Staple length generally determines the end use of a parcel of wool, that is, whether it will be used in weaving or knitting. The longer wools are processed in the worsted system (weaving), which are called combing types, and are generally around 50 millimetres (mm) and longer.

This system produces fine, even, smooth yarns principally for apparel use. These longer wools are also used in upholstery fabrics where a smooth finish is required.

The worsted system can be divided into two main processes, topmaking and spinning. The topmaking process involves a number of steps including carding, gilling and combing, which leaves the fibres lying in parallel. During spinning the top is converted into yarn.

In contrast to the worsted system the woollen system requires only two main steps in converting the scoured wool to yarn. These are woollen carding and woollen spinning.

Wool-types used in the woollen system are called carding types, and usually have a much shorter fibre length than combing wools (that is, < 40 mm). These include types such as locks, crutching's, bellies and lambs' wool. Woollen spun fabrics are used for jackets, coats, skirts, upholstery fabrics, rugs and blankets.

The charts below show the length whereby the fine and medium micron groups can achieve their maximum price. They both show that for Merino wool the ideal length is generally in the 85mm to 90mm range. As with other wool attributes the finer the wool the more sensitive is its price to any fault, including too short or overly long wool.

Length discounts – Fine Wool

Length discounts – Medium Wool

Return to top

Wool length trends

The following charts show the trends for length discounts in the fine and medium micron ranges.

Length Discounts - Fine Wool

Length Discounts - Medium Wool

Recently the discounts for the shorter types has become larger, with the 60mm discount approaching 180¢ in the finer microns as buyers become more selective in their purchases. Environmental factors have contributed to the price differentials as prevailing drought conditions have affected staple growth as well as shearing intervals.

Return to top

Wool length tips

Frequency of shearing, breeding and nutrition principally control staple length. All of these are under your control as a woolgrower, but it is unlikely that you would need to alter staple length in isolation of fleece weight, unless you have identified a market with a specific length requirement that differs from average.

One exception is lamb shearing. Avoid discounts for short wool by leaving lambs unshorn, perhaps by waiting until the second main shearing after lambing, or if this is greater than about 14-15 months later, having an intermediate hogget shearing before they are brought into line.

An issue for certain sections of the industry is that of over length fine wools. Buyers of fine wools generally prefer a relatively short staple. Yet as breeders increase fleece weights of finer micron sheep, staple length is also increased, which introduces the possibility of discounting. 

Some research indicates that processors may achieve greater efficiencies using longer wools than they presently buy, and recent market trends indicate that the discount for longer wools is narrowing.  If the trade maintains its preference for shorter staple fine wools, breeding programs may have to address ways of increasing follicle density independent of length to achieve fleece weight gains.

Return to top