WOOL-PRODUCTION.

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume 54, Issue 1, 20 January 1937, Page 47

WOOL-PRODUCTION.

Information as to production of wool is not obtainable directly ; but it is possible to compute fairly accurate figures on the basis of exports and local consumption during the twelve months ended 30th June, and the variation in stocks revealed by the annual census of stocks of wool held on 30th June. , ■ In the following computation of total production, scoured, washed, and slipe wool has been converted to a greasy basis on the assumption of an average loss of 331 per cent, in weight, while wool exported on skins has been taken at. an average of 4 lb. per skin. / . ... ; ; -

- The collection of wool statistics has been reorganized on a basis which permits of the application of the above formula' for ascertaining total wool-production for each season from 1929. It will be seen that the latest figure of .316,500,000 lb. is easily the largest recorded during the period shown. Records prior to the 1929 season (although not on a strictly comparable basis) indicate that the 1935-36 figure has never been exceeded in any. season in New Zealand’s history. ■ The high production of wool last season may be attributed to the very favourable conditions experienced during the period of growth, assisted by late shearing operations due to a wet summer. It is now evident that, on the average, the relatively high yield of over 9 lb. of wool per sheep was obtained at shearing.

Year ended 30th June, - —. Year ended 30th June, 1930. ' ' 19311932. 1933. 19341935. . 1936. 1 1932. 1933- | 19351936. Million lb. Exports of wool .. Exports of wool on skins ;. . Used by New Zealand mills . . 207 • : 4-8 ’ 6 1 244-3 6-4 6-2 248 • 1 7-310-0 11 - I 6-6 308-9 14-4 6-o 222-3 9-o > 7-1 344-i 8-2 7-8 Variation in stocks . . 218 • 1 +54.-.8 256-9 + 14-2 261 -9 4-20-9 327-7 -39-3 329-3 -28-8 238-4 +37-5 360-1 -43-6 Estimated production ■.. 272-9 271 • 1 282 • 8 288-4 300-5 275-9 316-5