Australian Wool Innovation biological defleecing demonstration planned for Katanning Research Facility

WA farmers will be able to see Australian Wool Innovation’s “world leading” bioharvesting method of harvesting wool with their own eyes at a special demonstration at the Katanning Research Station on October 28. AWI funnelled $1.4 million into a three-year study examining a biological defleecing method developed by the University of Adelaide in July last year, with its success relying on one simple ingredient — corn protein. The naturally-produced protein is injected into sheep and generates a weakened zone at the base of the wool fibre. This enables the fleece to remain on the sheep until the wool can be removed without the need to apply a net. Early proof of the concept has shown “promise” wool can stay on the animals’ back for weeks without falling off into the paddock, with a mechanical plucking device used to later break the fibre and remove the fleece. The method has been flagged to play a pivotal role in the harvest of wool without the labour intensive process of shearing leading to an answer to one of the industries most pressing issues — the shearing staff shortage. The research has been led by University of Adelaide professor Phil Hynd, with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development trialling the method on-site at the Katanning Research Station. An AWI spokesman said the bioharvesting demonstration day at DPIRD’s Research Facility in Katanning would consist of mainly Merino and first cross Merino sheep, which the new product was best suited for. “This type of biological harvesting does not need nets — a weak point is created and harvesting can occur from that point in the staple,” he said. Katanning was one of two nationwide demonstration sites selected, with farmers being given a first glimpse at the Falkiner Memorial Field Station at Conargo in New South Wales on September 1. Demonstration days have not been planned elsewhere due to cost constraints, however AWI plans to release a video demonstrating the bioharvesting process in the near future. The Biological Harvesting WA Demonstration Day will kick off with an hour-long demonstration at 11.15am, before a free lunch from 12.15pm. Between 1pm and 4pm, guests can inspect the full-wool Yardstick 2022 Merino sire evaluation progeny of 12 leading sires, hear the latest national results on sire evaluation and learn more about the University of Sydney’s “actors affecting the success of artificial insemination project”. To find out more or register, contact bridget.peachey@wool.com