Wool Evaluation 101

Written with contributions by Heidi Carroll, former SDSU Extension Livestock Stewardship Field Specialist & Beef Quality Assurance Coordinator.

Evaluating wool requires practice. Members in 4-H or FFA can compete in wool judging at several contests across the nation including the Black Hills Stock Show. Wool judging can also lead to collegiate opportunities. South Dakota State University has an excellent learning opportunity for students interested in wool. Students can complete a course in wool evaluation and compete on the collegiate SDSU Wool Judging Team that travels nationally. If you would like to learn more about wool quality check out Considerations for Increasing Wool Value or Economically Relevant Wool Traits and Wool Heritability. 

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