World's finest bale of wool sold
08/05/2009
The record breaking bale was also announced as the winner of the World Wool Record Challenge Cup, an annual contest initiated by Loro Piana which challenges wool producers in Australia and New Zealand to produce wools of an increasingly superior quality and fineness.
Tumbarumba-based sheep farm Highlander Ultrafine, which produced the bale, has had some practice in producing the world’s finest wool, having done so on seven other occasions.
Mark Hedley, Southern NSW Regional Manager for Australian Wool Network said that presenting and selling a bale of wool of such quality and fineness relied on the relationship and communication between the wool grower and the wool processor.
“Loro Piana is the biggest purchaser of the world’s finest wools; they set extremely high standards, insist on quality and expect certain specifications are met. Our job is to ensure that wool growers understand what these requirements are - effectively bringing the wool grower and wool processor closer together,” said Mr Hedley.
AWN sells more than 200,000 bales of wool each year; however, according to Mr Hedley, this record bale is likely to remain for some time. “11.5 microns is very, very fine and is a reflection of the dedication and commitment by the Highlander group to growing ultrafine wool,” he says.
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