Wool Marketing Panel

Dr. Rodney Kott, extension sheep specialist

Bruce Barker, wool buyer

Larry Prager, wool buyer

Larry Prager and Bruce Barker provided an overview of the wool industry and addressed the most prominent concerns for producers. Dr. Rodney Kott provided wool samples as Prager and Barker explained that, although twine and paint residue remain problems, the biggest concern currently is with fibers from hair sheep. Many sacks of wool are coming in contaminated with these fibers. One hair sheep fleece in a 40,000 lb lot is enough to make the entire lot unsalable.

Prager gave an overview of the wool market and explained that the military is still the nation's biggest in-state buyer. Up to 70% of wool, however, is exported out of state. While producers may not be able to control the wool market, Prager and Barker encouraged individuals to do all they can to market the best possible product, beginning with contacting their preferred shearers by Christmas and deciding on an appropriate date for shearing. With adeuate planning and proper clean-up in preparation for shearing, producers can add value to their wool without additional expense. The competitive advantage, they explained, is with clean wool in a neatly fastened, dry package. Prager urged producers to monitor their wool packs carefully, whether they are packing for themselves or having someone else run the machine. A full, well-fastened bale fits perfectly into the shipping containers. A photograph illustrated how one over-sized bale could cost the packers valuable space in the container. In addition, Prager stressed the importance of labeling the bales such that the owner could identify their contents to the buyer at without confusion.