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Story: Sheep farming

Merino and Romney wool

Merino and Romney wool

Compared to Romney wool (right), fine Merino wool (left) is much shorter, and much brighter and whiter. Merino wool is also a lot tighter, with all the fibres held together within the staple, and the crimps (bends in the fibres) are much closer together. The Halfbred, being a cross between the Romney and Merino, is halfway between the two.

Wool staples courtesy of Tectra Ltd

About this item

Te Ara – The Encyclopedia of New Zealand
Photographs by Melanie Lovell-Smith

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How to cite this page:

Hugh Stringleman and Robert Peden. 'Sheep farming', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, updated 27-Sep-11
URL: http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/sheep-farming/3/3