Scouring, Baling, and Transporting Western Wools: Practices, Problems, Possibilities

Excerpts from the report: The purpose of this study is to determine and evaluate the more important factors relating to wool scouring and baling in the producing areas, particularly the West, and to appraise the possibilities of reducing transportation and other marketing costs. To accomplish this necessitates (a) determining the major wool production areas and the quality and quantity of wool produced, (b) considering present and probable future locations of woolen and worsted manufacturers, (c) developing cost information on baling and scouring operations, (d) considering the response of the woolen and worsted industry to wool scoured and/or baled in producing areas, (e) developing methodology to estimate potential transportation benefits, and (f) evaluating the net effect of these factors. The scope of this report is purposely broad. It is hoped that the methodology, guidelines, and suggestions developed will assist wool growers and their cooperatives and other marketing agencies, transportation agencies, local chambers of commerce, development groups, and others in evaluating the possibility of wool baling or the establishment of wool scouring facilities in their area