For the fifth time in four years, the Linke family, Tarrington, sold a bale of wool that was awarded the highest quality accolade, 1PP certification.
At the Melbourne woolstores last week, Everard, Marilyn and Matthew Linke saw their 140 kilogram bale make 3242 cents per kilogram, about 600c/kg above market value.
The bale was purchased by New England Wool for Reda, a fabric maker that produces traditional Italian suits.
About three years ago, Reda celebrated its 150th anniversary by establishing a 1PP contract, where it purchased 150 bales with 1PP certification.
This order was filled successfully, and the company has now established another three-year contract, called Pinnacle 1PP Contract, to encourage more growers to produce high quality wool and seek certification.
New England Wool southern region buyer Andrew Raeber said there are only usually four to six 1PP bales certified in Victoria per year, so it is a big achievement to any woolgrower who makes it.
“It’s a difficult thing to do, you need the right genetics, a positive season, and your classing standards need to be tremendous,” Mr Raeber said.
“For the grower, it offers a huge sense of pride, it’s more than a fiscal incentive, but recognition of the quality of their wool.”
He said the contract represents confidence in the industry, that there are users out there who appreciate the high quality.
Mr Raeber has worked closely with the Linke family for the last few years, having purchased three of their 1PP bales.
Everard Linke said the wool had come off two year-old wethers that were shorn last November.
“New England Wool have their own style, and we’ve been following that,” Mr Linke said.
“We class the wool straight after shearing, so we can maximise its potential.”
He said they had been lucky to have a good season.
“Last year was a very good season, we more or less had two springs in one year,” he said.
“We had five inches in late March last year, and it was a very good break.”
The Linkes have used Glenara, Dunkeld, genetics for nearly 45 years, but are currently trialling genetics from Sierra Park, Victoria Valley.
“We’ve been using the Sierra Park pure Saxon rams for the last two years, and have got some weaners and two year-olds from them,” he said.
“We’re putting them over our Glenara ewes, and have been getting a finer, more even crimp.”
Mr Linke said it was rewarding to be recognised for their efforts.
Joely Mitchell
Joely started her career at Stock & Land as a cadet journalist in 2016. She is now the editor of the paper.
Joely started her career at Stock & Land as a cadet journalist in 2016. She is now the editor of the paper.
