SUPPLY CHAIN Producers who keyhole He also advises producers crutch are also more likely to shear before seed set to receive a premium, as and to move sheep to clean crutching above the tail pastures to reduce the reduces the size and shape occurrence of grass seeds. of the skin. “With reduced flock Weather discolouration to numbers and increased the tip and staple of wool cross-breeding, it’s hard can have a detrimental effect to get a good, dense wool on skin value, as this cannot product for the premium be dyed out, and shearing apparel market,” Paul said. cuts and branding fluid also reduce skin quality. “If producers want to value- add their lambs, they can “Australia has a reputation aim for a premium skin by for producing premium breeding out medullated and skins – our skins are dark fibres, and reducing highly sought after and it’s grass seeds and burrs, as important we retain this these cause scarring which status,” Simon said. presents as a light-coloured Customer satisfaction mark on the skin.” Skins are valued on the live These marked skins are animal to determine skin size only suitable for products and quality. such as car seat covers, footwear linings or chamois, Buyers submit their prices as customers don’t want in a daily tendering process visible hide damage on at the abattoir. After they products such as ugg boots are purchased, skins are or sheepskin jackets. salted and sent to the buyers’ warehouse for grading, based on pelt type and Tips for producing wool quality. premium Skins are then packed and sheepskins shipped to tanneries in China, Russia and Turkey. • Sell lambs with an even 1.2–1.5cm of fine, Paul Fitzsummons, PKF dense wool covering. Adam Cheetham Sheep Skins Valuations • Use genetic tools MLA Global Market Analyst principal (pictured), to reduce the E: acheetham@mla.com.au buys skins from across impact of dark and southern Australia. Simon Matters medullated fibres. E: simon.matters@thomasfoods.com He said although most • Avoid grass seed and Paul Fitzsummons producers are on the right burr infestation. E: paul.fitz@ozemail.com.au track and, for example, have • Carry out neat keyhole Dennis King reduced the skin damage crutching. E: dmking@sdms.com.au caused by flystrike, he would • Reduce skin like to see fewer skins with discolouration from MLA Market Insights: mla.com.au/market-insights medullated fibres as these weather exposure and Australian Hide, Skin and Leather Exporters are not suitable for premium branding products. Association: ahslea.com.au wool-on products. 41