13,8%.

The current gain is the largest recorded increase from consecutive auctions in the last five seasons and traders commented that the excellent competition between the buying houses for all the types of wool on offer combined with the plummeting Rand had driven the market to its current record high.  This will hopefully, make a valuable contribution to wool producers struggling under the effects of the drought.

The offering comprised of 12 778 bales, of which 98,2% was sold. Major traders were G Modiano SA (3 867) Standard Wool SA (3 294), Lempriere SA (3 175), and Stucken & Co (1 507).

The average clean prices for the selection within the different categories good top-making (MF5), long fleeces were as follows: 18,0 microns gained 12,8% at R175,02/kg;  18,5 microns gained 16,0% at R176,84/kg; 19 microns increased 14,8% at R171,40/kg; 19,5 microns won 13,4% to close at R164,99/kg; 20 microns improved with 15,0% to close at R163,39/kg; 20,5 microns strengthend 14,9% to close at R161,53/kg; 21,0 microns rose 12,8% to close at R159,26/kg; 21,5 microns gained 13,0% to close at R159,26/kg and 22,0 microns gained  12,2% to close at R157,90/kg.

The next sale on 20 January 2016 where approximately ± 17 700 bales will be on offer.

SA Wool season finished on a high note

Port Elizabeth – The wool market maintained its recent gains and the Cape Wools Merino indicator gained a marginal 0,9% to close at R141,20/kg (clean). This is 26,5% higher compared to the opening sale of this season. In the Australian market, the indicator increased by 2,0%. The Cape Wools All-Wool Indicator gained 0,9%.

Local traders commented that on the day finer wool ended slightly dearer and coarser wool slightly easier, but all in all a wonderful close to a successful season. The Cape Wools Merino indicator is at an all-time high and expectations are that the market will maintain its positive momentum at current levels going into the new season.

The Rand on the day traded 0,7% weaker at R12,33 against the US dollar, compared with last week’s average rate, and weakened 2,0% against the Euro at R13,89. The offering comprised of 10 369 bales, of which 98% was sold. Major traders were Lempriere SA (4 004), Standard Wool SA (3 737) and G Modiano SA (1 716).

The weekly price monitor sample, limited to AWEX type MF5, 70-80mm, VM<=2% wool only, experienced an average price movement as follows: 18 microns were up by 1,7% to close at R152,38/kg, 18,5 microns were unchanged at R147,46/kg, 19 microns gained 3,2% to close at R146,90/kg, 19,5 microns rose with 1,8% to close at R145,07/kg, 20 microns lost 0,4% to close at R140,57/kg, 20,5 microns increased with 1,9% to close at R140,47/kg, 21 microns gained 2,1% to close at R139,32/kg, 21,5 microns strengthened by 1,9% to R137,27/kg and 22 microns rose with 0,5% to close at R135,76/kg.

The first sale of the new season is scheduled for 12 August.

Coefficient of Variation (CV)

A range of fiber diameters occurs within each wool sample.  A wool sample may therefore have a mean fiber diameter of 19 µ, yet the fibers within the sample may vary from 7 µ to 37 µ.

Two criteria are used to measure the distribution, namely CV and standard deviation (SD).  CV is a function of SD, as SD is used in the formula to calculate CV.

CV (%) = Standard deviation * 100

                     Mean fiber diameter

Strong demand drives SA Wool market to new Record High

Port Elizabeth – Strong demand and a persistently weak Rand drove wool prices to a record high and the Cape Wools Merino indicator gained 4,7% to close at R140,00/kg (clean). 

This is 25,4% higher compared to the opening sale of this season and up 27,9% compared to the corresponding sale of the previous season. In the Australian market, the indicator increased by 5,0%. The Cape Wools All-Wool Indicator gained 4,6%.

Buyers reported a strong demand for and a shortage of good quality Merino wool on the day and commented on the low levels of the stockholding further along the wool processing pipeline. Seasonal supply concerns also impacted by production showing little evidence of recovery. The weaker Rand played its part in driving market prices to these new record levels.

The Rand on the day traded 1,4% weaker at R12,24 against the US dollar, compared with last

week’s average rate, and weakened 3,7% against the Euro at R13,62. The offering comprised of 6 751 bales, of which 99% was sold. Major traders were Standard Wool SA (3 354), Lempriere SA (1 476) and G Modiano SA (1 466).

