Price attributes of Döhne Merino wool in South Africa

ABSTRACT Döhne Merino sheep are a dual-purpose breed known for both good-quality meat and Merino-type wool. The objective of this study was to determine the price attributes of Döhne Merino wool in South Africa using a hedonic model and data from 83 registered Döhne Merino farmers in South Africa. The results indicated that the price of Fleece wool was most sensitive to changes in the staple strength, staple length, and fibre diameter, while clean yield had a lower impact. Fibre diameter had the largest effect on the price of Pieces wool, followed by staple strength and staple length. The Bellies wool price was very sensitive to changes in clean yield, followed by staple length. It is recommended that Döhne Merino wool with higher staple strength and longer staple length should be produced due to the price premiums that could be earned. The findings provide evidence of the demand for quality attributes associated with wool and could aid Döhne Merino wool producers in deciding how to maximise their profit. Woolgrowers and other interested stakeholders could use this information to ensure that wool quality meets market demand.