Properties of Wool

Type (fleece or pieces)
The fleece is the wool from the main body of the sheep, which is skirted to remove any dirty pieces of wool around the legs and belly. Fleece wool has a higher value than pieces of wool.

Yield (clean wool content)

The higher the yield, the higher the value.

Vegetable matter (plant material)

Vin wool is a disadvantage, as its removal during processing can be costly.

Fibre diameter

Fibre diameter is the main determinant of the price of wool. The lower the diameter, the higher the value/price.

Staple length (mm)

Both short wool and overly long wool are discounted.

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Staple strength

+ Breaking load (N/tex) — The stronger the staple, the higher the value.
+ Position of break — Staples can break in the base, middle, or tip region. Staple with a low mid-break is higher in value, as they give a longer average length in the top.

Clean color

Brighter wools have a wider range of uses and often receive a higher price. 

Pesticide residues

The presence of excessive levels of pesticide residues can reduce the value. Woolgrowers manage pesticides carefully to ensure residual levels are environmentally acceptable

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