WOOL

The Wonderful World of Wool

Producing Wool- For thousands of years sheep have been among the most efficient of all the domestic animals. Unlike cattle and swine, they thrive in the most extreme conditions of climate and habitat. Sheep graze and convert to protein for human use a variety of vegetation that would otherwise be wasted.

Theses conversions are, of course, wool – the perfect fiber for uncounted varieties of fabric, and lamb – the most tender and succulent of meats. Shear a sheep and spin its wool into yarn for a sweater. Before you know it, the sheep has grown a new fleece and the cycle starts all over again. Wool is a renewable resource.

Maintaining Wool Quality Pays Off- The cost of shearing is a production expense similar to feed, medication or housing. Shearing costs are normally on a per head basis so sheep with more wool or better quality wool actually cost less than those with poor wool. Wool sales add income to the sheep operation just like selling lambs. Better quality wool is less expensive to process and is worth more to the buyer, which results in better prices.

Steps to Maintain the Value of Your Wool Clip-

o Keep the shearing area clean with frequent sweeping

o Package different wool or breed types separately

o Separate and package tags, belly wool and fleece wool separately

o Remove areas high in contamination and place with belly wool

o Fold fleece into thirds and roll from the rear to the front with the flesh side out

Common Wool Breeds-

American Cormo

Booroola Merino

Debouillet

Delaine Merion

Rambouillet

Dual or General Purpose Breeds-

Columbia

Corriedale

Panama

Targhee

Finnsheep

Polypay