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February 22, 2019Weekly Price Reports
AUSTRALIAN WOOL INNOVATION – Wool market review – week ending 22 February 2019 (Week 34)
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Australian wool prices surge as South Africa halts sale over FMD suspension
SHEEP CENTRAL – “AUSTRALIAN wool prices surged this week after Chinese authorities suspended greasy wool imports from South Africa due to a Foot and Mouth Disease Outbreak. AWEX senior market analyst Lionel Plunkett said the South African industry’s subsequent postponement of a scheduled February 20 wool auction has led to an overall reduction of global auction wool supply.”
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Grower, wool brokers and breeders preview new ‘steining’ process on farms
SHEEP CENTRAL – by Terry Sim – “COMMERCIAL wool grower uptake of Australia’s latest proposed option to surgical mulesing is set to increase following a farm tour of research trial flocks around south-west Victoria. Over the past 10 years, Victorian veterinarian John Steinfort developed the steining process, which uses liquid nitrogen to cryogenically modify breech skin on sheep to increase the bare areas around the side and end of the tail.”
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February 21, 2019World’s oldest frozen ram semen successfully used in sire evaluation program
STOCK & LAND – by Lucy Kinbacher – “The world’s oldest frozen ram semen is still achieving high fertility rates despite being put on ice 50 years ago. Frozen in 1968 by Dr Steven Salamon of the University of Sydney, the pool of semen included four rams of Ledgworth, Merryville and Boonoke genetics, owned at the time by the Walker family of Ledgworth at Yass.”
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Merino ewes sell to $136 at Kondinin sale
FARM WEEKLY – by Tamara Hooper – “HEAT and dust did nothing to deter buyers at the RW Thompson & Son clearing sale in Kondinin last week conducted by Westcoast Wool & Livestock, with the penning of three-year-old ewes achieving the sale high of $136.”
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Importance of ram selection on show at Temora
THE WEEKLY TIMES – “THE impact of ram selection on wool, carcass and fertility traits will be under the spotlight at the Merino Lifetime Productivity Project field day next month.”
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February 20, 2019Woolgrowers face new torment as the elements take their toll on wool yields
QUEENSLAND COUNTRY LIFE – by Kristen Frost – “The ongoing drought and arduous conditions taking it’s toll on the production of Merino wool is not a new struggle for Australian woolgrowers. For months we have seen ‘drought’ or tender wools entering the wool market coupled with the dwindling supply due to sheep growing less wool because of seasonal conditions, and flock numbers are diminishing as farmers have been forced to destock.”
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Australian Merino wool on world’s fashion stage
THE WEST AUSTRALIAN – by Cally Dupe – ” A trio of designers have taken out the world’s three most prestigious wool fashion prizes with collections featuring 100 per cent Australian Merino wool. Among a frantic London Fashion Week schedule, Australian Wool Innovation marketing arm The Woolmark Company attracted one of the most star-studded front rows.”
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Future face of Merino judging
THE WEST AUSTRALIAN – by Cally Dupe – “There will be a new, youthful face at the Wagin Woolorama show grounds Merino competition this year. In light of this year’s Woolorama theme, youth, vitality and innovation in regional WA, the Merino section has engaged Lauren Rayner, 20, as an under judge.”
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Bids push up Moldavia clip
THE WEST AUSTRALIAN – by Bob Garnant – Countryman – “The Szczecinski family of Corrigin are enjoying one of their best ever farm-gate returns after topping up on the harvest season with the sale of their Moldavia wool clip. The 72-bale October shorn clip found good favour with six buyers as bidding competition pushed values above evaluations resulting in a top-price of 1605¢/kg greasy for an eight bale consignment of Moldavia wool this month.”
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Naturaliste takes honours
THE WEST AUSTRALIAN – by Bob Garnant – Countryman – “Naturaliste Grazing fine wool sold to a top of 2000¢/kg through Dyson Jones during the Western Wool Market’s designated superfine sale this month. The one-bale line of November-shorn 15 micron wool had a yield of 76 per cent, staple length of 88mm, and a staple strength of 36 newtons per kilotex, and was sold to Techwool Trading.”