The weekly price monitor sample, limited to AWEX type MF5, 70-80mm, VM<=2% wool only, experienced an average price movement as follows: 18 microns were up by 5,4% to close at R149,82/kg, 18,5 microns strengthened by 4,6% to R147,45/kg, 19 microns gained 4,3% to close at R142,30/kg, 19,5 microns rose with 5,6% to close at R142,49/kg, 20 microns gained 7,0% to close at R141,11/kg, 20,5 microns increased with 4,8% to close at R137,91/kg, 21 microns gained 4,4% to close at R136,41/kg, 21,5 microns strengthened by 4,4% to R134,70/kg and 22 microns rose by 10,1% to close at R135,04/kg.

The last sale of the season is scheduled for 10 June where approximately 10 200 bales will be on offer.

SA Wool prices at record high!

Port Elizabeth – Exceptional demand at the recent sale resulted in a new record high in wool prices and the Cape Wools Merino indicator gained 8,5% to close at R132,02/kg (clean). This is 18,3% higher compared to the opening sale of this season and 13,4% higher compared to the corresponding sale of the previous season. In the Australian market, the indicator increased by 7,6%. The Cape Wools All-Wool Indicator gained 10,2%.

Limited supply of long, good quality Merino wool and strong demand from the Chinese and Indian markets drove wool prices to the record high. Local traders noted that some clients

are resisting higher price levels.

The Rand on the day traded 0,8% weaker at R11,94 against the US dollar, compared with last week’s average rate, and weakened 3,3% against the Euro at R13,46. The offering comprised of 8 829 bales, of which 99% was sold. Major traders were Standard Wool SA (2 968), G Modiano SA (2 386) and Lempriere SA (2 270).

The weekly price monitor sample, limited to AWEX type MF5, 70-80mm, VM<=2% wool only, experienced an average price movement as follows: 18

microns were up by 7,5% to close at R140,66/kg, 18,5 microns strengthened by 6,2% to R138,96/kg, 19 microns gained 10,7% to close at R137,94/kg, 19,5 microns rose with 9,0% to close at R134,64/kg, 20 microns gained 8,0% to close at R132,46/kg, 20,5 microns increased with 9,2% to close at R130,37/kg, 21 microns gained 7,9% to close at R130,02/kg, 21,5 microns strengthened by 9,3% to R128,28/kg and 22 microns rose with 5,8% to close at R122,98/kg.

The next sale is scheduled for 27 May where approximately 8 000 bales will be on offer..

South African Wool Market Strengthens

Port Elizabeth – The wool market was dearer at this week’s sale and the Cape Wools Merino indicator gained 2,1% to close at R113,45/kg (clean). This is 1,6% up compared to the opening sale of this season and 8,3% up compared to the corresponding sale of the previous season. On the Australian market, the indicator decreased by 3,1%. The Cape Wools All-Wool Indicator gained 1,7%.

Wool auctions resumed after the Easter recess and wool traders commented that the reduced wool supply would benefit growers offering better type wools. According to local traders the increase was supported by the weaker Rand and the continued firm demand from China for good quality long, well-grown Merino wool.

The Rand on the day traded 2,5% weaker at R12,08 against the US dollar, compared with last week’s average rate, and strengthened 1,6% against the Euro at R12,82. The offering comprised of 11 949 bales, of which 99% was sold. Major traders were G Modiano SA (3 887), Standard Wool SA (2 887), Lempriere SA (2 513) and Stucken & Co (1 088).

The weekly price monitor sample, limited to AWEX type MF5, 70-80mm, VM<=2% wool only,,75/kg, 18,5 microns strengthened by 2,2% to R121,91/kg, 19 microns gained 2,6% to close at R117,64/kg, 19,5 microns rose with 2,4% to close at R114,50/kg, 20 microns gained 2,7% to close at R113,21/kg, 20,5 microns increased with 2,3% to close at R112,02/kg, 21 microns gained 2,6% to close at R/kg, 21,5 microns were unchanged on R107,64/kg and 22 microns rose with 0,6% to close at R107,64/kg.

experienced an average price movement as follows: 18 microns were up by 3,9% to close at R125

The next sale is scheduled for 22 April where approximately 5 400 bales will be on offer.

Keep your clip clean

Wool can and should be marketed as a natural, environmentally-friendly quality fiber. Anything that undermines this image can lead to consumer resistance and have a negative effect on the marketability and price of wool.

Contamination of wool by foreign objects – like black hair, bale twine, wire, bolts, cigarette butts, matches, dog hair, pieces of cloth – pose a serious threat to the long-term sustainability and profitability of wooled sheep farming.

Contamination of wool can result in big claims against buyers or processors, and damages the reputation of the clip.

Hard objects in a bale can damage core sampling and wool processing machines, while deviating fibers (black hair, Kemp) can spoil meters of fabric as these only show up at the final stage of processing.

