Australian Superfine Wool Growers' Association

Australian Superfine Wool Growers' Association Inc.

Office Bearers 2011/12
Chairman	Andrew Ledger
Deputy Chairperson	Cassandra Ledger
Secretary	John Powell
Treasurer	Andrew Ledger
Delegates	Helen Cathles, Andrew Ledger
Reserve Delegates	Cassandra Ledger

July 2011

Goulburn Yass annual seminar was held at the Crisp Gallery Bowning Speakers included John Ive giving us a much needed practical look at carbon on our farms; Dr Peter Dagg, Animal Health Australia (AHA), explaining the role of AHA and the implications of an exotic disease outbreak; Sam Guthrie, AWI, updated us on the fabulous work being done with the Gold Woolmark. The information from all presentations showed a positive way forward for growers. Don’t miss next years seminar!

The season has continued to bring intermittent rainfall resulting in ongoing green pick under the dry summer grasses in most areas. There has been an increase in worm burden on the pastures and monitoring with early intervention has proved beneficial. Where growers have been able to increase their stocking rates feed is now thinning. Ewes are being fed and it is expected that this spring pregnancy toxemia will be a problem due to lack of protein in the green feed.

Not all growers in this region have benefitted from the increase in auction prices. Shearing began again in May and most will be completed by mid November. Current prices will have to be maintained for the long term to encourage a return to the same superfine Merino stocking rates. While we do understand that Mills have a business to maintain so do we and a combination of drought, poor auction prices and rising costs have placed most dedicated superfine merino growers in a position where they too are now unable to underpin the market on hope alone.

Fortunately the rising meat market has enabled core genetic stock to be maintained although many of these were joined to a terminal sire this year. Many growers did buy replacement terminal rams instead of Merinos.

The rise in fox numbers is a concern for lambing and group-baiting programs are already well underway. Like the rest of NSW we are experiencing mice and rat infestation. Pigs have returned in unprecedented numbers and this has in the past been a precursor to wild dogs and pig hunters both positive and negative.

The Region has also had some outstanding successes with Susan and Matthew Triplett winning the Loro Piana Award with a beautiful 11.4 micron bale of ultrafine Merino wool. And John Ive being selected to represent the wool industry as a Climate Champion.

The Region thanks Bev and Tim Webb for their work this year and dedication to ASWGA over many years wishing them all the very best in their new direction in the Southern Highlands. We also thank Robyn and John Ive for their endless energy and work for the Goulburn Yass Region.