Straight talk about sheep & wool – New York drops in on Sydney

25 Jan '10

3 min read

A MAJOR highlight at the 9th World Sheep and Wool Congress in April will be a 'horse's mouth' analysis of what high-end consumers will expect from our sheep and wool producers during the coming decade.

The straight talk about sheep and wool will be delivered by US National Retail Federation vice president and trade counsel Erik Autor who will fly in specifically for the ovine world event.

This was the message today from congress Chair Roger Fletcher who was previewing the event program.

Mr Fletcher described the program as an in-depth, one-off, high-value window to the future of sheep and wool production.

Key topics to be canvassed include:
• Australia and global food security
• The coming famine
• Change for the better; and Living with change
• The genetic revolution; and the genome effect
• Innovation on farm; and seize the day in lamb exports
• Fashion trends; and innovations in wool

Several speakers will provide analysis from a range of viewpoints also on the impact that Australia's dramatically depleted merino flock will have on future market prices.

Roger Fletcher said today the program would provide producers with a look at what their future will look like rather than examine their past.

“We'll be delivering an in-depth look at what's happening in the market, in on-farm practice and what new technologies are emerging to benefit sheep and wool producers,” he said.

“We'll provide a look at the likely impacts of the reduced flock size, we'll hear from the horse's mouth what retailers and consumers in New York and London will be looking for in the coming decade.

“There'll be examination also of the possible impacts of emissions trading schemes and rapidly evolving sheep genetic science.

“Finally, producers face a continuing array of government policy hurdles and emerging consumer demands and we'll be discussing those in depth.

“When we set about designing this program, our primary objective was to add value for our industry delegates. I believe people will be delighted when they see the range and depth of speakers and topics ready to go in April.”

The congress will be held at the Rosehill Garden Events Centre in Sydney Australia from 6 to 9 April this year.

The program will be opened on Wednesday 7 April by the Australian Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Tony Burke.

International and local delegates will be invited to join pre and post congress tours including visits to regional studs and commercial sheep and wool enterprises, R&D facilities and the renowned National Wool Museum in Geelong.

The congress will include presentations run in conjunction with a trade exhibition showcasing innovative products and the latest developments in the wool, sheep meat, fashion and textile design industries.

The social events program includes:

• Welcome and international reception

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