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Rural Notebook: Preparations for 2019 Maiden Ewe Competition
WESTERN ADVOCATE – by John Seaman – “BATHURST Merino Association is busy tying lots of ends as it puts finishing touches on the 2019 Maiden Ewe Competition. We all realise how difficult it must be to put a program together at the last minute, when merino flocks aren’t as popular as in years past, flocks of Dohne and meat breeds are common and very dry conditions persist.”
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Weekly rainfall wrap + rain outlook, 20 Feb 2019
SHEEP CENTRAL – by Bureau of Meteorology – “A COLD front and pre-frontal trough brought light falls to southern Victoria, and moderate falls in western Tasmania. Thunderstorms and showers produced light to moderate falls across northern Australia throughout the week. Past seven days: At the start of the week, a cold front and pre-frontal trough tracked across southeast Australia and brought light to moderate falls to southern parts of Victoria, and western Tasmania. Light falls continued in western Tasmania into the middle of the week, associated with westerly flow.”
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Merino lamb in top form sitting well above their seasonal levels
FARM WEEKLY – by Kristen Frost – “Merino lamb prices across all states are sitting well above their expected normal seasonal levels. And with wool prices continuing their upward trend, the attractiveness of a robust lamb return topped up with a healthy fleece price is proving an attractive package for re-stockers.”
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50-year-old semen still as fertile as the day it was frozen
SHEEP CENTRAL – Australian Wool Innovation – “FIFTY-year-old ram semen has demonstrated high fertility rates after being thawed and inseminated as part of the 2018 Balmoral Merino Sire Evaluation program. Frozen in 1968 by Dr Steven Salamon of The University of Sydney, the 50-year-old semen comprised a pool of semen from four rams of Ledgworth, Merryville and Boonoke genetics, owned at the time by the Walker family of Ledgworth (and latterly Woolaroo), Yass.”
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It’s ewe time! Forums set for Victoria and NSW
SHEEP CENTRAL – “Sheep producers across northern Victoria and the Riverina region of New South Wales will have access to timely tips and tools to tailor flock management to seasonal conditions when the It’s ewe time! forums kick off later this month.”
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Southland shearers – cut above
RURAL LIFE (NZ) – “Southland shearers and woolhandlers showed they were a cut above the rest in the lower grades at the Gore Southern Shears last week.”
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Shearing business to mark 33 years
RURAL LIFE (NZ) – by Yvonne O’Hara – “Peter and Elsie Lyon’s shearing contracting business has been operating for a third of a century, and they will be celebrating that achievement with a staff reunion next month. During those 33 years they have accumulated some impressive numbers. ”We [have] probably [sheared] the equivalent of about 1.55million sheep and crutched the equivalent of another 900,000 sheep,” Mr Lyon said.”
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Drought will affect profits over the next three years: Farmers
WESTERN ADVOCATE – by Sahil Makkar – “RECENT thunderstorms have put a smile on the face of some Central West farmers, but have failed to lift the overall mood in the absence of a widespread soaking.”
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US-owned Icebreaker going back to its roots
NEWSROOM – by Nikki Mandow – “Less than a year after New Zealand merino clothing company Icebreaker was bought by US retail giant VF Corporation for $288 million, the company has announced a big shift for some of its staff. But not in the direction you might have expected.”
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Tasmanian superfine wool brings lift to Melbourne market
THE WEEKLY TIMES – by Peter Somerville & Petra Oates – “SUPERFINE wool was among the biggest beneficiaries of a market boost last week, thanks to inclusions from a number of Tasmanian vendors. The Eastern Market Indicator jumped 24c/kg last week to finish on 1968c/kg, while the southern regional indicator rose 28c/kg to 1940c/kg.”
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February 19, 2019Colovos wins $200,000 International Woolmark Prize for womenswear
FINANCIAL REVIEW – by Lauren Sams – “It may be awarded for collections crafted in wool, but the International Woolmark Prize for womenswear has gone this year to a couple who took their cue from their first love: denim.”
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Merino ewe competition success at Gunning
YASS TRIBUNE – by Stephen Burns – “Reducing flock numbers to relieve grazing pressure was the preferred strategy for Gunning flock ewe competition winner Matt and Bec Hewitt, Allamby, Gunning.”
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China suspends wool trade with South Africa over FMD outbreak
STOCK & LAND – by Kristen Frost – “The Australian Wool Exchange (AWEX) Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) is expected to lift with the suspension of wool trade from South Africa to China on the back of a foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreak. A statement released by Cape Wools SA, the peak body of the South African wool industry, said the decision had been made to postpone a crucial wool auction due to China’s customs department suspending all greasy wool imports from South Africa following a FMD outbreak earlier in the year.”
