Wool Classer

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
organisation of the shearing shed and shearing process
ensuring that the correct shearing methods are used, as this makes the classing of wool easier
classing of the wool with regard to aspects such as compactness, quality, condition and appearance
the correct pressing, closing and marking of bales
the sending of bales to the wool markets
sending classing reports to brokers

Personal Requirements

enjoy physical work and be in good health
love sheep farming
able to contribute to a pleasant working environment in the shearing shed
disciplined, honest and hard working
supervisory skills

How to Enter

Schooling & School Subjects

National Senior Certificate.

What to Study

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 courses of ten days. Successful candidates can obtain a Springbok Wool Classing Certificate, which is highly respected in the international wool industry

Employment

wool brokers, such as Cape Mohair & Wool
BKB
shearing contractors
wool farmers
self-employment, start own private shearing company

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 should contact the Shearing Services of Boeremakelaars Beperk (BKB), who organise wool-classing floors and ensure that wool classers can travel with the shearing team from farm to farm.

Further Information

National Woolgrowers’ Association of SA
41A Pickering Street,
Newton Park,
Port Elizabeth
Tel: (041) 365-5030
www.nwga.co.za

Getting Started