Broad wool production to go up this season, says AWI
05 Jan '06
2 min read
Australian Wool Innovation Limited informed that in Australia, production of shorn wool bigger than 24.6 microns is forecast moderately lower in 2005/06.
The Australian Wool Testing Authority (AWTA) test data for the five months ending November 2005 expose that for wool 24.6 microns and above, test volumes are down and show wool availability continuing to move away from 24 and 25 micron wool in favour of wool in the 26 to 27 micron range.
It is thought that the hollowing out in the 24 to 25 micron range reflects Australian wool producers showing an increasing focus on meat sheep breeds and merino ewes being mated in increasing numbers to meat sheep sires.
In contrast, broad wool production is expected to lift this season for all other major broad wool producing countries.
New Zealand is expecting higher shorn wool production in 2005/06 compared with its revised 2004/05 figure.
However, the 2005/06 forecast may prove too ambitious if lamb slaughterings continue at the rate seen in the first quarter.
China's shorn wool production continues to grow according to the latest official statistics. Most of the 2004 increase was for 'native' wool 40 microns and broader.
Uruguay is expecting a solid increase in total shorn wool production this season. The expected increase is attributed solely to a mild growing season, excellent lambing and higher fleece weights.
Shorn wool production is building slowly and steadily in Argentina. Wool production is also moving finer in Argentina.
UK shorn wool production is likely to increase this year simply because of heavier fleeces resulting from a 2-3 week delay in shearing due to cold weather in May and June. However, changes to EU support payments make forecasts uncertain.
AWTA was established in 1957 by the Commonwealth Government of the day in response to requests from the Australian wool industry.
-Ltd..jpg?tr=w-120,h-60,c-at_max,cm-pad_resize,bg-ffffff "Thermore (Far East) Ltd.")
.jpg?tr=w-120,h-60,c-at_max,cm-pad_resize,bg-ffffff "Telangana State Industrial Infrastructure Corporation Limited (TSllC Ltd)")
.jpg?tr=w-120,h-60,c-at_max,cm-pad_resize,bg-ffffff "Taiwan Textile Federation (TTF)")