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Feds back wool levy (NZ)
RURAL NEWS – “In an irony not lost on free-marketers, Federated Farmers — in which farmer membership is voluntary — supports imposing a compulsory levy on all wool growers.”
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WoolProducers Australia highlights Foot and Mouth Disease risk to wool trade
SHEEP CENTRAL – WOOLPRODUCERS AUSTRALIA – “CHINA’S suspension of wool exports from South Africa is expected to intensify demand for Australian wool this week. However, the fall-out from South Africa notifying the World Organisation for Animal Health of a FMD outbreak in Limpopo, bordering Zimbabwe, has also highlighted the importance of Australia’s biosecurity measures.”
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Jenne Brammer: Ewe-turn on wool ban exposes uninformed animal activists
THE WEST AUSTRALIAN – by Jenne Brammer – “The British online fashion company that pledged to ditch wool from its product range, only to backtrack hours later, demonstrates how easily uninformed decisions can be made under pressure from animal activists.”
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February 18, 2019Strong Tassie store sheep prices hint to a promising autumn
STOCK & LAND – by Murray Arnel – “A quality yarding combined with a promising start to autumn and the release of further forward contracts has produced a strong result at Oatlands store sheep sale on Thursday.”
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Strong Tassie store sheep prices hint to a promising autumn
STOCK & LAND – by Murray Arnel – “A quality yarding combined with a promising start to autumn and the release of further forward contracts has produced a strong result at Oatlands store sheep sale on Thursday.”
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China suspends wool trade from South Africa due to foot-and-mouth disease outbreak
ABC NEWS – Rural – by Cara Jeffery – “Australian woolgrowers are set to benefit from the suspension of wool exports from South Africa to China due to an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD).”
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Boundary-breaking and sustainable fashion wins International Woolmark Prize
SHEEP CENTRAL – “WHAT do American cowboys, a biker jacket and an 18th century frock coat have to do with Australian Merino wool? Just ask 2019 International Woolmark Prize menswear winner Edward Crutchley, who was lauded for his 100 percent Merino wool boundary-breaking collection at the annual prize awards night during London Fashion Week at the weekend.”
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AuctionsPlus sheep and lamb clearance rates improve
SHEEP CENTRAL – “AUCTIONSPLUS online sheep and lamb clearance rates improved last week for a slightly smaller offering of 73,680 head, 825 fewer than the previous week. The overall AuctionsPlus clearance rate improved to 70 percent, with Merino ewes and ewe lambs dominating this week’s listing.”
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Nominations called for 2019 Australian Wool Industry Medals
SHEEP CENTRAL – “NOMINATIONS have been called for the 2019 Federation of Australian Wool Organisations’ Wool Industry Medal. Multiple Australian Wool Industry Medals have been award to prominent industry figures for the past two years during the annual Australian Wool Industries Secretariat’s Wool Week dinner in Melbourne.”
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WA flock numbers are at a critical level
FARM WEEKLY – by Aidan Smith – “THE sheep processing industry could become unsustainable in WA if the State’s flock decreases a further one million head, according to industry research. The WA flock is at risk of decreasing below its lowest level of 13.8 million head if the live export trade is phased out and demand from Eastern States restockers after the drought passes.”
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Finest Merino wool has Geelong Textiles in demand for contracts
GEELONG ADVERTISER – by Dave Cairns – “HEIGHTENED interest in premium Australian-made products has Geelong Textiles developing markets for its high-quality woven fabrics. New contracts to supply high-end fashion designs featuring superfine Merino wool and possibilities opening in Asia are among the diversification prospects for one of the textile industry’s great survivors.”
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February 17, 2019Fashion retailer Boohoo backflips on wool ban
PERTH NOW – by Sarah Steger – “Fashion retailer Boohoo has backflipped on its decision to ban wool, just hours after it said it would stop sourcing wool products by late 2019. “We will continue to use wool as a sustainable material,” the company said.”
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How a wool ‘eating’ pigment won Australia’s richest fashion prize
THE SYDNEY MORNING HERALD – by Melissa Singer – “The International Woolmark Prize is all about promoting one of Australia’s largest exports, as well as top emerging fashion design talent. But in the end, it was a protein that “eats” the fibre that helped win Edward Crutchley the top honour.”
