The beginning of a new year brings with it hopes of renewed optimism toward both an improvement in the seasonal & market situation.  Despite rather solid returns for the middle micron wools, we at the premium end continue to achieve little more than the cost of production for our efforts.  What may be the cause of this you may well ask? Put simply, lack of competition.  The overbearing effects of a sluggish world economy combined with the inability of some of our major customers to obtain finance is all contributing to what we are witnessing.  That said, confidence is slowly emerging from the depths of despair & depending on who you talk to we may just have a bullish market on our hands in the not too distant future.

One major advantage for the woolgrower will be supply, or should I say lack of it!  Take a drive around the countryside at present & in some areas you will struggle to find a sheep, let alone a merino.  The situation seems to be coming to a head. With demand for meat at such elevated levels, making the move toward wool is becoming increasingly difficult.

Our region has experienced a relatively mild summer when compared to many in the past.  This followed on from a very pleasing Spring which although did not break any records was sufficient enough to carry forward feed into the new year, postponing the need for supplementary feeding for a couple of extra weeks.  Naturally this was reflected in the condition of stock with the majority currently carrying solid body weights.

The past week has delivered yet another pleasing soaking, delivering at least 25mm in most areas.  It has been stated that the much anticipated seasonal break has arrived, however if past experience tells us anything, it is not to make premature assumptions.

Whilst the mulesing dilemma continues to bubble along, numerous members within our group are attempting to tackle the problem head on.  Some have experimented within their flocks by ceasing mulesing, reportedly with little success.  Others have engaged the use of clips.  It must be noted that this approach does not give the exact visual effect of a physical mules, although the end result can be reasonably successful depending upon the skin type of the animal.

In late December we were fortunate enough to be invited by one of our forward thinking members to witness this procedure being performed first hand within his flock.  It was most intriguing having the contractor to take the time to explain the finer points associated with the application process, referring to such topics as time of application & removal of clips, live weight gains & costs.  On display was a draft of the previous year’s lambs, which were clipped 12 months earlier.  This gave a visual appreciation of both the advantages & limitations one would expect if using this method.

It is through such exercises that your local Association endeavours to highlight the path forward for its member growers.  Involving itself in such matters that affect the future of our industry & helping to ascertain the relevance of advancements as they arise.