Maximising Clip Wool Profits with In-shed Micron testing: Use case for Woven Optics to Optimise Clip Preperation.
The Woven Optics technology is well suited for superfine producers looking to increase clip value. A good example of this is the Bolto Family, based in Kangaroo Island, South Australia.
The Bolto family run a 22,000 commercial wool business, specialising in superfine Merino sheep and currently micron test (side samples sent off-site) approximately 4000 hoggets per year. The average micron of the mob is 16.5, with approximately 40% of the total clip averaging 14.9 micron.
With the Woven Optics Wool Scanner™, the Bolto Family have the opportunity to create a finer clip line at shearing using real-time data and create significantly higher wool returns.
Capturing the True Value of Fine Wool
For many commercial producers, wool is classed based on visual assessment and bulk-tested off-farm. However, this approach often results in:
Missed premium prices as finer wool is mixed with broader microns.
Less control over fleece quality at shearing time.
Increased reliance on pre- or post-shearing lab testing, adding cost and time.
At Bolto Farming, the team wanted to identify and separate the finest 40% of fleece directly in the shearing shed, ensuring they received top market prices for their wool.
Implementing objective in-shed testing for real-time decision making
By adopting Woven Optics’ portable, on-farm micron testing system, Bolto Farming famiy could:
✅ Test fleece instantly in the shed, classing wool with precision.
✅ Separate the finest 40% of fleece, securing higher price premiums.
✅ Make informed breeding decisions, optimising their flock for finer wool.
Increased profits & Efficiency
📈 Increased Wool Value: Separated super fine fleece (14.9 um avg) sold at $26.95 per kg (compared to $19.06/kg if mixed, 16um avg), would generate an additional $106,762 per shearing season (amortised over 5 years - ROI: 10.03).
💰 Off-site Testing Savings: Reduce current testing costs by approximately $7500 per shearing session.
⏳ Time Savings: Reduce sorting and testing delays by 7 days per shearing session.
💰 Return on Investment: The system would pay for itself in 1 shearing season - ROI: 2.04, Annual Benefit Year 1: $69,062).
Why Invest in On-Farm Micron Testing?
For Australian Merino wool producers, fine margins make all the difference. With Woven Optics’ portable micron testing, farms can:
✔ Maximize wool returns by securing higher prices for premium fleece.
✔ Reduce processing costs by classing wool more efficiently.
✔ Improve breeding decisions by tracking fleece quality over time.
🚜 Want to see the benefits for yourself?
Contact Woven Optics today and start unlocking the full value of your fleece.
Calculations
Considerations:
This size operation requires 2 (two) Woven Optics units to keep up with a 6-stand shearing shed.
Year 1 cost $7580 (amortised over 5 years, including cost of device & subscription) | *Year 2-5 testing costs reduced to $1980 annually.
Testing labour costs maintained – change of practice from collecting side samples for submitting for laboratory (off-site) testing, to testing on-site.
Wool value differences based on Dec 2024 MPGstyle wool prices (c.f. China-style).
Labour costs calculated as: 1x FTE (1000 fleeces per day 🡺 3500 clean kg) $450 per day.
Current testing costs calculated based on the average number of ewes tested annually @ $1.60 per test (25g sample).
Calculation table model run using indicator type wool (full length, 35 n/ktx).
*Find out how on-farm testing can benefit your business using our own ROI calculator, today!
