Breeders to benefit from texel wool deal

27 May '08

2 min read

A new deal has been contracted between Texel Breeders Society of New Zealand (TBSN), international wool trading company H Dawson Wools New Zealand, wool spinner Christchurch Yarns Ltd, manufacturer Prestige Carpets and Australian retailing cartel -The Woolset.

This business venture will fetch an extra US $1 a kilogram to the sheep breeders, giving a boost to the overall wool industry of New Zealand. Besides, the premium will also cover the cost of fleecing.

The initial order calls for a supply of 10 tons of greasy texel wool to Australian carpet manufacturer and TBSN is quite confident securing this volume.

However, what also needs to be considered is the quality of the wool, which must qualify the criteria of length, bulk (its ability to bounce back), color and vegetable matter content.

TBSN officials believe that it will be a challenge for farmers but with texels, half-texels or three quarter-texels that included an injection of perendale, romney or corriedale genetics, it would be possible to meet these criteria.

On the other hand, wool that did not meet the criteria will be utilized in making bedding, duvets and pillows and would receive a premium of up to 22c a kilogram. Estimates show that a 2000-ewe flock meeting the criteria would generate an extra $10,000, based on each ewe producing 5kg of wool.