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October 23, 2017Wool industry leader sends letter of apology following ‘man in the mirror’ scandal
ABC NEWS – by Lucy Barbour and Brett Worthington – “The head of the Australian wool industry has express-posted a letter of apology to farmers he secretly watched in the so-called ‘Man in the Mirror’ scandal. The letter arrived with farmers late last week, ahead of Australian Wool Innovation’s (AWI) expected grilling at Senate Estimates at Parliament House in Canberra tomorrow.”
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October 22, 2017AWI Chair Wal Merriman in firing line of political scrutiny
NORTH QUEENSLAND REGISTER – by Colin Bettles – “Queensland Nationals Senator Barry O’Sullivan – a former police officer – is foreshadowing a torrid time for AWI at Senate estimates this week. … NINETY minutes has been allocated for Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) to face a vigorous and painstaking interrogation at Senate estimates hearings in Canberra this week, spearheading a lengthy agenda of farm levy-payer groups.”
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NZ wool yoga mat ready for launch
OTAGO DAILY TIMES – by Sally Rae – “Dana McKenzie always felt it was somewhat of an oxymoron to be practising yoga on a ”stinky” PVC mat. So, armed with a passion for wool – and a desire to find a use for it – the Romanian-born entrepreneur decided to do something about it. This weekend, Mrs McKenzie has been at OM Yoga in London, the biggest yoga gathering in Europe, to launch wool mats to thousands of yoga enthusiasts. Speaking to the Otago Daily Times, having just set up her stall, Mrs McKenzie said it had been a ”big dream in the making” and she was thrilled to be there.”
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October 21, 2017Techno Wool: modern technology reshaping the wool industry
ABC NEWS – Sean Murphy – LANDLINE – “Improved land care and animal welfare, reduced wool prickle factor and the ability for regional businesses to take value-added products to the world are some of the ways technology is helping to reshape today’s wool industry.”
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Disparity emerges in ‘exceptional’ wool market
NORTH QUEENSLAND REGISTER – by Bruce McLeish, Elders northern wool manager – “STRENGTH TO STRENGTH: Wool continues to perform exceptionally well, even with some disparity emerging in different sections of the market… THE Australian wool market continues to perform exceptionally well, although this week saw further disparity emerge in different sections of the market.”
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From fashion to farming: On-farm businesses embrace the world of online opportunities
ABC NEWS – LANDLINE – by Sean Murphy – ” … Gostwyck also joins the online marketplace One of the oldest wool growing enterprises in Australia has also been quick to embrace the new world of online opportunities Gostwyck farm at Uralla in NSW was established in 1832, and sells its wool to high fashion knitwear brands such as Esprit and the suppliers of top end men’s suiting labels such as Saville Row.”
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October 20, 2017Elders Weekly Wool Market Report | Season 18 – Week 16
TOWN & COUNTRY – Weekly Wool Market Report Season 18 – Week 16
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Premiums for non-mulesed wool rising, discounts for undeclared lines
SHEEP CENTRAL – “PREMIUMS for non-mulesed wool sold in Australian auctions are rising and becoming substantial for some Merino wool, according to data released by the Australian Wool Exchange.”
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Pyeongchang 2018 Australian Team formal uniforms unveiled
CORPORATE.OLYMPICS.COM.AU – “PYEONGCHANG: The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) and Total Image Group (TIG) today unveiled the official formal uniforms to be worn by the Australian Olympic Team at the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Games. On hand to model the new uniforms were some of Australia’s best winter athletes including Olympic silver medallist David Morris, World Champion Britt Cox and Sochi 2014 Olympians Danielle Scott, Matt Graham and Jarryd Hughes.”
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Fine Merino wool prices lift 10-40 cents as crossbred values fall
SHEEP CENTRAL – “FINE Merino wool prices improved in Australian auctions this week, but crossbred fleece values declined further.”
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NSW shearing and wool school for secondary students to expand
SHEEP CENTRAL – “A NEW shearing and wool handling program for secondary school students in New South Wales’ northern tablelands region will be expanded after a successful trial.”
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Wool Exchange Portal experience helps AWI board candidate
SHEEP CENTRAL – by Terry Sim – “WOOL Exchange Portal build committee member Will Wilson is prepared to relinquish his WEP role if elected to the board of Australian Wool Innovation.”
