Some interesting facts about the world of wool
- There are 1.1 billion sheep in the World
- 78 million merino sheepย in Australia, 34 million merino sheep in New Zealand, and 140 million in China
- A merino sheep’s fleece will weigh approximately 4k, which will give approximatelyย 3 kilos of clean wool. This will knit approximately 9 to 10 jumpers at 300 grammes/jumper, or weave 7 metres of worsted cloth at 400 grammes/metre.
- The Saxony Merino is a smaller breed introduced to Australia in 1822, which will produce 2.5 to 3 kilos of wool, enough forย 6 jumpers, or 5 metres of cloth.
- There are approximately 150 million Cashmere goats in the world, so supply and demand indicates why cashmere is more expensive than merino wool.
- It is estimated that on average yearly production per goat is 1.5kg per year.
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