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February 16, 2019Elders Wool Report, Season 18, Week 33: Market tracks upward
TOWN & COUNTRY – Elders – Source Australian Wool Exchange (AWEX) – “The Australian wool market has continued to track upward in Week 33. Quantities were higher than first rostered, resulting in a slightly increased offering on the previous sale. Nationally, 40,165 bales were available to the trade. “
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Designers spin new yarn to shed wool’s daggy image
THE SYDNEY MORNING HERALD – by Melissa Singer – “An Australian has never won the country’s own wool industry fashion prize, but that could change on Saturday night, London time, when Marina Afonina competes up against 11 other international fashion designers for the Woolmark.”
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‘First look’ seasonal climate outlook for Mar-May 2019
SHEEP CENTRAL – “Autumn is likely to be drier than average over the northern half of WA, the southern NT, and far western and eastern Queensland. In contrast, most of southern Australia shows no strong swing towards either a wetter or drier than average autumn. However, in southern, and particularly southeastern Australia, recent years have seen a decline in the average autumn rainfall.”
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‘Soild’ wool market hits 1968c
QUEENSLAND COUNTRY LIFE – by Bruce McLeish, Elders northern wool manager – “IT was a very solid wool market again last week across the micron spectrum and across the nation. The market faced up to a very small quantity in Sydney, the smallest Merino catalogue in 12 months according to AWEX. “
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February 15, 2019Saltbush shrubs combat salinity
THE WEST AUSTRALIAN – by Zach Relph – Countryman – “The York family, of Tammin, are among many farmers in the heart of WA’s Wheatbelt who have long-enjoyed the dominant grain-growing region’s favourable conditions. However, the York’s Anameka Farm is not immune to salt-affected land, which has riddled multiple mixed cropping and sheep operations throughout the area.”
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Phillips’ wool scores 1PP recognition
STOCK & LAND – by Joely Mitchell – “Tasmanian woolgrowers Allan and Carol Phillips, Deddington, were recently awarded the highest quality accolade, 1PP certification, for a bale of wool.”
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WEEKLY PRICE REPORTS
AUSTRALIAN WOOL INNOVATION – Wool market review – week ending 15 February 2019 (Week 33)
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Crossbred wool prices reach historic levels in buoyant Australian auctions
SHEEP CENTRAL – “HISTORICALLY high crossbred wool prices, including gains of up to 35 cents for 28 micron lines, were the highlight of a buoyant Australian auction market this week. AWEX senior market analyst Lionel Plunkett said crossbred wool attracted extremely strong support this week, helping to push some prices to record levels and contributing to the healthy rise of the Eastern Market Indicator. The AWEX EMI rose 24 cents to 1968c/kg clean and has now increased for seven consecutive sales, adding 119 cents since Week 24, he said. The EMI in US$ rose 21 cents to US 1401c/kg clean.”
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Tight wool supplies staving off forward contract discounts
SHEEP CENTRAL – by Michael Avery, Southern Aurora Markets partner – “AUSTRALIA’S wool auction market had another strong week, with low supply pushing Merino qualities higher and forward price discounts being offset by the tight supplies. Crossbreds reached record levels as processors looked to cheaper alternatives to feed their machinery. Forward wool contract price levels traded higher as exporters looked to cover some risk even with their processor clients claiming that current levels are unsustainable.”
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66 years of fashion innovation: the woolmark prize returns to london
i-D.vice.com – by Ryan White – “The lucky recipients of the prestigious fashion award and mentorship scheme will be announced on Saturday night. It’s back! This coming Saturday, mid-way through London Fashion Week autumn/winter 19, the three winners of the prestigious International Woolmark Prize will be announced. To the uninitiated, the prize is a longstanding global award that began in 1953 as an initiative of the International Wool Secretariat.”
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Drought and dust storms taking a toll on sheep and wool production
ABC NEWS – NSW Country Hour – by Cara Jeffery – “Merino sheep were bred to endure the extremes of the Australian climate, but the ongoing drought coupled with recent dust storms is taking a toll on wool quality and quantity. Wool brokers and farmers are reporting some wool clips have been reduced by two kilograms a head. Jemalong Wool managing director Rowan Woods, from Forbes in the New South Wales Central West, said it is a challenging time for growers who are battling the elements.”