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AWI director candidate Cocking signals willingness to lead if elected
SHEEP CENTRAL – by Terry Sim – “AUSTRALIAN Wool Innovation director Paul Cocking has indicated his willingness to potentially lead the grower levy-funded body out of its current governance and industry issues.”
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VIC livestock farmers to fight over animal welfare body changes
SHEEP CENTRAL – “VICTORIAN farmers will go to war over Andrews Labor Government plans to establish a dedicated public sector group for farm and companion animals called Animal Welfare Victoria.”
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Weekly Price Reports
AUSTRALIAN WOOL INNOVATION – Wool market review – week ending 20 October 2017 (Week 16)
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Merino young ewes have made a top of $210 a head and young crossbred ewes to $238 a head at the first of two October store sheep sales scheduled for Wycheproof in northwest Victoria.
STOCK & LAND – by Murray Arnel – “Merino young ewes have made a top of $210 a head and young crossbred ewes to $238 a head at the first of two October store sheep sales scheduled for Wycheproof in northwest Victoria.”
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Wool trainer in demand by South American sheep producers
THE WEEKLY TIMES – by Gabrielle Johnston – “THE demand for Australian sheep from countries including Chile and Argentina is well documented. Now it seems they are also keen on our wool-classing and shearing skills. Phillip Ward, of Dubbo, in NSW, has more than 40 years’ wool industry experience, and is the director of Australian Agricultural Training.”
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Limited opportunities as numbers decline
STOCK & LAND – by Murray Arnel – “Disturbing news for the sheep industry has come this week from the Hay district in New South Wales – the very heart of the Riverina sheep grazing region and supposedly the Merino capital of Australia.”
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Wimmera Merino flock at Wycheproof dispersed
THE WEEKLY TIMES – by Jenny Kelly – “VICTORIAN farmer Graham Supple has maintained a loyal relationship with one Merino stud and bred big- framed Merino sheep for half a century. Farming at Paradise near St Arnaud, the Supple family have based their sheep breeding on Glendamar Merino genetics since the 1960s.”
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October 19, 2017U.S. Military Loves American Wool
KTVQ.COM – Montana – by Russell Nemetz MTN News – “Wool is one of the world’s most diverse natural fibers. It’s this diversity that has made the U.S. military the American wool industry’s number one customer. The American Sheep Industry Association’s Wool Marketing Director Rita Kourlis Samuelson says “We’re trying to remind people why they use wool. It’s not your grandma’s wool sweater.” “
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Barnaby Joyce silent on AWI chairman Wal Merriman
THE WEEKLY TIMES – by James Wagstaff and Natalie Kotsios – “AGRICULTURE Minister Barnaby Joyce has refused to address the current controversy surrounding Australian Wool Innovation chairman Wal Merriman. AWI, which receives millions of dollars in woolgrower levy funds and matching government payments each year, has come under fire this week following an incident where Mr Merriman last week told a journalist questioning him on industry issues last week to “f— off”.”
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Wycheproof store sheep sale: Spring in their step
THE WEEKLY TIMES – “MERINO and first-cross ewes topped about the $200 mark at a multi-agent spring sheep sale at Wycheproof. The highest bid of the day was for the first lot of 300 Kadinia Pastoral, June-July 2016 first-cross ewes, which sold for $238 to John and Scott Arnold, of Rupanyup.”
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St George wool grower’s drought lotting proves a success
QUEENSLAND COUNTRY LIFE – by Lucy Kinbacher – “A ST George wool grower has successfully used a drought lotting technique to lamb his 940 ewes in his yards with minimal losses. Rod Avery, who leases the 2400 hectare property, Burgorah, north of St George, noticed the dry conditions worsening and knew he had to take the risk and begin hand feeding his pregnant ewes if he were to keep a large percentage of them alive.”
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Poll Merinos that pack a punch
STOCK & LAND – by Andrew Mole – “AT Ioness Poll Merino stud, principal Rob Coutts strives to breed Poll Merino rams that punch out soft, white wool while also producing a square sound framed ram.”
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Bendigo ‘ideally placed’ for shearing complex
BENDIGO ADVERTISER – by Emma D’Agostino – “BENDIGO would be a prime position for a sheep shearing events complex, industry members believe. And long-serving Bendigo Agricultural Show Society member Don McKinnon would like to see such a complex considered when the master plan for the city’s showgrounds is updated. “
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Kojonup fleece fetches 1534c
THE WEST AUSTRALIAN – by Bob Garnant – “The Banks family of Kojonup were celebrating their 2017 wool harvest rewards after receiving top values at the Western Wool Centre’s auction room last week. Richard and Leonie Banks and their daughter Sarah, were very pleased with the prices received through Dyson Jones for their offering of 78 bales of September-shorn fleece wool which all sold to a top-price of 1534 cents/kg greasy.”
