R&D update
Australian research and development pays off
A consortium of sheep breeders and Australia’s leading scientific institution, the CSIRO, have produced bales of ultra-fine wool from a special flock of sheep, astounding the Australian market.
One of the flock’s three bales of fleeces, which averaged fewer than 14 microns, sold for 37,500 Australian cents per kilo. Together, the three bales sold for more than $100,000 Australian.
“This high price, and the progress achieved in the T13 [Toward 13 Micron] flock, validates CSIRO’s investment in the project which was set up to demonstrate that scientifically based breeding programs can deliver as predicted,” said CSIRO Livestock Industries' scientist Dr Jen Smith.
The T13 breeding program demonstrates to the world that it is possible to reduce fibre diameter in fine wool flocks without reducing overall fleece value, through the science based breeding techniques.
Australian woolgrowers invest heavily in research and development projects aimed at advancing the quality and functionality of Australian Merino wool.
This is one reason why Australian Merino wool retains its position as the most responsive, stylish, high quality and durable fibre in the world.