Wool classers are responsible for the shearing and wool-classing process. They organize the activities in and around shearing sheds and ensure that the wool is sorted straight after shearing, and classed according to the standards of the National Woolgrower' Association of SA.
They are responsible for:
- coordination between wool farmers, the shearing team and other wool workers
- organization of the shearing shed and shearing process
- ensuring that the correct shearing methods are used, as this will make the classing of wool easier
- the classing of the wool according to aspects such as compactness, quality, condition and appearance
- the correct pressing, closing and marking of bales
- sending of bales to the wool markets
- sending classing reports to brokers.
Satisfying Aspects
- working with a natural product
- working in an informal environment that is relatively stress free
Demanding aspects
- hard physical work
- sometimes having to service or maintain the machines, which may delay the classing process
Requirements
A wool-classer should:
- enjoy physical work and be in good health;
- love sheep farming;
- be able to contribute to a pleasant working environment in the shearing shed;
- be disciplined, honest and hard working;
- have supervisory skills.
School Subjects
National Senior Certificate.
Compulsory Subjects: None
Recommended Subjects: None
Training
Agricultural College: Wool-classing courses are offered from time to time at all agricultural colleges or on farms if requested
The BKB ("Boeremakelaars Beperk") also offers short training courses of ten days. Successful candidates can obtain a Springbok Wool Classing Certificate, which is highly respected in the international wool industry
Employer
- Wool brokers such as Cape Mohair and Wool
- BKB
- Shearing contractors
- Wool farmers
- Self-employment
The work is seasonal and should therefore not be seen as a full-time occupation. A student can do wool-classing during the holidays (the farmer provides accommodation). Wool classers contact the Shearing Services of "Boeremakelaars Beperk" (KB), who organize wool-classing floors and ensure that wool classers can travel with the shearing team from farm to farm.
Contact
National Woolgrowers’ Association of SA
P O Box 2191
Port Elizabeth, 6056
Tel: (041) 365-5030 Fax: (041) 365-5035
P/Bag X01
Scottsville, 3209
Tel: (033) 260-5127 Fax: (033) 260-5105
www.nwga.co.za