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Clover mystery sparks concern
THE WEST AUSTRALIAN – by Cally Dupe – “Farmers fear the future of the State’s most prominent pasture legume is at risk, after the widespread, unexplained death of swathes of subterranean clover. Paddocks of the crop have turned a vibrant red and died at farms at Dalwallinu, Mount Barker, Esperance, New Norcia, Brookton, York and Katanning.”
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Ram donation to assist Peter Westblade scholarship
THE RURAL – by Stephen Burns – “The worth of the annual Peter Westblade Scholarship in supporting young people interested in a career with sheep and wool was evident when the proceeds of a ram offered during the annual Bogo Merino ram sale was publicly donated to support the fund.”
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Prime poll merinos for sale
THE WEST AUSTRALIAN – by Bob Garnant – “There will be an opportunity to acquire Hyfield poll merino genetics on Friday, October 27, at the stud’s dispersal sale. The sale will pen 1080 stud ewes of various ages, 250 stud ewe lambs, 200 stud ram lambs and 10 two-tooth stud rams. The sheep will be penned in about lines of 50 head at the stud’s on-property location at Kojonup, with Elders conducting the sale starting at 1pm.”
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Woolgrowers demand greater transparency at Australian Wool Innovation elections
QUEENSLAND COUNTRY LIFE – by Annabelle Cleeland – “A national debate has flared about the fairness of “tracking and stacking” votes, after it was reported Australian Wool Innovation chairman Wal Merriman has access to voting data while the election process is ongoing.”
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AWI Chair’s lack of remorse should concern all farm levy-payers
QUEENSLAND COUNTRY LIFE – by Colin Bettles – “IN the same fortnight that the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation celebrates 25-years of success, Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) Chair Wal Merriman has added another black stain to his record leading the industry’s research and marketing agency.”
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Wool requisitioned – 100 Years Ago
OTAGO DAILY TIMES – “A Gazette Extraordinary, issued on Monday, proclaims the requisition of next season’s wool clip for purposes of the war. Wool owners must deliver their wool to a Government woolbroker at certain ports specified. Wool bales must be properly branded, and the wool will be classified and valued by two expert valuers, one of whom will be appointed by the Government and the other will be employed by the Government woolbroker holding the goods. Should the owner be dissatisfied with the adjudication, he may lodge an appeal, on payment of a fee, which shall be decided by a Government-appointed umpire.”
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October 18, 2017AWI chairman Wal Merriman to stay while shareholders support him
SHEEP CENTRAL – by Terry Sim – “AUSTRALIAN Wool Innovation chairman Wal Merriman has indicated he won’t be resigning despite calls to stand down, after he swore at an ABC reporter for questioning him about the AWI leader’s covert observation of Merino breeders behind a one-way mirror.”
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Wagga researchers call for producer input in sheep and wool survey
THE RURAL – by Nikki Reynolds – “WAGGA researchers are at the coalface of what is shaping up to be a national survey for sheep and wool producers. The survey, which includes producers throughout the country, will help researchers make inroads in health and biosecurity practices. It will help the research and scientific community determine how to represent sheep and wool in future work and projects.”
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Temora field day will showcase profit drivers
THE RURAL – by Nikki Reynolds – “A RARE alignment of excellent prices for wool, surplus sheep and prime lambs bodes well for the rural industry. And market highs also help to trigger an interest in top-performing genetics says MerinoLink chief executive officer Sally Martin.”
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AWI: Wool and Innovation, or bullying and intimidation?
THE WEEKLY TIMES – by James Wagstaff – “WOOL and innovation? How about bullying and intimidation. The toxic “our-way-or-the-highway” culture that has enveloped Australian Wool Innovation — the nation’s peak wool body charged with overseeing the research, development and marketing of the millions of dollars in grower levies collected annually — has dragged on long enough.”
