>>1898989>okay but why is wool so fuckin expensive thenNZ explanation:
Merino need a relatively dry environment to avoid health problems.
Grass doesn’t grow amazingly well in thes areas.
So much more land ($$) is required for fewer sheep. Here, this is far South high country($$). This means no vehicle access, and horse and/or heli herding($$).
Every sheep has to be shorn by hand ($$).
And they need regular health checks ($$).
Excels in all conditions.
Cotton:
Warm climate, high density, machine harvested. ($/$/$)
Ok for good conditions.
So basically you’re comparing a cheap/kg low scarcity product that’s just OK, to a high scarcity expensive/kg product that’s better than anything except down/kg For its insulation properties.
Your most important takeaway from this should be: There is no cruelty to sheep. They literally love it when they get a haircut.
Which reminds me, in shearing season, they drive groups of shearers around the country and have to house and feed them.
Wool is low margin vs. cotton.