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Federated Farmers: Support for wool levy comes with proviso
NZ HERALD – The Country – “Federated Farmers says it will support the reintroduction of a compulsory wool levy, but only if there is a sound plan of action. Without that plan, the industry was facing “death by a thousand cuts”, Federated Farmers meat and wool chairman Miles Anderson said.”
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Support for wool levy comes with proviso (NZ)
RURAL LIFE – by Sally Rae – “Federeated Farmers says it will support the reintroduction of a compulsory wool levy, but only if there is a sound plan of action. Without that plan, the industry was facing “death by a thousand cuts”, Federated Farmers meat and wool chairman Miles Anderson said.”
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Henry Holland’s latest sustainable collaboration is a love letter to merino wool (UK)
EVENING STANDARD – by Sabrina Carder – “Who knew wool could look so cool? Henry Holland’s latest sustainable collaboration is a love letter to merino wool. The designer’s brand, House of Holland, released its first full capsule collection with The Woolmark Company, centred around the sustainable material.”
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How This International Fashion Prize Turns Emerging Designers Into Industry Giants
REFINERY29 – by Georgia Murray – “This Saturday, with London Fashion Week AW19 in full swing, the International Woolmark Prize will be awarded to one young fashion designer, changing the course of their life and their business. If you’re not familiar with the annual prize, take a seat. Much like the Fashion Awards (which have taken place yearly since 1989) and the CFDAs (since 1962), since 1953 the Woolmark Prize has been instrumental in the careers of some of the industry’s most treasured designers.”
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February 14, 2019Locals on parade at Woolorama
THE WEST AUSTRALIAN – by Michael Traill – Narrogin Observer – “Wagin Woolorama’s fashion parade will feature home talent for the first time this year, recruiting 10 locals for the runway. Fashion parade steward Emma Kirk said she wanted to incorporate the theme of this year’s Woolorama into the parade.”
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Meet the Three American Fashion Brands Vying for the 2019 International Woolmark Prize
WMAGAZINE – by Lauren McCarthy – “he Woolmark Prize has a long history of recognizing on-the-rise talent. Founded back in 1953 as an initiative of the International Wool Secretariat, the prize celebrates outstanding fashion talents from around the globe who showcase the beauty and versatility of Merino wool.”
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Gunning for a great family show
CROOKWELL GAZETTE – by Burney Wong – “Over a century ago, the Gunning Show was born. This year, the Gunning Show will be back for its 117th year and it is expected to be bigger and better than ever.”
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Opinion: In transparency we must place our trust
STOCK & LAND – by Nathan Scott – “With all of the recent furore around the release of the Aussie Farms map, it is ever more evident that transparency is vital in establishing and managing trust. “
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Pineville take first win in Crookwell flock ewe competition
CROOKWELL GAZETTE – by Kristen Frost – “FACEBOOKSHARE TWITTERTWEET EMAIL Up against 16 other Merino flocks, maiden ewes presented by Brian and Maddy Lowe of “Pineville”, took top honours in the 2019 ANZ Agribusiness Crookwell Flock Ewe competition.”
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Frenetic pace for Young Farmer challenge
FARM WEEKLY – by Travis King – “THE inaugural Young Farmers Challenge held at this year’s Darkan Sheepfest certainly won the award for the most frenetic event. With four teams of young farmers competing in the challenge, it was all go from the start with the teams of four all looking to get an edge over their competitors.”
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The Doug Bicket Memorial Ewe Competition is on again in Parkes for 2019
PARKES CHAMPION-POST – “Parkes Show Society is gearing up to stage its annual Doug Bicket Memorial Ewe Competition which will take place on Friday, February 22. Doug was a tireless worker on the Parkes Show committee, most particularly in the merino sheep section and had a strong passion for the merino industry.”
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No stopping shearer Smith after HB clean sweep in Te Puke
NZ HERALD – by Doug Laing – “Champion Hawke’s Bay shearer Rowland Smith won’t be taking his foot off the pedal if he wins another Golden Shears Open title next month and with it the chance to regain the world title later this year.”
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February 13, 2019Feds backs wool levy if there is a sound plan of action (NZ)
SCOOP INDEPENDENT NEWS – “The Federated Farmers Meat & Wool Council has today voted to support a compulsory wool levy on producers – but only if the cross-industry Wool Working Group comes up with a clear, practicable and compelling blueprint for lifting wool’s profile and returns.”