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AWI chairman’s conduct risks $14m in funding
QUEENSLAND COUNTRY LIFE – by Annabelle Cleeland – ” AWI chairman Wal Merriman has been accused of breaching the company’s code of conduct following a verbal tirade at an industry event, as a pseudonym account was created to defend his actions. “
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Guyra Central School at Wool Handling and Shearing by Regional Development Australia Northern Inland
THE GYRA ARGUS – “LEARNING THE ROPES: Guyra Central School student Stephanie Cameron throwing a fleece during the workshop in Glen Innes last Wednesday, October 11. It was organised by Regional Development Australia Northern Inland.”
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Rural Women’s Award to allow commercial projects and good ideas
SHEEP CENTRAL – “A NEW-LOOK 2018 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award includes some new changes to allow projects with a commercial focus or those that are simply good ideas, solutions or opportunities.”
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Weekly rainfall wrap + 14 day outlook, 18 Oct 2017
SHEEP CENTRAL – “Surface troughs generated thunderstorms and showers with moderate falls in western, northern and eastern Australia. A coastal trough produced persistent, heavy rainfall in eastern Queensland and parts of northeastern New South Wales.”
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New course aims to keep youngsters employed in the bush
GLEN INNES EXAMINER – by Steve Evans – “A new course in shearing for secondary school students is being tried, with the aim of giving young people more ways of having careers which keep them in the country.”
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Wool prices sprung at spring auctions
QUEENSLAND COUNTRY LIFE – by Annabelle Cleeland – “SOME growers have sold tender superfine clips for a staggering $3000 a bale, as China keeps the heat in the wool market competition. The Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) climbed a further 16 cents, week on week, to close at 1566 cents a kilogram at sales in Sydney, Melbourne and Freemantle this week where 37,519 bales were offered nationally.”
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Ian Marwedel to hang up his classing boots
QUEENSLAND COUNTRY LIFE – by Stephen Burns – “It was an emotional occasion at the beginning of the annual ram sale at Grogansworth Merinos, Bookham when studmaster Kim Henderson announced his friend and classer of the Grogansworth flock, Ian Marwedel has decided to retire from the industry to which he has dedicated his long life.”
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Cattle, lamb and wool prices up despite supply growth
THE WEEKLY TIMES – by Jamie-Lee Oldfield – “LIVESTOCK and wool prices are on the rise, unhindered by increased spring supply. Leading the way are lamb prices, remaining above 600c/kg and bucking the usual downward trend of the new season flush of lambs. The Eastern States Trade Lamb Indicator finished Monday at 616c/kg, up 11c/kg for the month and 64c/kg higher than a year ago.”
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Eastern Market Indicator climbs to 1566c/kg
THE WEEKLY TIMES – by Jamie-Lee Oldfield – “WOOL prices and the weather gods were kind to John Leach last week. Mr Leach farms Coyurah Springs, at Rheola, via Inglewood, and said last Wednesday his season had potential, but needed rain to finish it off.”
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October 17, 2017New Zealand seeks Mumblebone genetics
WELLINGTON TIMES – by Mark Griggs – “SUPERIOR genetics in wool and carcase are the traits buyers from four states and New Zealand were chasing at the 31st Mumblebone on-property sale of Chad and Louise Taylor and family at “Marapana”, Wellington, last week.”
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Wool growers call on AWI chairman Wal Merriman to resign
THE WEEKLY TIMES – by James Wagstaff and Kate Dowler – “WOOL growers are calling on Australian Wool Innovation chairman Wal Merriman to resign after he told a journalist questioning him on industry issues to “f— off”. The clash — which AWI described as “unfortunate” — occurred at a wool industry event in South Australia last week when an ABC reporter approached Mr Merriman with questions about him secretly watching a confidential industry focus group behind a one-way mirror in June.”
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Plenty more to achieve on Australian Wool Innovation board
THE RURAL – by Nikki Reynolds – “INDUSTRY GOALS: Paul Cocking of Mangoplah says there is plenty more to achieve in his role with Australian Wool Innovation. Picture: Nikki Reynolds MANGOPLAH wool grower Paul Cocking is seeking another term on the board of Australian Wool Innovation (AWI). Mr Cocking formerly held the reins at Riverina Wool Testers and Fabstock and has stood on the board of AWI for two terms (four years). “
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The Sheep Deer and Cattle Report (NZ): The first spring lambs hit the market and the insulation qualities of crossbred wool allows for an alternative use
INTEREST.CO.NZ – Posted in Rural News – Tony Chaston – “…. Wool More of the same at the South Island wool auction, with fine crossbred hogget wools down again in price, and only 72% of the offering sold.”
