In this interview Colin, an award-winning wool classer, talks about his experiences in the wool industry in Southland, Central Otago and Argentina. Colin gained his first practical experience working for an Invercargill wool company, then went to study at Massey. After an eventful sea voyage, he continued his studies in Bradford, UK, the centre of the British wool industry. Colin shares some details about wool classing, what manufacturers are looking for and how things work in the wool shed at shearing time. He explains the unique nature of Central Otago Merino wool and why it is so sought after. Colin goes on to recount stories of wool classing in Argentina in later life, and the relationship developed between the Argentinian enterprise and Merino farmers in Central Otago, leading to the export of top-quality rams to improve the Argentinian flocks.
Interviewer: David Wallace
Interview Date:
February 2025
Collin Wallace in Argentina
Collin Wallace and Tony Jopp - Wool Classing at Moutere Station
Collin Wallace with Prince Charles at Moutere Station
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