In addition, increasing worldwide antipathy towards any form of pollution, and stricter regulations, particularly by the European Union, about environmental pollution, are putting pressure on the wool industry to eliminate chemical contaminants and ensure that pesticide-free wool products reach the market.

The main sources of contamination are:

·           Foreign objects originating in the shearing shed, e.g. fertilizer bags, baling twine, pieces of metal, clothing, cigarette butts, etc.

·                     Wool packs containing loose material, usually fibers.

·                     Sheep branding inks and certain wound dressing containing discoloring compounds.

·                     Colored fiber resulting from crossbreeding or non-woolled sheep breeds running with Merino sheep.

·                     Residues from pesticides used for the treatment of external parasites on sheep

What producers should do to prevent contamination

 

In the shearing shed:

It is vitally important for all producers to maintain good management principles in the shearing shed to avoid contamination prior to classing and packing. No matter how well-classed the clip, if it is contaminated with baling twine or other foreign objects, the buyer will penalize it.

·                     Clean the shed thoroughly before shearing commences and store away any tools, bolts and other metal objects.

·                     In order to minimize possible contamination with animal hair, feathers, baling twine, etc., ensure that the holding pens are clean.

·                     Educate shearing team and workers about the dangers of contamination.

·                     Provide a rubbish bin with a lid for cigarette buts and other rubbish.

·                     Ensure that proper supervision is exercised during shearing.

·                     No dogs or other animals should be allowed in the shed.

·                     Use a rubber rake rather than an ordinary broom with hair in the shearing shed.

·                     Never use jute bags in the shearing shed, be it for wiping feet or sharpening the shears on.  Rather use carton, paper or a piece of sheepskin.

·                     Never use baling twine in the shearing shed, even for hanging tools or other gadgets against the wall.

·                     Make sure that shearers don’t use twine for their shears.

·                     Shearers should preferably not be allowed to sleep in the shearing shed.

·                     Always shear purebred woolled sheep first.

During shearing and classing: 

·                     Wool stained with branding ink, tar, urine, dung, blood, paints or discolored by fungi or chemicals must be removed before shearing, packed separately and marked as “Brands”

·                     Remove all bloodstained wool during the shearing process.

·                     Request the shearers to remove pieces of skin cut off during shearing. Skin pieces quickly become dry and hard and can damage carding machines.

·                     Topknots and cheek wool can contain hairy fibers and must, therefore, be packed with the lox, irrespective of how long and attractive they look.

·                     Colored fibers are often found around the horns and should not be packed with bellies or pieces to prevent contamination. 

Wool Market Increases

Port Elizabeth – The wool market was slightly dearer at this week’s sale and the Cape Wools Merino indicator gained 0,4% to close at R110,54/kg (clean). This is 1.0% down compared to the opening sale of this season and 3,7% down compared to the corresponding sale of the previous season On the Australian market, the indicator decreased by 0,1%. The Cape Wools All-Wool Indicator gained 2,8%.

Local traders commented that this week’s offering was sizable and a fairly decent one, with a very nice selection of long fleece wools on offer. Recent gains may have caused the market to slightly overheat and a correction is expected in the near future.

The Rand on the day traded 2,8% weaker at R11,76 against the US dollar, compared with last week’s average rate, and weakened 0,3% against the Euro at R13,12. 

The offering comprised of 13 743 bales, of which 98% was sold. Most active traders were Lempriere SA (5 020), G Modiano SA (2 910), Standard Wool SA (2 478) and Stucken & Co (1 948).

The average clean prices for the selection within the different categories good top-making (MF5), long fleeces were as follows: 18,5 microns strengthened by 0,2% to R120,61/kg, 19 microns shed 2,3% to close at R113,15/kg, 19,5 microns declined with 1,6% to close at R107,83/kg, 20 microns gained 1,4% to close at R109,14/kg, 20,5 microns increased with 0,9% to close at R107,29/kg, 21 microns gained 0,9% to close at R107,39/kg, 21,5 microns strengthened by 1,0% to R104,99/kg and 22 microns rose with 2,9% to close at R107,02/kg.

The next sale is scheduled for 11 March where approximately 8 200 bales will come under the hammer. 
(Wool appraiser, Ria van Rooyen at 27 (0) 41 4844301).

Global Wool Week coming up!

The world is gearing up for another global wool week on 5th-12th October. The Prince of Wales’s Campaign for Wool will also introduce the first Canadian Wool Week from September 29 – October 5, in Toronto. (Find the Campaign for Wool link under Interesting Links.)

