Preparation Optimises Return For Growers

Fit For Purpose Clip Preparation Optimises Return For Growers

Market-led clip production and preparation of ‘fit for purpose’ Merino creates significant industry value and increased price potential for growers.

“A lot has changed since the days of just growing wool, and sending it to auction," says The New Zealand Merino Company (NZM) Chief Executive, JohnBrakenridge.

“The ability of growers and classers to produce and classify wool to fit specific seasonal market requirements has the potential to capture millions of dollars overall for New Zealand Merino growers.”

“It is important that we continue to seek every avenue to lift grower returns.”

In an initiative designed to communicate and demonstrate upcoming market requirements, NZM’s annual professional classer training day will be held in Queenstown, June 15th.

With over 300 samples on display, the new-format ‘Fibre Select’ is a day of hands-on demonstrations, theory sessions and discussion, highlighting current season issues and market opportunities to help optimise the value of the New Zealandclip in the 07/08 season.

“As the market changes from season to season, it is necessary for classers to stay up to date with, and adapt their classing to, key messages from the market,” says JohnBrakenridge.

A new feature of Fibre Select is the integration of representatives from various stages of the fibre value chain, including a range of international guests representing buyers and processors of the New Zealand Merino clip.

“Through involvement of brand partners and key purchasers of New Zealand Merino we can ensure that market requirements of purchasers, through contracts and at auction, are communicated through to the shearing shed,” says JohnBrakenridge.

“The input of these end users really broadens the scope of accessible knowledge and information, while promoting a greater understanding and appreciation of the different roles within fibre production and processing.”

Since 2004, The New Zealand Merino Company (NZM) has presented Classer Select annually as a professional training day specifically for classers, however this year an invitation has been extended to all growers and leading shed hands, as well as classers, to promote cohesion and communication within the industry.

JohnBrakenridgesays that knowledge of classing to maximise clip value should not be limited to the domain of the classer.

“We recognise the importance of quality classing as a valuable investment in the success and future of the industry. By encouraging growers and leading shed hands to also attend the day, it increases communication and ensures everyone in the shearing shed has the skills and knowledge necessary to optimise their role in clip preparation and optimise return for the grower.”

Fibre Select 07 meets the classer registration requirements of the New Zealand Wool Classers Association (NZWCA).

Fibre Select 07 will be held on Friday, 15th June 2007 at Rydges Hotel, Queenstown. Registration packs are available from NZM (03) 377-7990. Registrations close 25th May.

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