Period Wool Farming

[skier-hughes]

The Prince of Wales makes a speech as Patron of the Campaign for Wool

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tG25Z5gdCTk&feature=youtube_gdata

 

[Flyfisher]

I liked his joke about the Campaign For Wool being so successful that wool growers and farmers are having trouble not smiling. :lol:

I've been looking into using wool-based insulation for some areas of our house and I'm having trouble reconciling how farmers can complain that shearing costs them money because the fleeces are are almost worthless yet thermafleece insulation seems to be about the most expensive stuff available - especially as, presumably, the lowest grades of wool can be used for insulation.

I realise the 'worthless fleece' thing is largely anecdotal, but there's no dobt about the price of thermafleece. I'm wondering if it would be cheaper to just go to one of those big clothing sheds and buy loads of cheap woollen jumpers instead. Crazy.

 

[Penners]

I'm having trouble reconciling how farmers can complain that shearing costs them money because the fleeces are are almost worthless yet thermafleece insulation seems to be about the most expensive stuff available

The farmer crying all the way to the bank is stereotypical indeed, but I do think there's a strong element of truth in this wool situation.

As with some other farm products, the farmer seems to make a pittance, while those who process, distribute and retail the stuff make a decent profit.

 

[FamilyWiggs]

The cost of shearing is crazy and doesn't cover the price of the fleece in my case.

After 5 years learning and experience I've managed to get it down to about 40 minutes per sheep with my electric clippers. The resulting 1.5 fleeces per hour doesn't begin to cover my hourly rate! 8)

Penners - this is not a recommended second income for you; it kills the back, you know.

 

[Penners]

Penners - this is not a recommended second income for you; it kills the back, you know.

I'm deeply touched by your concern, FW. I almost wish I hadn't referred to you as revolting.

Almost, but not quite.

 

[Flyfisher]

After 5 years learning and experience I've managed to get it down to about 40 minutes per sheep with my electric clippers. The resulting 1.5 fleeces per hour doesn't begin to cover my hourly rate! 8)

40 minutes !! I'm surprised it hasn't grown back before you've finished.
A bit more practice before you get down to 67 seconds then. :lol:
http://www.shearingworld.com/records/cavanough/brett_cavanough.htm


(Easy for me to say, of course, but in reality I wouldn't even know which end to start with!).

 

[FamilyWiggs]

After 5 years learning and experience I've managed to get it down to about 40 minutes per sheep with my electric clippers. The resulting 1.5 fleeces per hour doesn't begin to cover my hourly rate! 8)

40 minutes !! I'm surprised it hasn't grown back before you've finished.
A bit more practice before you get down to 67 seconds then. :lol:
http://www.shearingworld.com/records/cavanough/brett_cavanough.htm


(Easy for me to say, of course, but in reality I wouldn't even know which end to start with!).

Yes, well that's all very, well but in relative terms it's a huge improvement! The first one I ever did took so long I had to have a shave half way through. :lol:

 

[Gervase]

40 Minutes? That makes me feel a lot better!

 

[FamilyWiggs]

In my defence, they're grey-faced dartmoors and have wool that is a cross between a goat and a donkey! The first time I had them shorn by a professional he took 5 minutes on them and never came back again!

 

[Penners]

The first one I ever did took so long I had to have a shave half way through.

At least you had the appropriate equipment to hand.