Over the past two seasons wool preparation in some instances has declined to a point where there is concern that there is a real possibility of losing the ability to obtain a premium for our coarse New Zealand wool.
Our observation of how wool is prepared and by who leads us to believe there is a need for a simple cost effective programme for woolgrowers to show they do in fact have similar concerns and are capable of presenting their wool-clip using best practice.
Simplicity is the key! The basics of wool handling have not really changed over the years and some aspects of wool preparation have not been carried out to best advantage.
Southwool intends to promote a simple, no cost* quality system. This will in turn be presented to the auction purchasers of your wool by way of branded identity in our catalogue to show all the fundamentals of wool preparation have been followed.
Briefly theses are:
By advising the Purchaser that this clip meets the quality standard, we can improve their confidence of your clips processing ability. They will be made aware of the programme criteria and will understand the wool purchased will enable improved processing of your wool by reducing the additional handling of wool at the scouring/carding stages.
It is quite expensive to perform additional machining of wool that is part cotty or requires extra sorting to remove colour, seed or brands. By ensuring the wool is prepared to best advantage it is our intention to achieve a reward to those growers who can obtain and maintain this discipline by way of better pricing relative to other wools .
For further information or if you are interested in taking part, simply contact Southwool or your wool rep
Andy Pope 0274 895 688
Bede Chamberlain 0274 887 518
Garth Cross 027 600 6416
Mick McMaster 027 223 4560
Nick Redding 0274 398 879