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Drought, souring heat affect conception rates
STOCK & LAND – by Kristen Frost – “Continued dry conditions across much of the country, coupled with recent heat waves, are believed to have delivered another blow to some sheep producers – critically low pregnancy rates.”
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Merino industry set to host a field day at Temora
THE RURAL – “The impact of ram selection on wool, carcase and fertility traits will be scrutinised at the Merino Lifetime Productivity Project field day next month.”
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Woolmark Prize announces judges for 2019 final
FASHION UNITED – by Danielle Wightman-Stone – “The Woolmark Prize is returning to London Fashion Week this weekend for the 2019 grand final and Woolmark has confirmed that Alber Elbaz will be heading up the judging panel.”
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Anthrax kills about 350 sheep in central west New South Wales
SHEEP CENTRAL – “The Australian anthrax belt redefined using ecological niche modeling. Red areas define the extent of the anthrax belt, while khaki areas define regions, with few or no confirmed outbreaks in the historical record, which are predicted to potentially support the survival of B. anthracis. Source – ResearchGate.”
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Trophy winners true wool advocates
RURAL LIFE – by Ken Muir – “It’s a case of back to the future for Gore A&P Supreme Champion Romney and Supreme Southdown winners Bruce and Sally Robertson from Waikoikoi. ”The Romney and the Southdown were the mainstay of the New Zealand sheep flock for many years, but a decline in the quality of the breed and a failure to improve saw them fall out of favour,” Mr Robertson said.”
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Worldwide condolences honour wool science revolutionary Dr Jim Watts
SHEEP CENTRAL – by Terry Sim – “MERINO sheep, Angora goat and alpaca breeders around the world have expressed their condolences on the passing of revolutionary Merino breeding and wool scientist Dr Jim Watts. Dr Watts, 69, died after a long illness, at Bowral’s Southern Highlands Private Hospital on Monday January 28, leaving his wife Sally and children James, Alex, and Amy. The extended family is having lunch together in Bowral this coming Sunday to remember him.”
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Weekly rainfall wrap + rain outlook, 13 Feb 2019
SHEEP CENTRAL – Bureau of Meteorology – “AN embedded tropical low on the monsoon tough produced very heavy falls in the Gulf Country and Queensland’s northern interior. The highest weekly total was 505 mm at Paluma Ivy Cottage, north-west of Townsville in Queensland.”
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Rural Notebook | Acclamation for his wool industry innovation
OBERON REVIEW – by John Seaman – “THE death of one of the wool industry’s foremost sheep skin biologists has sent waves of sympathy through the progressive sector of the merino industry.”
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Wool market rises for sixth week, as strong demand continues
THE WEEKLY TIMES – by Nicola Bell – “STRONG demand has pushed the wool market higher for the sixth consecutive week. The Eastern Market Indicator last week rose 10c/kg to 1944c/kg — 126c/kg higher than the 1818c/kg at the same time last year and 729c/kg higher than the 10-year average of 1215c/kg.”
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February 12, 2019Leaving a legacy in wool handling
MAORI TELEVISION – by Te Kuru o te Marama Dewes – “World champion wool-handler Joel Henare of Ngāti Porou is preparing for his NZ swansong before leaving the world of wool handling. “It’s more about the bragging rights I think and a good pat on the back that you’ve done something right, you’ve got it right to the best of your ability,” says Henare, “It’s always about winning, no one ever goes to a competition to get second.” “
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Low SI wool sale prices due to discolouration
RURAL LIFE – by Sally Rae – “Wool discolouration, caused by inclement weather before Christmas, affected prices at last week’s South Island wool sale. Prices were still poor due to the high percentage of discoloration while lambs’ wool was in good demand, especially lines with no discolouration, CP Wool supply relationship manager Roger Fuller said.”
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Online wool sales lift with lower dollar and strong overseas demand
SHEEP CENTRAL – “ONLINE wool sellers benefited from strong overseas demand and the weaker Australian dollar last week as buyers continued to show interest in sourcing suitable crossbred clips. AuctionsPlus operations manager Tom Rookyard said the weaker Australian dollar coupled with renewed interest from overseas mills impacted on the market positively for growers last week.”
