WOOL SHOWS

There are several types of wool or fleece competitions. One type of competition is a breed show. In these shows, fleeces are judged against the criteria appropriate for their breed, often set out in their breed standard. These shows may have separate classes for lambs, ewe and ram fleeces in each breed. The winning fleece in each breed should exemplify the fleece characteristics specific to that breed. The Best in Show fleece should be the one that comes closest to ideal for its breed. In a breed show, a perfect Cotswold fleece should beat a not quite perfect Shetland fleece or an average Merino fleece.

Another type of competition is a handspinner's show where the fleeces entered are judged according to criteria of importance to handspinners. These shows may also have breed classes and take into account breed characteristics or they may separate fleeces based on fibre diameter having classes for fine, medium and coarse; however, all fleeces are judged based on suitability for handspinning.

A third type of competition may be have classes set up based on fineness and colour and use more commercial type criteria for judging. In these shows, the fleece that has the highest commercial value should take the Best in Show prize.

PREPARING SHOW FLEECES

TYPICAL HANDSPINNERS FLEECE SHOW CRITERIA (Missouri Natural Wool Growers)

Soundness - Fleeces with breaks, weak points and extremely weathered tips will be penalized in order of severity.

Grade/Evenness - Fleeces should be an even grade throughout. Grade should be appropriate to breed type. Hair fibers and kemp fibers will be penalized - unless breed characteristic.

Weight/Length - Appropriate to breed and grade of fleece. Excessively small fleeces or a staple length of less than 2 (two) inches may be penalized.

Brightness/Luster/Handle - Wool that is soft and lustrous for its fleece grade is desirable. Fleece should be free from excessive weather damage and cotting, and be easily opened with proper strength of fiber for the fleece grade.

Color - No preference of color will be shown. All colors, variegated or solid, will be equal. Canary stains, yellowing and paint stains will be penalized.

Cleanliness - Fleeces should be free of excessive contamination from vegetable matter, burrs, dirt, paint, manure and free from second cuts. Adult wool fleeces must have been shorn during the past 12 months. Yearling wool fleeces will be allowed 16 months growth. The judge has the power to reclass the fleeces before rendering awards.

TAOS 2004 Wool Show & Contest

Preparation of Fleeces: Roll and tie each fleece rather loosely or place each fleece in a separate plastic bag.
Labels: When you bring your fleeces to the Big Tent you will fill out a label indicating breed/type, age & sex of the animal, months growth of the fleece, whether the fleece has been skirted and if the skirtings are included. You will also be required to sign a liability release if you have not already done so in connection with another part of the Festival.

Criteria for Judging: Each fleece will be judged for soundness, cleanliness, uniformity, and general character typical of high quality wools. Fleeces may be disqualified if they are tied with other than paper twine, show excessive paint brands, contain dung locks or excessive vegetable matter.

Wool Classes: There will be three sheep’s Wool classes:

1. White Wool
2. Natural Colored Wool - Solid (Consistent color throughout the fleece)
3. Natural Colored Wool - Variegated (Different colors or shades in different parts of the fleece)

Each class will be divided into four grades:

Fine (60's and finer) (approx. 24.94 microns and under)
Medium (52's to 58's) (approx. 24.95 - 29.29 microns)
Coarse (50's and coarser) (approx. 29.30 microns and up)
Hair or Fur Breeds (Karakul, Navajo-Churro, etc.)

Specialty Fiber Classes: There will also be Mohair, Cashgora, Cashmere, Alpaca and Llama Classes with divisions as number of entries warrants.

Awards: 1st, 2nd and 3rd place ribbons in each grade of each class; Grand and Reserve Champion ribbons in each class. Silver Medallions for Best of Show in each sheep’s wool class and, in the Alpaca class.

Fleece Score Card For A New Zealand Show