Protecting the Quality of Australian Wool
As the shearing season approaches, excitement builds among wool producers. But amidst the hustle and bustle, it’s crucial to focus on maintaining the quality of your wool clip by keeping it free from contaminants. This simple yet vital practice can make a significant difference in the value of your wool.
Why Keeping Your Wool Clip Rubbish-Free Matters
One of the key reasons Australian wool commands a premium price on the global market is its reputation for being free of contamination. However, this critical advantage is under threat, and we need your help to address it.
We have recently received correspondence from Exporters that wool mills have implemented a ZERO TOLERANCE policy on contamination. For years, they have shouldered the financial losses caused by contaminated wool in their production facility, often without voicing the issue. However, the problem is worsening as some growers cut costs or neglect necessary steps to eradicate contamination.
Despite extensive education on the importance of maintaining contamination-free wool, it remains a significant and widespread issue in the industry. The photos included below are just from one month of production, and unfortunately, they represent only a portion of the contamination encountered.
Why are contamination claims made before wool enters the scour?
- Increased Labour Costs: Extra staff must be employed to sort through wool before it enters the scour due to contamination concerns.
- Production Delays: When contamination is found, production lines must slow or shut down to sort through the affected bales.
- Health and Safety Risks: Some contamination poses a serious health and safety risk to employees as they sort through the wool.
- Financial Risks: If contamination is not detected before processing, it can lead to significant financial losses through downgrading the final product or even damaging machinery.
As an industry we need mills to operate at full capacity, which benefits both wool prices and growers. The more wool processed, the greater the demand for the final product, which leads to higher prices. However, this advantage is jeopardized by contamination issues.
Tianyu’s mill in China regularly hosts Australian brokers, farmers, and traders. These guests witness first hand the high level of quality control and cleanliness at their facility. We believe this same level of quality control must be mirrored in Australian shearing sheds.
As a vital partner in the wool industry, we urge you to work diligently to educate your staff on proper shed protocols and standards. By doing so, we can collectively minimize contamination and continue to uphold the premium quality of Australian wool.
Together, let’s protect the reputation and value of Australian wool.
