A Study of the Effect of Module Averaging on Knitting-yarn Manufacturers

Abstract

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is proposing a new cotton classification methodology called module averaging as an improvement to the existing system. AMS asserts that the module-averaging approach will increase the precision of fiber quality measurements. AMS also asserts that, owing to this increased precision, all parties, including cotton growers and knit-fabric producers, will benefit from the improved measurement process. In the following study the authors examine the statistical foundations of the methodology proposed by USDA and its likely impact on knit-fabric producers by focusing on the micronaire measurement of cotton.