Bay wool farmers check out China

David Mossman and wife Bry at the Great Wall of China, during the Segard Masurel wool clients' trip. Photo / Supplied

Two Hawke's Bay farmers wondering how New Zealand wool shapes up at the other end of the market got a first-hand opportunity when Segard Masurel invited woolgrowing clients to join company representatives on a visit to China.

The two were retired veterinary surgeon David Mossman of Havelock North, who in 2012 was awarded the QSM for services to agriculture and animal husbandry, and Eskdale farmer Tom Clark.

They were among 17 Segard Masurel clients on the nine-day trip in October.

Despite his experience spanning more than four decades, Dr Mossman was still overawed by the experience of seeing New Zealand wool on display so far from home, and the esteem in which the New Zealand product was held.

"A major take from this trip that has resonated with me was the superior quality of our NZ wool," he said.

"While wool from other countries sat right alongside our product, we truly were streets ahead of the competition.

"This quality rather than quantity was obviously what they considered for top-end handmade products destined often for the international hospitality industry," he said.

"For the producer, New Zealand wool requires minimal sorting but the products being made were really labour intensive, with hand machining of custom-made carpets. I found this fascinating."

Travelling with wife Bry, as an extension of the trip Dr Mossman also visited Mongolia, "where they still farm with a shepherd and a flock of 20 sheep.

"It completed the picture for us."

Mr Clark, a Segard Masurel client for more than 10 years, was also impressed, saying: "It was a big eye opener to see how our wool is taken from the farm gate through the various processing operations, and then a boost of confidence to our product quality to see where it finally ends up.

"I have always been interested in the Chinese infrastructure and I was fascinated to see how much further advanced things were than I had ever imagined it would be."

Segard Masurel Hawke's Bay spokesman Scott McLeod said the company was "taken aback" by the numbers of growers who were keen to make the trip.

Of particular early interest on the trip was historic Suzhou, the city of over 2500 years of history, regarded by Marco Polo as the "Venice of the Orient" and also known as the "silk capital of the world".

A visit to a silk factory was a high priority, before the ventures into Segard Masurel client wool top-making mills as well as carpet mills showcasing quality hand-sewn carpets custom made for large multi-corporate companies around the world, such as United Emirates Airlines and luxury hotels in Dubai.

Mr McLeod said Segard Masurel would plan another overseas market trip for its growers.

"It met with our objectives in providing our growers with a better understanding of the usage of their wool, our overseas customer base and engagement with manufacturers, their specifications and product requirements, which tied the whole chain together," he said.