The Fibre Direct System
Prior to Shearing
A representative mid-side sample is taken to determine the expected wool-processing performance of the wool. The sample should be from at least 60 sheep or 5% of the flock, whichever is greater, and can be taken up to nine weeks before shearing.
Mid-side samples are sent to the Australian Wool Testing Authority (AWTA) for testing and an offer price is generated based on the sample results and the expected processing performance. Alternatively growers can price their wool once it has been delivered to the store.
The Fibre Direct System requires that all sheep are crutched within 12 weeks of shearing. CSIRO research shows that fresh stain (within 12 weeks of shearing) will scour out and leave no detectable coloured fibres.
Shearing & Clip Preparation
A registered classer or shed overseer should be present during shearing. Fleeces do not need skirting, and fleece, pieces and bellies can be pressed together. However board locks and cast fleeces must be pressed separately.
Pricing
Once in store, all lots are tested and the final price is calculated using the price grid supplied with the price offer made after mid-side sampling.
Environmentally Sustainable Wool
Landmark is proactive in recognising environmentally sustainable practices, To satisfy this demand Landmark offers participating growers channels to market.
The two labels are quite different. Eco Wool refers to the chemical residue status of the wool after testing, while organic certification refers to the organic accreditation of the farm where the wool is grown.
Eco Wool
Landmark has an exclusive supply arrangement with an Australian fabric manufacturer that meets the highest eco standards for textiles: the EU ECO label.
To be eligible for Eco Wool, clips must be prepared according to the Australian Wool Exchange (AWEX) clip preparation Code of Practice.
Clients wishing to participate can nominate wools to be tested for low chemical residues by marking the classer’s specification “ECO WOOL”. Those accredited are eligible for Eco Wool pricing. If wool lots test outside the Eco Wool specifications they are sold under standard auction arrangements.
Organic Wool
For accredited organic wool growers, Landmark can arrange on-the-spot prices and forward contracts for both AWEX Code of Practice and Direct to Mill (unskirted) prepared clips.
To market organic wool Landmark requires proof of organic certification to meet market specifications and maximise grower returns.
For more information on Landmark's Fibre Direct and Eco/Organic Wool please contact Landmark Wool on 1800 629 396.
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