The Australian Wool Testing Authority (AWTA) tested a record amount of fine wool (<19.5 micron) in the 2006/07 season, surpassing the previous record set in the 2004/05 season. Across all micron categories however, AWTA tested wool for the 2006/07 season was moderately less year-on-year.
Within the fine wool category, the increase in the 2006/07 season was driven by wool finer than 18.5 micron. The amount of wool tested in the 18 micron category (17.6-18.5 micron) rose by around 18%.
The amount of wool tested between 16.6-17.5 micron (17 micron category) increased 23%, while for wool finer than 16.6 micron the increase was 34%.
A large decline in test volumes for the bulk of the medium merino wool clip from 20 to 22 micron more than offset the increase in fine wool tested.
The proportion of wool tested broader than 24 micron in the 2006/07 season increased to 17.5% of the total clip, perhaps reflecting the focus of some producers on prime lamb production.
Australian Wool Innovation Limited
marketing@alchempro.com
