Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following methods can be used to submit a completed complaint form to USDA?
What is the primary benefit of skirting a fleece?
Which of the following best describes the environmental benefits of wool?
Which factor is NOT emphasized for improving clean wool yield?
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What characteristic of wool contributes to its odor-resistant properties?
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How does the structure of wool fibers contribute to its durability?
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What length of fleece is generally required for optimal processing?
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What is one of the primary reasons shearers cut sheep wool?
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What does crimp in wool indicate?
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What minimum length should wool typically be for quality assessments?
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Which housing practice can negatively affect wool yield?
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What should the condition of a fleece indicate?
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Which of the following statements about wool is NOT true?
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What role does 'crimp' play in the quality of wool?
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How does the presence of black spots affect a predominantly white fleece?
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What are the broad categories of wool grades based on fiber diameter?
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What is a potential consequence of allowing a fleece to become longer than 5 inches?
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Which term describes the measurement of fiber diameter using a laser?
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Which wool grade is especially suitable for close to skin clothing like socks and shirts?
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What does a higher spin count indicate about wool?
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Which wool type is characterized by the largest diameter and most rigidity?
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In the context of wool grading, what does the term 'Blood Grade' refer to?
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What is a staple in wool terminology?
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What factors are assessed to determine the clean wool yield from fleece?
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What is the determining factor for the clean wool price?
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How is the grease fleece value calculated?
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What does a higher clean wool yield indicate?
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If the grease fleece price is $2.25/lb and the total grease weight is 500 lbs, what is the total wool value?
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Which characteristic is NOT considered when evaluating the quality of wool?
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What is indicated by wool that looks 'frowsy'?
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Why is the clean wool price reported at $3.75/lb relevant for producers?
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If the grade of wool is 64's, what does this number indicate?
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Study Notes
Wool Quality and Evaluation
- Wool is non-flammable and won't stick to skin when it burns
- Retains 30% of its weight before feeling wet; warm in winter, cool in summer
- Elastic; wool carpets last long and clothing shape doesn't change after washing
- Biodegradable, renewable, and emits less greenhouse gasses in production than man-made products
- Reduces carbon footprint
- Repels odors due to fiber structure
- Lighter than other materials of similar bulk due to low density
- Offers greater UV protection than cotton or most synthetics (30+ UV protection factor)
- South Dakota produces enough wool to wrap around the world over 1,200 times annually.
Why is Shearing Necessary?
- A YouTube video may explain this further: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zt2drSFCQD4
Wool Quality Considerations
- Grade: Micron fineness of the wool (micro-meter measurements)
- Weight/Yield: Amount of clean wool a fleece generates
- Length: Minimum 3 inches; longer ideal but not overgrown (>5")
- Color, Crimp Condition: Bright white (no black spots); presence and tightness of crimp (curly nature) for fineness; overall "fresh" and healthy appearance; no stains
Wool Grade
- Based on fiber diameter (fine, medium, coarse)
- Also sometimes categorized by micron (laser measurement) or spinning count (yarn produced per pound) -higher micron = coarser wool -higher spinning count = finer wool)
- Older system based on bloodline (Merino genetics); now used mainly in judging contests for youth. Common grades include: Fine, Half, Three-eighths, Quarter, and Low Quarter
Wool Types
- Fine: Small diameter, least rigid; best for close-to-skin clothing (socks, etc.)
- Medium: "Middle" diameter and rigidity; suitable for socks, blankets, sweaters, etc
- Coarse: Largest diameter, most rigid; used for carpets, blankets, or insulation.
Terminology
- Staple: Group of fibers
- Medullated Fibers: Hollow fiber centers. Dyes can penetrate to the core
Spinning Count & Micron (by Blood Grade)
- Chart showing spinning count (lb of wool needed for a yarn) and micron values (fiber diameter) for different blood grades.
Grease Fleece Weight & Clean Wool Yield
- Clean wool yield is determined by testing in a lab (Percentage yield)
- Heavy fleeces can be dirty; dirt and bedding matter reduce yield.
How to Improve Yield
- Management:
- Improve feed to limit vegetable matter (VM), such as forage
- Reduce the use of overhead hay feeders in favor of forage-based grazing systems
- Keep houses clean, dry, and bedding to avoid wool contamination
- Skirting: Removing low-quality wool areas (High VM, medullated fibers, and belly wool)
- Floor Maintenance: Maintain cleanliness of shearing floor.
Length
- Fleeces should be about 1 year of growth
- Coarser fleeces are typically longer and ideal
- Avoid overly long fleeces (>5")
Color, Crimp, Condition
- Color: Ideal wool color is bright and white with no black spots; colored wool may have less sun bleaching if it is not white
- Crimp: Small and close = finer and smoother; Large, wavy crimp = coarser
- Condition: Healthy fleeces are soft and look fresh; strong and springy; no "frowsy" look or appearance of lack of crimps
Wool Value
- Grade: Wool's quality
- Clean Wool Price: Price per pound of clean wool
- Clean Wool Yield: Percentage of clean wool compared to the total weight of the fleece
- Weight: Total fleece weight
Greasy Wool Pricing
- Clean wool price is reported on the market; however, producers are typically paid for the grease weight of their fleece. Calculation examples given.
Contact Information
- Jaelyn Whaley's contact information (name, title, organization, address, phone, and email address).
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Description
This quiz covers the essential qualities of wool, including its unique properties and benefits over synthetic materials. It delves into why shearing is necessary for quality wool production and the key considerations for evaluating wool grade, weight, and length. Test your knowledge on this valuable natural fiber!