This campaign now includes representatives from the International Wool and Textile Organization, The British Wool Marketing Board, Australian Wool Innovation, the National Council of New Zealand Wool and runs in 12 countries including, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Germany, Norway, Australia, China, Japan, Korea, the United States and now in Canada under the Prince’s Charities Canada.

Wool weeks are held in countries across the world during the autumn retail season. Featuring leading designers, retailers, celebrities - and lots of sheep - the Wool Weeks give hundreds of thousands of people the opportunity to get up close and personal with wool.

The Campaign for Wool has influenced a new demand for wool on an international scale, and its efforts have seen an outstanding threefold increase in the price farmers receive for their wool.

Open to the public from the 5th to 12th October, the Interiors Wool Collection offers free admission and all items displayed will be on sale at London's Southwark Cathedral during Wool Week.

The Scottish Shetland Wool Week takes place on 4-12 October.

UK 5 – 12th October

Germany 20th – 26th October

China 20th – 26th October

Belgium 21st – 31st October

Japan 27th Oct – 4th November

Netherlands 3rd – 9th November

Sadly no participating news from the South African wool industry at time of publishing.

SA Wool price levels sustained

Port Elizabeth – The wool market maintained its recent gains and the Cape Wools Merino indicator closed the day up by a marginal 0,6% at R114,68/kg (clean). This is 2,7% higher compared to the opening sale of this season and 2,0% up compared to the corresponding sale of the previous season.

Traders commented that the weaker rand had propped up the local market, however in hard currency the market remained subdued due to poorer demand from China. They described this week’s offering as small and of poor quality and expect next week’s selection to be similar.

The rand of the day traded 1,7% weaker at R11,10 against the US dollar, compared with last week’s average rate, and weakened 1,1% against the euro at R14,30. The sale resulted in a 97% clearance of the 7 324 bales on offer. The most active traders were Lempriere SA (2 290), Standard Wool SA (2 029) and G Modiano SA (1 033).

The average clean prices for the selection within the different categories good top-making (MF5), long fleeces were as follows: 18 microns were down by 0,8% to close at R124,10/kg, 18,5 microns weakened by 1,0% to R122,29/kg, 19 microns shed 0,4% to close at R118,15/kg, 19,5 microns dropped with 0,5% to close at R115,82/kg, 20 microns gained 0,2% to close at R115,32/kg, 20,5 microns increased with 0,4% to close at R114,48/kg, 21 microns gained 0,9% to close at R113,81/kg, 21,5 microns strengthened by 1,5% to R113,81/kg and 22 microns rose with 2,5% to close at R113,64/kg.

Approximately 6 700 bales will be on offer at the next sale scheduled for 1 October.
Ria van Rooyen
Wool Appraiser

Wool Market Dearer

Port Elizabeth – The wool market was firm at this week’s sale and the Cape Wools’ Merino indicator gained 1,5% compared with the previous sale a fortnight ago to close at R113,32/kg (clean). Although this is an increase of 1,5% on the opening sale, prices declined 2,3% compared to the corresponding sale of the previous season.

The dearer wool prices reflected the positive global market sentiment, as was also experienced in the strengthened Australian market where the indicator gained 1,0%. According to traders the increase was prompted by good demand across all sectors of the trade for good quality South African Merino wool.

The rand, at R10,69 was a marginal 0,3% weaker against the US dollar compared with last week’s average rate, and at R14,06 it had gained 0,8% against the euro. It was a fairly large sale with 13 229 bales offered, of which 99% was sold. The most active traders were Standard Wool SA (4 072), Lempriere SA (3 292), Stucken & Co (2 642) and G Modiano SA (1 647).

The average clean prices for the selection within the different categories good top-making (MF5), long fleeces were as follows: 18 microns were up by 3,7% to close at R125,43/kg, 18,5 microns strengthened by 1,3% to R120,95/kg, 19 microns increased 0,5% to close at R118,51/kg, 19,5 microns rose with 1,0% to close at R115,96/kg, 20 microns gained 2,0% to close at R114,33/kg, 20,5 microns increased with 1,6% to close at R112,76/kg, 21 microns gained 1,4% to close at R111,82/kg, 21,5 microns strengthened by 1,9% to R111,80/kg and 22 microns rose with 2,6% to close at R111,80/kg.

The next sale is scheduled for 10 September where approximately 9 800 bales will be on offer.

