Let’s face it everyone is hurting now with the increase in costs. And for a wool grower the increase in shearing and wool handling costs have been astronomical over the last few years!

Attracting and retaining good staff is also an issue that is not exclusive to shearing contractors, but when you are paying top dollar for a service you expect the job to be done correctly.

New Zealand wool’s reputation has been forged over time as the cleanest and whitest wool available.

Wools grown on farms that focus on best practice shed preparation and contamination (VM) reduction generally achieve the following:

• Significant price premiums.
• The option to contract their wool to premium long term forward contracts.
• Increased competition in the open cry auction system.
• Support the ongoing reputation and continued investment into the wider NZ wool market.

Wools grown on farms that have little focus on shed preparation and contamination (VM) reduction generally achieve the following:

• Significant price discounts (depending on the levels any types of contamination. e.g. hard yellow, hard heads, burr, thistle, fribs, mud, dags etc)
• Fewer options and markets to sell their wool (ultimately poor-quality wools will be destined for commodity markets and lower end products).
• The risk of damaging the reputation of NZ wool for future generations.

Next time your local contractor calls it might be a good time to spell out your expectations and give them an idea of the product that you are wanting to deliver to market.

Ultimately you will be the one who it costs when the wool goes to market poorly prepared.

For more information and advice on how ensure your wool is prepared to the best standard contact your local wool rep.