Perendale hogget wools have long been recognised as a desirable standalone fibre in knitwear. The influence on handle of micron value and lack of medullation will influence prices. Fibre crimp is important in consideration of spinnability and lowering the propensity to pilling and felting, besides the obvious importance of contributing to lightweight bulky yarns.
For the apparel industry good dyed wool colour clarity is vital so whiteness of wool is important. Also for the very best prices the need to have sound wools, free of vegetable matter and the avoidance of “wasty wools” is paramount. Strict attention to skirting and removal of neck and affected back wool is essential to gain the highest prices.
China dominates the buying of hogget wools and has very strict upper limit micron levels relating to standard types for greasy wool deliveries. Currently these are set at 32.2 and 33.7 microns. Just exceeding these values can mean quite substantial reductions in prices. Fortunately most Perendale hogget wool falls within these limits, unlike many lines of Romney and Coopworth hogget. 30-32.2 micron Perendale hogget wools can enjoy price premiums as high as 20% over coarser 34-35 micron wools.
Besides ensuring softer handling wools, I strongly suspect that these values serve also as an indirect means of ensuring higher bulk, and avoiding lustrous wools with their inherent problems. The development of the core bulk test to full international status may see greater emphasis placed on higher bulk and with it higher price premiums. Even more good news for Perendales.