fiber processing and marketing streams for different sized … · 2020-02-20 · fiber processing...
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Fiber Processing and Marketing Streams for Different Sized
Farms in NYS
Mary Jeanne PackerBattenkill Fibers Carding and Spinning Mill, Greenwich, NY
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Today, we will talk about
• What fleece and wool market opportunities exist in New York State?• Possible direct-to-consumer and other marketing models that have
been successful for fiber farmers.
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What types of fleece and wool market opportunities exist in NYS?
• Depends on breed of sheep or other animals;• Depends on how involved you want to be with your fleece and wool;• Depends on interests of neighbors for collaboration.
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About breeds of sheep and more
• Not all sheep make high quality fleece; • Which figures most prominently in NYS fiber marketing – micron
count, branding/messaging, or other factors?• Not all wool-breeds of sheep do well (or do well, easily) in New York
state;• Raising sheep for fleece success – feeding methods, coating, shearing
schedule, and more.
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Overview of various fiber sheep breeds and characteristics of fleece• Fine wool breeds• Medium wool breeds• Long wool breeds
Fleece and Fiber Sourcebook by Deborah Robson & Carol Ekariushttps://www.fleeceandfiber.com/
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Raising sheep for fleece success
• Feed and feeding methods• Indoors vs outdoors• To coat or not to coat – it’s a big commitment• Shearing schedule – before or after lambing? Depends on wool length, and
other factors
“Wool production is a year round process. Environmental conditions including pasture management, facilities, feeding practices and animal health affect wool quality.” Preparation Steps for Wool Quality Improvement, American Sheep Industry Association, Inc.
http://d1cqrq366w3ike.cloudfront.net/http/DOCUMENT/SheepUSA/Wool_Prep_Steps.pdf
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Shearing day – what happens then can make or break your fleece quality
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• Shearer skill and support• Put down a piece of
plywood• Keep shearing area clean
to avoid contamination
Shearing day
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• Skirt before bagging – tags, belly and top knots all come out!
Shearing day
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• Packing and labelling can vary by marketing plans
Shearing day
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After shearing – now what?
• How involved you want to be with your fleece and wool? Each option progressively brings you more money, but takes more work to prepare
Option 1 – Toss it (or use for mulch)
Option 2 – Sell it in bulk to a wool pool
Option 3 – Sell it fleece by fleece to a commercial buyer/mill
Option 4 – Sort ruthlessly and sell in the grease to hand spinners using advertisements, Etsy, festivals, farm gate and open houses/tours.
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Prices vary – it pays to shop around
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After shearing – now what?
Option 5 – Have yarn or roving made; and sell wholesale to general store, gift shop, yarn store, or indie dyer. Will need to label.
Option 6 – Have yarn or roving made; and sell retail direct to consumer on-line, on-farm; or at farmers markets and festivals. Will need labels, patterns, Instagram/Facebook, etc.
See Wing and A Prayer Farm
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Festivals are big!
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After shearing – now what?
Option 7 – Have yarn made; and then have finished goods made to sell retail or wholesale
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After shearing – now what?More products – felted items. EMERGING MARKETS!
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Overview of steps in fiber processing• Sort/open; • Wash/scour and dry;• Pick and card VIDEO
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Overview of steps in fiber processing• WOOLEN OR WORSTED AND WHY DOES IT MATTER?• Drafting
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Overview of steps in fiber processing• Spinning• Plying• Winding
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Cones or skeins?
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Blending with other natural or synthetic fibers?
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Dyed or natural? Dyeing options?
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Branding, messaging, networking