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Wool Awards PremiumMumballup farmers win State honours national wool awards

A pair of Mumballup farmers with a passion for wool have shone on the national stage, winning a gong in the Australian Superfine Woolgrowers of Australia’s fleece competition.

Cally Dupe

Wool Collection PremiumThe Woolmark Company joins forces with Sportscraft

Australian Wool Innovation subsidiary The Woolmark Company has joined with Sportscraft to create a collection of Australian wool garments that champion traceability and sustainability.

Cally Dupe

Wool Industry Australian Wool Innovation’s financial health strong

Australian Wool Innovation’s financial health is “as strong” as it’s ever been as demand for woollen garments remains steady, COVID-19 lockdowns end and farmers continue to sell more bales of wool.

Cally Dupe

MURESK EXPANSIONPremiumMuresk Institute undergoes $9.1m upgrade

There’s been plenty to celebrate at Muresk Institute this month, with a new $800,000 shearing shed unveiled as construction begins on a “state-of-the-art” $9.1m Specialist Agriculture Machinery training centre.

Adam Poulsen

shipping sagaPremiumAustralian wool exports could be disrupted for a year

The “dramatic” backlog of cargo ships stuck at Chinese ports is feared to have impacts on the Australian wool industry for at least the next year, according to industry players.

Shannon Verhagen

flock rebuildPremiumAus shorn wool production forecast to jump 6.5 per cent

For the first time since 2018-19, the number of sheep forecast to be shorn tips over 70 million, with the Australian Wool Production Forecasting Committee anticipating 70.9 million head in the 2022-23 season.

Shannon Verhagen

NEW TECH CSIRO trials virtual fencing system on sheep and cattle

A virtual fencing system that enables GPS-fitted sheep to be contained in paddocks without the need for traditional “visible” barriers is being trialed at locations across Australia.

Staff reporter

travel backPremiumWA wool traders head overseas for first time since COVID

WA wool traders and exporters have their passports at the ready as they prepare to visit mills and clients the world over with international travel finally back on the cards after a two-year hiatus.

Shannon Verhagen

‘We need answers’PremiumConcerns Ag Visa could be ‘dead in the water’

WAFarmers chief executive Trevor Whittington says the Ag Visa is “absolutely essential” to fill thousands of seasonal labour gaps in the horticulture and viticulture industries.

Shannon Verhagen

foot-and-mouth diseasePremiumImpact of China ban on South African wool ‘unclear’

The ban — which echoes one placed during a 2019 outbreak which ended up lasting eight months — has already had a ‘massive impact’ on South Africa’s wool industry, according to industry body Cape Wools SA.

Shannon Verhagen

new courseAWI launches free course promoting Merino wool

“At a time when many customers around the world are asking for more sustainable fashion the answer is clear — wear Australian wool.”

Shannon Verhagen

Wool medalPremiumWool medal nominations open for worthy recipient

Wool Industries Australia has put a final call out for nominations in Australia’s richest wool industry prize — the 2022 Australian Wool Industry Medal.

Bob Garnant

SRS sheepPremiumCould SRS sheep fix shearing shortage?

Merino sheep with superior skin and wool traits have been mooted by Soft Rolling Skins woolgrowers as a solution to one of the biggest crises in the history of the wool industry.

Bob Garnant

Wool reformPremiumAustralia’s wool industry groups in reform process

Wool producers groups across Australia have held talks to begin a more unified approach towards the consultation process with their woolgrower members.

Cally Dupe and Bob Garnant

Wool tariffsPremiumFree trade agreement gives a boost to Australian wool

India’s woollen textile industry has been thrown a lifeline with its non-competitive 2.5 per cent tariff on Australian wool dropping to zero after the inking of a new free trade deal. 

Bob Garnant

Wool ProcessingPremiumCould Australia set up a domestic wool processing industry?

WoolProducers Australia has appointed Deloitte Economics to complete a “wide ranging” feasibility study to examine whether the nation could set up a domestic wool processing industry.

Bob Garnant

Shear Resilience PremiumWA shearing industry rocked by COVID-19

WA’s already strapped-for-staff shearing industry is being rocked by COVID-19, with rapid antigen tests, masks, and limiting shed visitors proving valuable tools in the fight against the spread of the virus. 

Bob Garnant

Wool Innovation PremiumCoarse wool could replace polystyrene as packaging product

Coarse wool is being used as an eco-friendly packaging product, with plans to open a $9.6 million manufacturing, processing and research and development facility in Victoria by the end of the year.

Bob Garnant

Wool Role PremiumAustralian Wool Innovation recruiting WA-based role

Australian Wool Innovation is on the hunt for a new WA-based representative, with its first industry officer based on the west coast heading north for a new challenge with the Pardoo Beef Corporation. 

Bob Garnant

AWI appointmentPremiumAustralian Wool Innovation CEO tackles challenges

Australia Wool Innovation’s newly appointed chief executive John Roberts aims to tackle some pressing industry issues, including shearing staff shortages.

Bob Garnant

Wool AmbassadorPremiumWoolProducers opens more ‘Raising the Baa’ opportunities

WoolProducers Australia has opened second round of nominations for its two prestigious leadership programs for wool industry leaders, thanks to unexpected savings from COVID-19.

Bob Garnant

‘pretty basic’Calls for farmers to improve shearing shed amenities

“Facilities are pretty basic at a lot of properties, while others are exceptional.”

Shannon Verhagen

women in woolFemale woolbroker says job ‘enables me to do what I love’

A city girl from Adelaide who wanted to work in the outdoors and travel settled instead on wool classing and “never looked back”.

Shannon Verhagen

Wool MedalPremiumAustralian Wool Industry Medal nominations open

Nominations are open for the Australian Wool Industry Medal to recognise those who have made an exceptional contribution to the national industry.

Bob Garnant