New protocols for shearing during COVID-19
The Shearing Contractors Association of Australia has listed the shearing protocols in response to COVID-19.
Sheep
Wool, lamb, and Merino genetics, covering what's shaping Australia's sheep industry.
Merino ewe lamb prices up $3 on last week
Merino ewe lambs averaged $212, up $3 on last week, selling from $168 to $320 on AuctionsPlus.
Oil price war affects wool markets
A price war between oil producers has exacerbated the effects of COV-19 on global markets, bringing further falls to most sectors.
Bendigo Sheep Show cancelled
Unfortunately the Australian Sheep Breeders Association has made the decision to cancel the 2020 Australian Sheep and Wool Show, which was to be held in Bendigo July 17-19.
Contingency measures to safeguard wool industry
Peak woolgrower representative body, WoolProducers Australia has been working to ensure the wool industry, from production, harvesting, selling and exporting can continue to operate in these uncertain times.
Producers urged to evaluate flock selling strategy
Sheep producers have been urged to evaluate their flock selling strategies carefully to ensure the long term profitability and viability of their enterprise and the industry is not eroded by short term opportunities to cash in on high saleyard prices.
Australia only source of wool as NZ market closes
Last week saw relative stability in the wool market for all industry participants, given the global pandemic of COVID-19.
First cross ewes hit a sizzling $425
The largest jump in prices last week was for SIL first cross ewes which increased in price by $31 to average $356 on AuctionsPlus.
Smart ear tags under test in tough environment
AWI smart ear tags are being tested on a large commercial wool-growing property near Barcaldine to see if they can withstand the tough conditions of western Queensland.
Lift in understanding sheep genes for all traits
Sheep producers will soon have access to more rams with more accurate Australian Sheep Breeding Values (ASBVs) with Sheep Genetics set to receive a significant expansion of its database from the Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) Merino Lifetime Productivity (MLP) project.
Young Merino breeders make to $321
Young Merino breeders (2-4 years) sold from $186 to $321, averaging $273, up $3 on last week with a clearance rate of 76% to total 2,791 head sold.
Smart shearing handpiece design underway
AWI is working with a design company to develop and construct a proof of concept prototype of a smart shearing handpiece.
