Changes is AU Micron Profile

December 9, 2005 -- The WoolXpress, a weekly news update from Woolmark, reported last week that "with approximately 45 percent of the Australian wool clip currently tested for the 2005-2006 season, significant changes to the micron profile are already evident, a result of both seasonal and on-farm management decisions."

Reviewing the micron profile, it is evident Australian wool producers continue to move away from 23-micron and 24-micron wool production. Adjusting to the decline in overall test volumes between July to November 2004 and July to November 2005, 23-micron and 24-micron wool has declined by 12 percent and 17 percent, respectively. 

The increased prevalence of wool in the 24.6-micron to 28.5-micron range, 7 percent and 8 percent, respectively, highlight the changing management decisions by growers towards an increasing focus on meat-sheep breeds.