The NSW Stud Merino Breeders’ Association Board of Directors has voted to publicly support a 2% wool levy vote for WoolPoll 2024.
We implore our members to use their voting privileges to vote for 2% wool levy to enable AWI to reinvigorate our industry’s research and marketing programs and, in turn, create higher returns for shareholders.

When the last WoolPoll was conducted in 2021, the EMI was between 1700 to 1800c/kg. The results of that WoolPoll were to cut our levy to 1.5%.
At present, the EMI is tracking around 1000-1100c/kg, which has led to a major drawdown of capital reserves to such a point that without an increase in the woolgrowers’ levy, AWI will have to make significant cuts to existing programs.

It should be noted that approximately $50 million of published reserves are committed to existing commitments and provisions to wind up the company if necessary. Therefore, this amount is not available to the operating capital required to run the company.

While the AWI charter is a research and marketing organisation - it does act internationally lobbying for better outcomes for the fibre in foreign jurisdictions.
The most notable being the EU’s PEF proposed legislation (Product Environmental Footprint).
This legislation has major implications for all natural fibres and AWI representatives have been lobbying for better outcomes on our behalf. In response to PEF, AWI launched the marketing campaign “Wear wool not fossil fuel”. This campaign was highly successful in changing consumers’ attitudes about their choice of garment and its ecological footprint, creating a greater understanding of natural fibre wool.

AWI invests heavily in youth programs, ensuring the longevity of our industry.
Genetic investment has also been significant, with the Merino Lifetime Ewe project being the largest independent screening of the country’s genetics undertaken.
Whole of life performance data on some 6000 ewe progeny from 160 diverse genetic type leading industry sires has been carried out on five properties across Australia.
This resource flock has been DNA tested allowing any future research access to this data bank.
This project includes independent measurement of every major economic trait being able to compare in-site as individuals, sire groups and across sites due to link sires used on multiple sites to allow linkage of data across different environments. This project is now entering the analysis phase of the project and will provide answers to many complex breeding and management questions.

An extra 1/2 of one percent added to our wool levy equates to an extra 30% budget to AWI to conduct industry promotion, marketing and research.

This effects your industry, now and in to the future. Don’t miss this opportunity to vote and have your say.

The Rabobank National Merino Sheep Show and Ram Sale, Dubbo, is the most

prestigious Merino show in the country. It draws exhibitors and buyers from across

Australia and overseas.

President's Welcome 2015

You are invited to Dubbo in August and once again the invitation offers something for

everyone involved in the Merino industry.

As many of you would know the Rabobank National Merino Sheep Show and Sale has been

running for over 50 years at the Dubbo Showground.

It is humbling to report that we are continuing the upbeat, positive vibe of recent years. The

new additions to the event have been widely embraced which means they are all returning

again this year.

A major element is the sheep show and we're expecting a good roll-up of competitors with

around 700 sheep coming from all around the country, making for a truly national event.

Many come to Dubbo so they can talk to the stud breeders and see their displays. In recent

years I am pleased to say the number of studs involved has increased and we certainly

attract the majority of the major players within the industry. It provides a good opportunity for

people to see a big variety of first-class genetics all under the one roof.

There's no doubt that Dubbo can lay claim to one of the country's leading ram sales with

buyers and sellers travelling Australia-wide to attend. There is also the occasional overseas

buyer. While we do sell rams which make some of the highest prices in Australia there are

always plenty of quality rams at affordable prices. Last year the average sale price was

$4669 with prices starting at $1000. The top price for 2014 was $25,000 - well done to Orrie

Cowie. It is great that Bromar will be giving away two feeders for the third consecutive year.

Don't forget, if you buy a ram and have it shorn, you could be in with a chance to win $2000

cash if your new ram is judged with the highest commercial value.

It was only two years ago that we introduced the Farm Expo, offering field day-style sites.

This Expo has fitted in nicely to become a great value-add to the overall event. People are

taking advantage of a one-stop shop with businesses on hand to discuss their rural goods

and services. I encourage you all to visit these sites while at Dubbo and show support to

businesses that support our industry.

The Flock Ewe competition, designed specifically for the commercial producer, is returning

for its second year. It is pleasing that the major sponsors, Jemalong Wool and Clipex, will

again be supporting the competition. This enables the committee to offer excellent prizes

with cash and a drafting module available.

There's the social event of the year with the cocktail party where the Rabobank Australian

Supreme Merino Ram is named. The fleeces are also well worth seeing and we're expecting

big things in that section after last year's entries hit a record number just shy of 200. This

year, people can donate their show fleece to our chosen charity, Tractor Trek, which

fundraises for Camp Quality, the Children's Family Cancer Charity.

We also have the next generation battling it out in the School Wether Challenge and Merino

and Fleece judging competitions. We're giving the next generation a wealth of experience

and later on they may join our industry.

I would like to acknowledge our major sponsor Rabobank, and all our sponsors, supporters

and visitors without whom we couldn't run the event. Dubbo really does tick all the boxes.

This will be my last year as President with my three-year term coming to an end. I look

forward to seeing you at Dubbo.

Stuart McBurnie
President