Fresh wool production to fall sharply over next six months

23 Mar '07

3 min read

“We can certainly expect a decline of a similar magnitude in April and May 2007, given the severity of the 2006 drought. The 2006 drought appears to be every bit as bad and potentially worse, as in 2002. In 2002, the drought was largely across the eastern seaboard, but the 2006 drought is Australia-wide, including key wool growing areas in Western Australia and also the western district of Victoria,” said Dr David James.

The committee also made its first forecast for the 2007/08 season. A significant part of the first half of this season is also expected to be adversely affected by the latest drought. Assuming normal season conditions for the winter dominant rainfall regions across Australia, the Committee forecasts that Australian wool production will decline modestly to 420 mkg greasy.

Offsetting a projected overall improvement in fleece weights in 2007/08 will be a 4.5% or 4.5 million head decrease in the number of sheep shorn for the season, resulting from a sell-off of sheep by woolgrowers through much of the 2006/07 season in response to the drought.

Australian Wool Innovation Limited

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