Wool classing runs in the blood

Anna Tozer always thought she’d be a wool classer, and now she’s the final pupil of her old man before he retires.

Anna Tozer is learning to class wool under her dad’s tutelage. Picture: Zoe Phillips

Wool classing runs in Anna Tozer’s blood and with her father Norman about to retire from teaching, Anna is his final pupil.

“Wool classing has always been in our family, my dad is a wool classing teacher, and now that I’ve been involved in my partner’s farm with fine wool Merinos … I’ve started learning,” Anna said.

Based in Tallarook, the 22-year old is undertaking her Certificate IV in Wool Classing through Wodonga TAFE this year, developing the knowledge and practical skills to sort and classify wool into various sale types.

Anna Tozer is undergoing her Certificate IV. Picture: Zoe Phillips

It’s a trade that Anna has always thought would be on the cards for her future.

“I’ve always been a fan of agriculture, especially the wool side of it, because of the family ties … there’s something different everyday that’s for sure,” she said.

“I didn’t actually know what to expect having the teacher be my dad, but it’s actually great.”

The one-year course will see Anna undertaking theory assessments and practical work at a shed between Kilmore and Lancefield in August-September before she receives her stencil in November.

“I’d like to keep classing the superfine and ultrafine Merinos because I feel like that is a different skill completely, but it will be interesting to see where it takes me that’s for sure,” she said.

“I think there’s a lot of great opportunities in the fine wool end (of the industry).”