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Woolmark enlists Alber Elbaz, Tim Blanks
RAG TRADER – by Paige Murphy – “The 2019 International Woolmark Prize returns to London Fashion Week with a line-up of industry experts sitting on the judging panel. Taking place at Lindley Hall on February 16, this will be the third time the award has been hosted in London.”
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Jason Letchford appointed as new CEO for MerinoLink
STOCK & LAND – “Leading research organisation driven by grassroots Merino breeders and service providers, MerinoLink, has appointed Jason Letchford as chief executive officer. Mr Letchford replaces sheep industry consultant Sally Martin who has taken on the role of project manager and technical advisor, supporting the current and future MerinoLink projects and trials.”
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February 11, 2019End of an era for Millard family at Merino
THE WEEKLY TIMES – by Peter Somerville – “LAST month was bittersweet for Keith and Barb Millard, from Merino in the Western District, as they watched their last wool clip sold in Melbourne. The Millards sold the family property to retire in Port Fairy.”
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Rising star Brett Roberts shears to Balclutha clean sweep
NZ HERALD – THE COUNTRY – “Southland shearer Brett Roberts strengthened his hopes of a place among the elite at the Golden Shears next month when he won the Otago Shears open final in Balclutha on Saturday.”
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Eight shearing titles in three weeks for Rowland Smith
NZ HERALD – THE COUNTRY – “Reigning Golden Shears and New Zealand Open shearing champion Rowland Smith continued on a relentless march in quest more of the top honours and a possible second world title when he won the Te Puke A and P Show’s Open final on Saturday.”
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Winning Sth Island hurrah for Joel
GISBORNE HERALD (NZ) – “Former Gisborne wool handler Joel Henare demonstrated why he is a world champion when aspiration met perspiration in Balclutha on Saturday. Conditions for competitors at the Otago Shearing and Woolhandling Championships were at the challenging end of the spectrum in the town’s War Memorial Hall, as temperatures topped 28 degrees.”
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Hot competition at shearing, woolhandling event (NZ)
RURAL LIFE – “Aspiration met perspiration in Balclutha on Saturday, as the nation’s top shearers and woolhandlers battled it out for Otago honours. Conditions for competitors at the Otago Shearing and Woolhandling Championships were at the challenging end of the spectrum in the town’s War Memorial Hall, as temperatures topped 28degC.”
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Australian wool market hits 1944c
QUEENSLAND COUNTRY LIFE – by Bruce McLeish, Elders northern wool manager – “THE Lunar New Year holidays across Asia didn’t interrupt the wool selling schedule here in Australia and Chinese indent buyers still dominated the buying lists across the week.”
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Victoria’s community-based wild dog control featured in new video
SHEEP CENTRAL – “THE multi-tool community focus of wild dog control in Victoria has been highlighted in a new video released by National Wild Dog Action Plan stakeholders. The video clip features interviews with landowners, community co-ordinators and government staff talking about what works to give positive results.”
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New Zealand shearing and wool champions have a big weekend
SHEEP CENTRAL – Source Shearing Sports New Zealand – “REIGNING Golden Shears and New Zealand Open shearing champion Rowland Smith continued on a relentless march in quest more of the top honours and a possible second world title when he won the Te Puke A and P Show’s open final on Saturday.”
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Strong premiums for non-mulesed Merino wool continue
FIBRE2FASHION – “The premiums for non-mulesed Merino wool have remained strong in the first six months of the 2018-19 season, according to the data released by Australian Wool Exchange (AWEX). The premiums for non-mulesed wool over equivalent mulesed wool averaged between 33 and 53 cents/kg for Merino wool 20 microns and finer during the first six months till December.”
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Premiums for Australia’s non-mulesed wool staying strong at auctions
SHEEP CENTRAL – “PRICE premiums for non-mulesed Merino wool have remained strong at up 53c/kg in the first six months of the 2018-19 auction wool-selling season, the peak national brokers body reported today.”
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Livestock needs a social media battle plan
STOCK & LAND – by Shan Goodwin – “THE disintegration of debate on the live sheep trade, and animal production in general, has hit uncharted territory even for the beast that is modern-day social media, according to experts in the field. Social media consultants say the way the animal welfare conversation has spiralled into tit-for-tat abuse and threats is extreme.”
