Our Training and Development winner Stephen visited the Wool Testing Authority (Europe) lab

On arrival at the Wool Testing Authority, we were brought up to an office where we were greeted by Courtney, our tour guide for the day. Courtney showed us a short presentation explaining what information they gather at the facility from wool samples, the uses of this information and how the organisation maintains compliance with international standards.

Following from here we were shown the laboratory and talked through the process.  The lab consisted of various testing stations which tested a number of traits such as colour, vegetable matter, wool micron count, and yield to name but a few. The wool had to then be washed and scoured to prepare it for testing.  The process starts with the sample being weighted and labels printed off.  These labels would stay with the wool throughout the process. We were shown each step; the sample of wool was firstly blended to make it uniform and then sub samples were taken.  All sub samples go through the same process, with the figures being averaged to create a more accurate result.  

Prior to our visit I had assumed that testing would be a more straightforward process but that was far from the truth.  It is a very thorough process and takes several hours to complete due to the number of tests after the preparation of samples. I have gained a whole new appreciation for the Wool Testing Authority who help farmers get more for their wool.  Unfortunately many producers are not aware of this process. I often get asked when out shearing "why is the price of wool SO low?", there are a number of reasons why that may be but what some people fail to realise is that if it were not for this testing process and certification, prices would be a lot lower.  It was an enjoyable visit and I believe it has given me a fuller understanding of the journey wool goes on between production and retail.