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Deni flock confidence
RIVERINE HERALD – by Deniliquin Pastoral Times – “A special store sheep sale in Deniliquin delivered a healthy endorsement for district flocks, according to Rodwells livestock agent Steve Arentz. Mr Arentz said 12,000 sheep and lambs were offered at the Friday the 13th sale, with a large contingent of buyers in attendance.”
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Tarcutta stud meets the market with top Merino rams at on-property sale
THE RURAL – by Nikki Reynolds – “MERINO rams sold to a high of $4500 at the Broula on-property sale at Tarcutta. Vendors Bruce and Lyn Angel offered 55 polled and 29 horned Merino rams. Mr Angel said the rams presented well. “
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Wool volume spikes 10pc nationally
NORTH QUEENSLAND REGISTER – by Annabelle Cleeland – “THE number of bales offered at eastern states’ wool auctions has jumped 15 per cent this season, as dry conditions kick-start spring shearing.”
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Henare shows wool handling class
WAATEA NEWS NZ – News Clip – Doug Laing, Shearing Sports New Zealand – “The spring shearing season has started, and that gives Maori in the industry a chance to shine in competitions. Joel Henare from Ngati Porou picked up the open wool handling title at Waimate in south Canterbury at the weekend, his 93rd career win and his sixth title in a row.”
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Seasonal conditions a test
FARM WEEKLY – by Mal Gill – “HARVEST cannot come soon enough for the Spark brothers, Michael and Peter, who farm at Dowerin and are looking to turn their Merino flock out onto stubble. “We’re struggling for sheep feed at the moment,” Michael Spark said on a visit last week to Primaries of WA’s woolstore.”
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Wool back above 1600c/kg last week
FARM WEEKLY – by Mal Gill – “LEADING national wool indices higher last week, the Western Indicator (WI) finished back above the 1600 cents a kilogram landmark for the first time in a month. It had last topped 1600c/kg clean on September 7, on its way down after breaking through the landmark barrier for the first time earlier this year and setting an all-time record of 1680c/kg on August 17.”
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October 16, 2017Strategies to help farms face up to modern challenges
WESTERN ADVOCATE – “MONARO region farmer and merino stud wool producer, Charles Massy, will be launching his latest book, Call of the Reed Warbler, at Skillset’s Flannery Centre in Bathurst at 5pm on Wednesday.”
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Mixed results for fine and strong wool at Christchurch sale
NZ FARMER – by Tim Cronshaw – “Crossbred wools still struggled as fine wool prices lifted at the Christchurch wool sale last week. Results were mixed for a top offering from all wool breeds compared with the last sale on September 28 with core Asian markets subdued, including for crossbred hogget fleece. Crossbred fleece 31 to 34 microns was 3-7 per cent cheaper, 35 microns and stronger was back 1-3 per cent and second shear unchanged.”
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Record year continues for Melrose
STOCK & LAND – by Joely Mitchell – “MELROSE *47 of 49 Merino and Poll Merino rams sold to $3300, av $1644 CONTINUING what has already been a stellar ram selling season, Melrose Merino stud has recorded its best ever sale.”
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Wool market hits 1566c
NORTH QUEENSLAND REGISTER – by Bruce McLeish, Elders Northern wool manager – “ANOTHER solid performance at the wool auctions this week as early stage processors around the world kept orders flowing to keep their machinery busy. Wool is moving rather reluctantly along the pipeline at present. However, the auction market is still performing very well in most sectors.”
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Strong averaged result for Deniliquin
STOCK & LAND – by Murray Arnel – “Although not hitting the extremes of other Riverina sheep sales no fewer than eleven sale lots of 2016-drop black-tag young ewes recorded prices above $200 and to a top of $230 a head at Deniliquin sheep breeders Merino and crossbred sale on Friday.”
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Buyer influx boosts AuctionsPlus clearance rates 18pc
SHEEP CENTRAL – “More buyers for fewer sheep and lambs boosted the on online clearance rate by almost 20 percent on AuctionsPlus last week.”
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$2500 for shearing four sheep in less than two minutes
SHEEP CENTRAL – by Doug Laing – “Record breaking Australian-based New Zealand shearer Stacey Te Huia quickly recovered the cost of his latest trans-Tasman mission as he won a rare elite-level speedshear in Wamate last Friday.”