Wool market performs well. Prices slightly softer

Port Elizabeth – The wool market got off on a good start to the new wool selling season and Cape Wools’ Merino indicator closed the day at R111,63/kg (clean), which is 1,1% down on the closing sale of the previous season. This is an increase of 9,5% on the corresponding sale of the previous season. Similar market conditions prevailed at the Australian market where the indicator dropped with 3,6%. Traders reported hesitancy among Chinese buyers which resulted in prices easing at this week’s sale. On a positive note, good quality fine wools were keenly sought after due to firm demand from Europe, while high mid-break wools were discounted.

The rand at R10,66 traded 0,8% stronger against the dollar compared with last week’s average rate. At R14,17 it had gained 3,2% on average against the euro. The sale resulted in a 98% clearance of the 13 945 bales on offer. Most active traders were Standard Wool SA (4 794), Lempriere SA (2 707), G Modiano SA (2 570) and Stucken & Co (1 872. The average clean prices for the selection within the different categories good top-making (MF5), long fleeces were as follows: 18 microns were up by 1,2% to close at R120,91/kg, 18,5 microns remained unchanged at R119,41/kg, 19 microns shed 0,2% to close at R117,91/kg, 19,5 microns dropped by 2,0% to close at R114,81/kg, 20 microns lost 1,6% to close at R112,08/kg, 20,5 microns decreased with 2,7% to close at R110,93/kg, 21 microns shed 3,0% to close at R110,26/kg, 21,5 microns decreased with 3,1% to close at R109,70/kg and 22 microns lost 3,8 % to close at R108,95/kg. The next sale is scheduled for 3 September. Report from Ria van Rooyen, Wool Appraiser

How to Select for Desirable Wool Traits

•  Record grease fleece weight and staple length of each fleece at shearing.

•  If possible, obtain clean fleece weight.

•    Rank fleeces according to weight of fibre produced and staple length.

•           If possible, rank sheep within a given grade of wool, within a given age classification, and within a group in which the number of lambs raised is known.

Wool processing info

Scouring

The first industrial process wool is subjected to is the scouring process.  The wool is scoured with a detergent in hot water by slowly propelling it through a series of large bowls to remove sand, dust and wool grease (or unpurified lanolin).  After scouring the wool is squeezed to remove excess water and then dried in a large hot air drying chamber to a predetermined moisture level.

Carding

After scouring, the wool is teased out by a large machine consisting of different sized rollers covered in sharp metal points.  The machine is called a carding machine and also removes sticks, leaves, grass and seeds which contaminate the wool and interferes with further processing.  The wool is now in a thin web, which is rolled into a sliver.

Combing

The carding process breaks some wool fibres, while not all vegetable matter is removed.  Then the sliver is now combed out by a revolving, finely toothed combing cylinder to remove the bits of broken fibre and the remaining vegetable particles.  The combed sliver is twisted, collected and rolled up into a ball of 5 or 10 kg, called a wool top.

Hand spinning 

Spinning

Before the combed wool can be spun into a yarn, the sliver comprising the top must be thinned down and mixed with other slivers to even out thick or thin areas and to get it to the correct thickness.  Now it is called a roving.  


The spinning process is a simple, simultaneous drawing out and twisting operation and the winding up of the spun yarn onto a tube on a fastly revolving spindle.

Preparation

After spinning, the quality of the yarn is improved by processing it on a machine, which measures its thickness, while at the same time cutting out short, thick areas (called “nips”), rejoining the ends and winding it up onto bigger bobbins.  Deformed ends can be wound and plied together to create twofold or even threefold yarns as required by the weaver or knitter.

Weaving

Weaving is an age-old process, today performed on higher speed, computer-controlled looms.  Yarns running lengthwise are the “warp” and yarns crossing the warp at right angles are the “filling” or the “weft”.  Then individual warp yarns are lifted mechanically, in a predetermined pattern, to allow the shuttle to propel the weft yarns through.  In this manner, a wide variety of weaving patterns are possible.

 Knitting

Knitting of wool yarns, as with weaving, is today performed by modern, high speed machines.  These machines are either circular in form (with the knitting needles arranged around a cylinder), or rectangular in shape (called flat bed machines).  In the former case, wool is knitted in tubular form and is then cut by using patterns.  In the latter case, the panels of the garment (front, back, sleeves, etc.) are knitted directly on the machine.

Dying and Finishing

Wool products can be dyed beautifully to all shades.  It can be dyed in top form (after combing), or in yarn form, or after the yarn has been woven or knitted.  

Wool can even be treated with chemicals to make it machine washable.  After weaving, the cloth can be “finished” to produce a host of different effects – the “woolly” look for jackets or coats by gently brushing out the fibres, or the sleek “clean” look of worsted suiting by processing the cloth using heat and steam, etc.

#Woolprocessinginfo