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Wool report: Forecast for wool quantity decline in the coming month
WESTERN MAGAZINE – by Natalie Lyons – “Week Commencing: 11/02/19 Week 32 was the first designated superfine sale for the north which resulted in the section gaining strong support. There was a national offering of 39,894 bales and the week saw the Eastern Market Indicator increase 10 cents to close at 1,944c/kg.”
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February 10, 2019Scaddan producer sets 300 bale target
FARM WEEKLY – by Mal Gill – “SCADDAN woolgrower Dave Vandenberghe set himself a belated new year’s resolution last week to produce 300 bales this year. At the Western Wool Centre (WWC) last Thursday, back from an Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) Industry Consultative Committee (ICC) meeting in Sydney the day before, Mr Vandenberghe said the family wool enterprise had produced 264 bales last year.”
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February 9, 2019Elders Wool Report, Season 18, Week 32: EMI on six-week rise
TOWN & COUNTRY – Source: Australian Wool Exchange – “The Australian wool market continued its slow gradual climb in Week 32. The national offering increased slightly this sale; 39,894 bales were available to the trade.”
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February 8, 2019Wool continues steady yet sustainable climb
QUEENSLAND COUNTRY LIFE – by Kristen Frost – “Since returning for 2019 Australia’s wool auctions have witnessed a steady climb. For five weeks the eastern market indicator (EMI) has crept up week on week, this week gaining another 10 cents to finish on 1944c per kilogram, clean.”
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Young shearers stepping up
ABC RN – Life Matters – “Heywire winner Kurt Richards loves shearing sheep. Growing up on a farm in Dowerin WA, his journey to being a young shearer started when he was a young boy, watching his grandfather do the job.”
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Victorian Government backs independent look at sheep and goat EID system
SHEEP CENTRAL – by Terry Sim – “MORE sheep and goat producers nationally are taking up electronic identification as the Victorian Government agrees to explore options to review the state’s mandatory EID system. Victorian Minister for Agriculture Jaclyn Symes has welcomed a Sheep Producers Australia proposal for an independent analysis of Victoria’s mandatory EID ear tag system for sheep and goats prior to consideration of its roll-out as part of the National Livestock Identification System.”
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Weekly Price Reports
AUSTRALIAN WOOL INNOVATION – Wool market review – week ending 8 February 2019 (Week 32)
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Wool buyers bid up as Australian auction offerings start to fall
SHEEP CENTRAL – “AUSTRALIAN wool prices increased this week with buyers bidding aggressively to secure supplies as future auction volumes look set to decline. Senior AWEX market analyst Lionel Plunkett said the national offering increased slightly this week – up 1064 bales — to 39,894 bales.”
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Bridging Heritage and Innovation Benetton Group Welcomes the International Wool Textile Organisation
WEB WIRE – Benetton confirms its role as a key player in the worldwide wool industry by opening its doors to the IWTO’s 88th annual congress for one day in April 2019
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February 7, 2019East coast buyer surprises local market
FARM WEEKLY – by Mal Gill – TOP-end Italian fabric manufacturers are paying a premium for selected WA wools that east coast woolgrowers cannot supply enough of because of the drought.
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Grassroots research body MerinoLink appoints new chief executive officer
SHEEP CENTRAL – “MERINO research organisation MerinoLink has appointed well-known shearing contractor sector leader Jason Letchford as its new chief executive officer. Mr Letchford, 49, has been secretary-treasurer of the shearing industry’s peak body, the Shearing Contractors Association of Australia since 2004 and will maintain the part-time position.”
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New faces helping Campaign for Wool (NZ)
THE COUNTRY – ” There are two new faces behind New Zealand’s Campaign for Wool, both with a strong grower perspective. Bay of Plenty’s Rick Powdrell and Hawke’s Bay’s Tom O’Sullivan have been invited to join the Campaign for Wool New Zealand Trust.”
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Willawayup Farms ewes hit $176 top price at Munglinup
FARM WEEKLY – by Ken WIlson – “A LINE of 2017-drop ewes topped the Willawayup Farms clearing sale at Munglinup last week, selling for $176 a head.”
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A feast of champions at shearing and woolhandling in Dannevirke (NZ)
THE COUNTRY – by Christine McKay – “The large number of entries in the Dannevirke and Districts A&P shearing and woolhandling last Friday delighted organiser Jane Leogreen despite running out of sheep, restricting the number of animals available for the finals.”