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Sheep producers push to label 13-month-old sheep as lamb
THE AUSTRALIAN – by Sue Neales, Reporter Rural/Regional Affairs – “When is a sheep a lamb? And is all the $2.3 billion of lamb meat sold in our supermarkets and butchers’ shops every year — with each Australian consuming 9kg of juicy lamb chops or roast lamb — actually from young, frolicking lambs? That is the conundrum confronting Australia’s 31,000 sheep and lamb farmers and Australia’s lamb-loving consumers.”
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October 15, 2017Westcoast Wool & Livestock bolsters its team
FARM WEEKLY – “A NEW bloodline has been added to the Westcoast Wool & Livestock cattle marketing team, with Allen Bentham joining highly-experienced and well-respected senior auctioneer, Chris Hartley, at the Muchea Livestock Centre. Mr Bentham will assist producers in local and southern livestock areas, while the company’s Midlands representative, Brad Groves, will provide further support to producers in the Bindoon, Gingin and surrounding shires. “
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October 14, 2017Highlanders boost flock
STOCK & LAND – by Laura Griffin – “Adam and Kellie Walton are excited about the early results of introducing Focus Genetics’ bloodlines into their flock. They have gradually transformed their operation at Wurrook South, at Rokewood, from running a traditional fine-wool Merino self-replacing flock, to focusing on prime lamb production.”
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PGG Wrightson Wool National (NZ)
SCOOP INDEPENDENT NEWS – Press Release: Shearing Sports New Zealand – “Winton shearer Troy Pyper won’t be taking the foot off the pedal despite taking an early near-certain finals-placing lead in the PGG Wrightson Wool National Shearing Circuit after the second round in Waimate today.”
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October 13, 2017Wool industry leader tells ABC to ‘f*** off’, refuses to answer questions about Man in the Mirror scandal
ABC NEWS – by Marty McCarthy and Warwick Long – “Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) chairman Wal Merriman has lashed out at the ABC at an industry event north of Adelaide, telling one of the broadcaster’s journalists to “f*** off”. It was one of Mr Merriman’s first public appearances since the so-called Man in the Mirror scandal, where he observed a focus group session of fine wool breeders from behind a one-way mirror without their knowledge.”
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Weekly Price Reports
AUSTRALIAN WOOL INNOVATION – Wool market review – week ending 13 October 2017 (Week 15)
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The wooliest week of the year is here
GQ MAGAZINE – by Nick Carvell – “London is wool-crazy right now – and we suggest you join in. Take a look at what’s happening for Wool Week 2017 in the capital here.”
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Coolawang Border Leicester annual sale: Rams achieve $500 a head lift
THE WEEKLY TIMES – by Kate Dowler – “BORDER Leicester ram prices — buoyed by the great local season and healthy wool and meat markets — achieved a $500/head lift on average compared to last year at Coolawang Border Leicester’s annual sale at Mundulla yesterday. “
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Merino wools prices remain strong at Australian auctions
FIBRE2FASHION – “Prices of merino wools of all types and all descriptions remained stronger from the outset and pushed upward right through to the close of selling during the sale week 15 ending October 13 at Australian wool auctions. Crossbred prices initially retreated but levels consolidated on the final day, as buyers purchasing intent became more willing.”
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Wool bale theft concerns VFF chief
MANSFIELD COURIER – “A WOOL switcheroo involving expensive wool bales being swapped for inferior wool is being investigated by Victoria Police. Buyers in China discovered that the Australian exported wool was of poorer quality than expected.”
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Cold, rain kill at least 4 000 sheep in East Cape (South Africa)
HERALD LIVE – by Riaan Marais – “Eastern Cape sheep farmers are still counting their losses after cold and rain swept across the north of the province, killing thousands of sheep. Farmers in and around Barkly East – still reeling after runaway fires devastated the region last month – have been hit by temperatures well below freezing, coupled with rain and snow, causing massive damage to herds where wool producers sheared their sheep earlier this month.”
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Forward wool markets energised by strong physical auction results
SHEEP CENTRAL – by Mike Avery, Southern Aurora markets – “FORWARD wool markets traded strongly this week, buoyed by continued strength in Australia’s physical auctions.”
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Rising Merino wool prices drag Australian market higher
SHEEP CENTRAL – “MERINO wool prices surged in Australian auction rooms this week, while most crossbred type rates fell.”
