Mathematical Concepts and Methods in the Industrial Utilization of the New Zealand Wool Clip

This paper outlines various mathematical concepts, such as vector spaces, Boolena algebra, and linear programming, that have been found helpful in developing computer software for use by various groups involved with marketing and using New Zealand wools. Considerable raw data concerning the New Zealand wool clip are now available in the form of computer records covering the production and prices received at auctions over several seasons. These data can be transformed by mathematical methods to yield more specific management tools of value to sheep breeders, wool exporters, wool-marketing bodies, and wool processors. The methods used could be of general application to other natural-fibre industries.