Wool classing

The fleece is skirted to remove excess fibres, seeds, burrs, etc.

While in some places, crimp may determine which grade the fleece will be put into, this subjective assessment is not always reliable, and processors prefer that wools are measured objectively by qualified laboratories.

All Merino fleece wool sold at auction in Australia is objectively measured for fiber diameter, yield (including the amount of vegetable matter), staple length, staple strength, and sometimes color.

[2] A classer is also responsible for a pre-shearing check to be made to ensure that the wool and sheep areas are free of possible contaminants.

A classer supervises shed staff during shearing, and trains any inexperienced hands.