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Time for farm talk over as agricultural leaders ratchet up market connections
NZ FARMER – by Tim Cronshaw – “The easy openness of Kiwi farmers and their potential to attach stories to meat, wool and other farm products is finding wide appeal among tech leaders in Silicon Valley.”
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Graziers’ Investment Company liquidates
NORTH QUEENSLAND REGISTER – by Annabelle Cleeland – “AFTER a decade-long battle to claw back from $96 million in debt, Graziers’ Investment Company (GIC) has entered into a Members Voluntary Liquidation, marking the end of the historic era of the industry’s failed reserved price scheme.”
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Passionate farmer is driven by diversity
FARM WEEKLY – by Mal Gill – “DIVERSIFYING into Merinos and wool is a radical move for a young cattleman. Joe Dewar, 28, who farms with his father Frank at Lime Peaks Grazing, Guilderton, has done that this year – not by dipping his toe in the water to test the temperature, but by jumping in the deep end.”
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Ram sales: Positive signs among the gloom
THE WEEKLY TIMES – by Jamie-Lee Oldfield – “THE season may be shot in parts of NSW, but strong prices and good forward planning is helping livestock producers see it through. Dugald McKay, a sheep and wool producer between Henty and Cookardinia in the Riverina, said the season was hanging in but all signs were pointing toward weather similar to the mid-2000s.”
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October 12, 2017Boort Show: Bob Rollinson’s shear vision a cut above
THE WEEKLY TIMES – by Dale Webter – “SOME of the best blade shearers in the world are coming to the Boort Show to compete on Saturday. But they could be upstaged by a bloke about to turn 85. Bob Rollinson, principal of Concordia Merino stud, at Mysia in Central Victoria, said he would consider bending his back to shear a sheep on the day — but only at the right price.”
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Wool market high
THE NORTHERN DAILY LEADER – by Stephanie van Eyk – “As shearing draws to a close across the Northern Tablelands wool quality and yields are up along with the superfine wool market. Last week’s rain may have interrupted the tail end of shearing, but no-one was complaining as substantial falls broke a two-month long dry spell. “Most of the wool is looking exceptional,” Australian Wool Network NSW stud stock manager and northern wool representative John Croake said.”
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Chinese fleeced on wool
THE WEST AUSTRALIAN – by Kaitlyn Offer – “Chinese wool merchants who thought they were buying tens of thousands of dollars worth of fine Merino wool have been sent low-grade scraps in a scam out of Melbourne’s docks. Victoria Police believe the switch occurred between May and June, but were only alerted three weeks ago when local stakeholders got complaints from a Chinese mill. “What was purchased was fine Merino wool and that’s probably worth between $10 to $12 a kilo and what turned up in China at the wool mills was probably worth 20c to 50c a kilo,” Detective Inspector Jamie Templeton said.”
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Wool market back in black
THE WEST AUSTRALIAN – by Bob Garnant – “Dual-purpose Dohne sheep wool filled the bales for the Hagboom family, of South Dowerin, and the market was kind last week at the Western Wool Centre. Enjoying the school holidays, Gavin and Amanda Hagboom, their sons Ashton, Fraser and Riley and Gavin’s father Colin, all witnessed a partial sale (57 bales) of their R-2H/Ridley clip sell through Landmark to a top of 1164c/kg greasy for a line of 18.5 micron wool with a yield of 60 per cent.”
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Bigger farm delivers more value to family
THE WEST AUSTRALIAN – by Rueben Hale – “The return of the children to the farm has meant a move to greener pastures for the Hassell family of Pingelly. It has been six months since John and Michelle Hassell moved from their previous property close to town to a more extensive property 15km further out.”
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Show ring success translates to sales
STOCK & LAND – by Andrew Miller – “KOOLE VALE *32 of 36 Poll Merino and Merino rams sold to $1900, av $1006 *Total clearance of 15 White Suffolk rams to $1100, av $700 Success in the show ring has translated to the sale floor for Koole Vale Merinos and Poll Merinos, Costerfield, according to stud principal Alan Harris.”
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Listen: Sir David Fagan celebrates Wool Champs’ award success
THE COUNTRY – NZ HERALD – “The World Shearing and Woolhandling Championships won big last night at the New Zealand Event Association’s Annual Awards in Auckland. The event was named Best International Event while ILT Stadium Southland took out the Best Industry Supplier category as venue for the 2017 Championships held in Invercargill in February this year.”
