R&D into simple, low-cost OFFM
AWI is funding the development of a low-cost method of on-farm fibre measurement (OFFM) that could potentially enable woolgrowers to easily measure their wool’s micron, colour and crimp in real time on a smartphone.
On-farm fibre measurement using a smartphone could be a reality if a new AWI-funded project proves successful.
AWI is funding the development of a low-cost method of on-farm fibre measurement (OFFM) that could potentially enable woolgrowers to easily measure their wool’s micron, colour and crimp in real time on a smartphone.
For many woolgrowers, fibre measurement is a key part of their selection and breeding program, because it improves selection accuracy, ensures a better quality of wool and, in turn, increases profitability. It is also useful at wool classing to enable saleable lines of wool that have uniform characteristics that meet the requirements of processing mills.
However, current methods of measuring individual fleece traits (such as fibre diameter) on-farm, or sending samples to a laboratory for measurement, can be costly, time-consuming, or unavailable at the time they are needed by woolgrowers due to high demand when shearing conditions are right.
“To help remedy this, AWI has teamed up with Australian start-up company Zondii to investigate whether the company’s patented Artificial Intelligence imaging technology can be used to successfully measure wool’s micron, and potentially colour and crimp,” said AWI Program Manager Agri-Technology, Carolina Diaz.
“The project aims to enable woolgrowers to utilise the Zondii technology to conveniently scan wool in-shed and detect wool traits using an affordable hand-held device, such as a smartphone, with no requirement to be connected to the internet after the initial download of the software done at the time of purchase.”
“It is anticipated that the availability of a more affordable and easier to access solution would encourage more woolgrowers to use on-farm fibre measurement and enable those already using it to test more of their flock than present.”
Carolina Diaz, AWI Program Manager Agri-Technology
While use by a smartphone would be cheaper and achieve better industry adoption than a separate handheld scanner, a separate device might have advantages such as being more robust against dirt than a smartphone.
As well as measuring wool from fleece that has already been shorn, Zondii is also investigating the possibility of testing wool while it is still on the sheep in the drafting run, prior to shearing.
“Being on-farm during shearing, I was able to see first-hand the challenges faced in trying to keep up with the speed of shearing and class wool into the most profitable lines. Zondii is extremely excited to be finishing the project with AWI and share the technology options for handheld micron detection,” added CEO and Founder of Zondii, Danielle Morton.
Zondii technology is in trials with AgriFutures for other Australian agricultural industries such as horticulture to improve yield and validate authenticity and provenance.
Become an early adopter
Scan the QR code now to join the Zondii waitlist. Zondii will be in touch to ask you the issues you face on your farm with wool classing and micron measurement.
This article appeared in the December 2022 edition of AWI’s Beyond the Bale magazine. Reproduction of the article is encouraged.
