Wool & Pelt Information

Information on Wool

American Wool website

Factsheets on American Wool– including wool history, wool qualities, processing, and more

Experience Wool Brochure– showcasing the benefits of wool

American Wool Brochure– learn about the characteristics of American wool and where it goes

Real Wool Facts

Certified Wool Programs

American Wool Assurance Program– a program where wool growers can show their dedication to sheep care

Certified Wool Programs– certification programs for growers and shearers

• Certified Sheep Shearing ~ Declaration and Checklist
• Choice Wool Clip ~ Grower Declaration and Checklist
• Premium Wool Clip ~ Grower Declaration and Checklist

Preparing & Classing Wool

Preparation Steps for Wool Quality Improvement– simple steps to maximize the value of wool

Wool Handling Videos

Code of Practice for Preparation of Wool Clips booklet– a guide to preparing and sorting wool

Upcoming Wool Classing and Handling Schools can be found on the ASI Calendar

Wool Classer Program– information on becoming a Wool Classer

Wool Contamination Information– informational brochure

Poly Contamination Information– informational brochure

Shearing

Shearer Directory

Preparing for Shearing – a list of steps to prepare for shearing, printable 8.5″x14″ trifold brochure

Certified Shearer Declaration and Checklist– become a Certified Shearer

Learning to Shear

• Shearing Schools can be found on the ASI Calendar
  
• Shearing Guide
• Shearing Guide & Videos USB
• Shearing Pattern Poster
• Developing Shearer & Mentor Grant– Applications for the 2023 grant have closed and participants have been selected.

Packing & Labeling

Packaging Wool– informational brochure

Labeling Wool– informational brochure

Wool Bale Press Record– records can also be purchased at www.sheepusa.org/product/wool-press-record 

Wool Testing

Commercial Testing – The Bill Sims Wool and Mohair Research Laboratory in Texas is now accepting commercial core samples for testing. Samples may also be sent to the New Zealand Wool Testing Authority (NZWTA).

Individual Fleece Testing – please find a full list of wool testing laboratories in the U.S. below.

• Testing Wool with the OFDA2000– information for individual fleece tests
• Testing Wool with the FibreLux Micronmeter– information for individual fleece tests

Wool Testing Laboratories in the U.S.

New Zealand Wool Testing Authority

• Wool Testing Guide
• Exporting Samples to NZWTA
• Example NZWTA Test Report
• NZWTA Payment Options
• NZWTA Credit Card Payment Instructions
• NZWTA Import Permit
• NZWTA Import Declaration

Wool Market & Prices

Current Markets & Prices

• Weekly Market Summary
• Spring 2023 Wool Market Update
• ASI Wool Market Report and Calculator App– for Android phones
• ASI Wool Market Report and Calculator App– for iPhones

Pricing Wool– informational brochure

USDA Loan Deficiency Payments (LDPs)– growers are encouraged to utilize LDP payments

Specialty Markets

How To Shear Sheep & Why It’s Important– video by the Livestock Conservancy

Producing Wool for Specialty Markets– ASI webinar

Preparing and Selling for Specialty Markets– ASI webinar

Pelts

The American Lambskin Advantage– brochure on U.S. lambskins

Sheepskin Terms Glossary

Lambskin Medical Pads– informational brochure

USDA Loan Deficiency Payments (LDPs)– Unshorn lamb pelts are eligible for USDA LDP payments

Additional Information

Wool Grades and the Sheep that Grow the Wool

Segments of the Fleece

Why Sheep Don’t Shrink When It Rains and Answers to Other Questions About Wool