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Conference on Sheep and Wool begins
MANX RADIO – ” 170 delegates gather in Douglas A conference established to encourage the breeding and protection of Viking breeds of sheep starts today (12 Oct) at the Manx Museum. It’s the first day of the North Atlantic Native Sheep and Wool Conference, attracting attention and visitors from across the globe.”
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Theory Wants To Create The Most Sustainable Wool Suits In The World
FAST COMPANY – by Elizabeth Segran – “Fashion is one of world’s most polluting industries. As Theory turns 20, founder Andrew Rosen has a bold plan to develop workwear that is more Earth-friendly.”
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Greendale’s focus provides profits for merino breeders
THE RURAL – “THE extensive ewe base at Greendale Merinos is used alongside a comprehensive testing program to select the highest performing sires and ewes which are retained for the Greendale nucleus ram breeding flock. This testing measures all traits that affect profitability – fleece weight, micron, fertility and body weight.”
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Wool’s cash trade crackdown
NORTH QUEENSLAND REGISTER – by Annabelle Cleeland – “AUSTRALIA’S $4 billion wool export industry could face a crackdown on cash transactions in response to a wool substitution scandal being investigated in Melbourne.”
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Train accident prompts pair to give back
THE WEST AUSTRALIAN – “Having been a St John Ambulance driver and witnessing them save the life of one of her sons in a horrific Brookton train accident in May, Beryl Copping and husband Alf did not hesitate to donate some of their wool proceeds to the community services last week. Thomas Copping, 32, lost his left arm and foot under the train when it started to move as he and his brother, David, 34, crossed through it to get from one side of the township to the other.”
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Versality of Merinos helped Willaura farmer survive wool downturn
THE WEEKLY TIMES – by Alice Pohlner – “PETER Price has seen many southern Victorian farmers make a considerable shift away from sheep breeding in recent years. But he still sees many advantages, particularly with Merinos and Poll Merinos. The mixed sheep and cropping farmer from Willaura said even before the upturn in the wool market, it was still worthwhile including Merinos and then Poll Merinos in his operation because of their versatility.”
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October 11, 2017Increase in stud catalogues has been met with hot demand
NORTH QUEENSLAND REGISTER – by Annabelle Cleeland – “CASHFLOW and flock expansion have been the catalyst for sensational clearance rates at Merino ram sales across the country, as agents report a notable shift toward wool production.”
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Grassy Creek Merinos’ $8000 sale top
THE RURAL – by Hannah Powe – “NEW heights were reached by Grassy Creek Merino stud during their 6th annual on-property sale at “Tarengo”, Boorowa, on October 9. The Corkhill family cleared 100 per cent of their increased sale offering, with rams averaging a strong $2625 (up $285 from last year). “
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Rural Notebook with John Seaman
OBERON REVIEW – “THE very light rain that fell throughout the Great Race last Sunday was a disappointment for all concerned and probably spoiled the day for many spectators.”
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Sheep and wool industry confidence still showing in sales
THE WEEKLY TIMES – by Jamie-Lee Oldfield – “BUYERS jumped at the final opportunity to secure Leenala Poll Dorset genetics on Monday. Alan and Lyn Schinckel dispersed the last of their ewe flock, and held their last ram sale at Naracoorte, South Australia, drawing a big crowd of purchasers and onlookers.”
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Wool prices and export volumes surge
QUEENSLAND COUNTRY LIFE – by Annabelle Cleeland – “AUSTRALIA Wool Exchange (AWEX) Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) has soared to 1550 cents a kilogram, as the spring supply struggles to satisfy the appetite of Chinese mills.”
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Wool growers vote to wind up Graziers Investment Company Ltd
SHEEP CENTRAL – by Terry Sim – “WOOL grower owners of the Graziers Investment Company Ltd have voted overwhelmingly to appoint liquidators to wind-up the entity and distribute $20 million in capital to shareholders.”
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Agriculture Victoria and VFF working together in on-farm energy survey
SHEEP CENTRAL – “VICTORIAN farmers are being surveyed about their on-farm energy use to help inform future programs supporting producers.”
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Bullish wool demand meets short supply online and at auction
SHEEP CENTRAL – “A BULLISH wool market driven by keen demand was exposing short-term supply shortages despite earlier shearing across New South Wales, AuctionsPlus said this week.”
