SELECTION of Merino ewe hoggets on fleece micron and lifetime wool production could lift returns at current wool prices by almost $100,000 over 10 years in a 2000-ewe flock, the Sheep CRC said this week.
The CRC said the On-Farm Fibre Measurement (OFFM) calculator that can be downloaded from the web can help graziers capture micron premiums and extra profit by helping with selecting ewe replacements on fibre diameter.
By entering basic information on flock structure and average (adult) fibre diameter, the OFFM calculator shows the likely profit from altering bale lines and selection in four areas of clip production: hogget and adult clip preparation, and ewe and wether selection.
Sheep CRC chief executive officer, Professor James Rowe, said the OFFM calculator was widely used when it was first launched to the industry.
Professor Rowe said with the large price spread between different micron wools it pays growers to identify and select low-micron sheep, and manage them to optimise wool cut and quality.
There is currently a price differential of $3.46 a kilogram for each micron between 17-20M, the Sheep CRC said.
This compares with a price differential of $1.24.kg for each micron between 17-20M in June 2010.
The CRC said another tool, the Simultaneous Assortment program, could be used to draft ewes for selective mating to fine wool or terminal sires on micron and bodyweight and bodyweight.
Email a friend