HERFS/AUTUMN BONUS TYDSKRIF 2026

The critical concept: nutritional stability • High wool profitability comes from consistency, not extremes. • Stable energy supply -> consistent fibre diameter • Adequate protein supply -> strong, elastic fibres • No sudden drops in diet quality -> no weak points • Balanced micron plus maximum yield -> highest income per hectare The aim is not to produce the finest wool possible, but rather to achieve the most consistent wool with the highest total yield. 2. What is wool classing – andwhy does it matter? Wool classing refers to the process of sorting raw wool into groups based on specific quality characteristics such as fineness (micron), length, strength, colour, elasticity, and contamination (foreign matter). This sorting not only determines the market value of the wool, but also affects processing efficiency and end-use performance. The core purpose of classing: • Create a consistent, homogeneous product for buyers • Maximise the value of every wool clip • Build trust in the South African wool industry Well-classed wool attracts better prices because buyers are assured of predictable quality. This increases competition at auctions and opens doors to premium markets. 3. Principles of goodwool classing A skilled wool classer follows a set of established guidelines, as outlined in the South African Wool Classing Standards (set by Cape Wools SA): a) Fineness (micron): The most important price-determining factor. The finer the wool, the higher the value – especially for apparel production. Micron levels are measured electronically, but classers are trained to judge fineness by feel and sight. Micron impact on price (estimated averages): b) Staple length and strength: Long, strong fibres are more valuable to spinning mills. Wool with weakness (tenderness) fetches lower prices. Good classers separate weak and strong staples early in the process. c) Cleanliness and colour: Bright, clean wool has greater processing potential. Contaminated wool (stained with paint, blood, or organic matter) must be removed. Good on-farm handling practices contribute greatly here. Figure 1: A good example of fine wool. Table 1: Impact of micron range on wool price and supply The critical concept: nutritional stability • High wool profitability comes from consistency, not extremes. • Stable energy suppl -> consistent fibre diamet r • Adequate protein supply -> stro g, el stic fibres No sudd n drops in diet quality -> no weak point Balanced micron plus maximum yield -> highest i come per hectare The aim is not t produce the finest wool possible, but rather to achieve the most consistent wool with the highest total yield. 2. What is l classing – andwhy do s it matter? Wool classing refers to the process of sorting raw wool into groups based on specific quality characteristics such as fineness (micr n), length, strength, colour, elasticity, and contamination (foreign matter). This sorting not only determines the market value of the wool, but also affects processing efficiency and end-use performance. T r f l ssi : i t t, ogeneous r i l f v ry w ol clip i t fric n w ol l t t r prices r of predictable tition at auctions r i m rkets. 3. Principles of goodwool classing A skilled wo l classer f l ow a set of established guidelines, as outlined in the South African Wool Classing Standards (set by Cape Wools SA): a) Fineness (micron): The most important price-determining factor. The finer the wool, the higher the value – especially for apparel production. Micron levels are measured electronically, but classers are trained to judge fineness by feel and sight. Micron impact on price (estimated averages): b) Staple length and strength: Long, strong fibres are more valuable to spin ing mills. W ol with weakness (tenderness) fetches lower prices. G od classer sep rate weak and strong staples early in the process. c) Cleanline s and c lour: Bright, clean w ol has greater processing potential. Contaminated w ol (stained with paint, blood, or organic matter) must be removed. Good on-farm handling practices contribute greatly here. Figure 1: A good example of fine wool.) Micron range Price (R/kg clean) % premium vs 20–22 μm Supply trend ≤17 μm 250–300 +40–70% Slightly lower 18–19 , 5 μm 200–230 +20–35% Steady 20–22 μm 160–180 – Broadest >22 μm 130–150 -15–25% Declining Table 1: I pact of icron range on wool price and supply www.agribonus.co.za Spring/Summer 2025 BONUS 49 www.agribonus.co.za Herfs/Autumn 2026 BONUS 135