The Yarn

Hear what Australian Wool Innovation Chief Executive Officer Stuart McCullough has to say about 2019 and what to look forward to in 2020. International demand for wool, key projects at AWI, assisting woolgrowers through and hopefully out of drought.

Australia’s best-of-the-best shearers and woolhandlers from across the country migrate to Dubbo to represent their home states at the National Shearing and Wool Handling Championships of 2019. We speak to trainers and competitors on the ground about their commitment to producing world-class wool harvesting standards and the prospects of recognising shearing as a sport in Australia.

With a massive reduction in the national flock, how do we make the merino great again? Anthony close has travelled the world to examine how we can kick start the flock. Get married in your own Merino wool suit, a dream of Floyd Legge and despite massive time barriers, he did it!

We host and hear from one of the largest garment retailers from the world’s largest economy. After exploring the wool industry first-hand on Australian soil, what future opportunities do these brands see for Australian wool in the great US of A?

It’s the hardest job known: shearing. Hear about a new project that uses biometrics to support shearers better. We also meet the latest AWI Nuffield Scholar, Tom Hooke, who is studying rotational grazing in the rangelands.

With a connection to the land and an extensive career in retail and the establishment of the Australian fashion industry, the AWI Chairman, Colette Garnsey is a jack of all trades. Making her debut on The Yarn, Colette shares with us her journey from farm to fashion, how she came to be on the AWI Board and most importantly, her priorities for AWI as Chairman.

Taking senior managers from some of the most respected brands in the world to where wool is grown with care and passion, how it is tested and sold is one of the roles of Australian Wool Innovation/The Woolmark Company. Hear what these highly influential brands have to say about our industry; the people, animals and landscape behind the best natural fibre in the world.

The recent volatility of the Australian wool market has led to uncertainty about the future conditions of our market. But how is the global wool market being affected? We venture to China for the 2019 Nanjing Wool Market Conference, and hear from wool producing representatives around the world to discuss the current state and future of the wool market globally and in their respective regions.

Best practice twin lamb management; research is honing in on the benefits. The real potential of some of the next wave of smart tag technology. An ex AFL player now Woolmark licensee explains his marketing of wool bedding and discovers a little surprise on farm.

Are you thinking about renovating an existing shearing shed or building a new one? Hear about AWI’s project on a new shearing shed design, the process and outcomes of a recent project. With over 20% of children born to western lifestyles suffering from eczma, AWI is working hard to push wool’s wellness attributes to break into the skin health market.

Uncertain seasons, new technology, new opportunities. There is no doubting the bright future for the sheep and wool industries, but how can it all be made easier? Hear how farmers Chris Patmore and Zac Roberts make their enterprises more time and effort – efficient and the advice pasture expert Phil Barrett-Lennard has for those planning an easier system

As we celebrate 100 we introduce you what is largely an Australian wool manufacturing secret: ABMT textiles. Julian Collins of ABMT gives an insight into the wool market nosedive but offers hope as well. Head also to Vietnam and hear how wool is reducing its reliance on China and continually finding new markets.

Meet Stephen Glen, the latest winner of the Australian Fleece Competition and hear what it takes to grow a Grand Champion fleece: hint: not easy. Also, Merineo is a brand-new baby range for newborns, it has taken a long time to break into this valuable market, how has Claire Hausler done it?

After a 3-week break, Australian wool auctions have returned with heavy losses for various reasons. Hear from an insider: Scott Carmody talks through the exact reasons why the wool market has dropped so heavily a year after record highs. On a positive note, we also hear from a very upbeat and innovative Australian Woolmark licensee who has a great view of the future for wool.

Colin McDowell is one of the world’s top fashion commentators. Having been a journalist for over 20 years, he has at one time or another written for every quality newspaper and magazine in Britain. Join Ellie and Colin in Wales as they talk about wool's past, present and future and Colin's work as a mentor and judge for the International Woolmark Prize.

Merino ewes can successfully lamb at 12 months of age, but it takes commitment and confidence. Hear the research behind the potential from James Whale, Meridian Ag who studied exactly this.

More resilient, more flexible, more productive: hear from the 2019 Southern Australia Grassland Society conference as Australia’s farmers look for better pastures for an uncertain future.

Real time monitoring of stock is unlocking many sheep secrets but using powerful computer learning, could be identify stock by facial recognition also? WoolQ brings woolgrower closer to the consumer, hear the latest on this exciting new platform for wool.

What does it take and what does it cost to create a woolshed that is 100% off the grid? The savings, the innovations, the opportunities and the future. Hear it all from Peter and Jane Waters who have done it with their 4-stand, 2-press operation.

Woolmark’s Jeff Ma in downtown Shanghai explains China’s love for wool Travel to the Yorkshire mills in the UK and hear how innovation with Australian wool has kept new fabrics evolving after 200 years In Australia though, continuing drought is keeping supply of wool low, while feed and finance are tight for many who actually grow the fibre

Managing risk and the associated rewards makes Australian farming one of the hardest jobs of all. However, there is a form guide and tools to significantly help manage risk and in turn, help business and ultimately your own well-being. Can Nicholson from Nicon consulting has some key points to share.

From 10-pound pom to OAM, Bob Hall talks of the changes through 50 years as a sheep consultant and why the future looks so bright for sheep and wool.

160 students from right across Australia attended the National Merino Challenge (NMC) to learn about wool and sheep. What do secondary and tertiary students learn and how does this provide a career pathway into the great Australian wool industry? Hear from those who have made the NMC the great educational success story it is today.

Ian O’Connell has over 50 years working and training working dogs. Hear what it takes to work better with your best mates.

China, Japan, Korea and India are giants when it comes to the processing and consumption of Australian wool but with the global economy slowing down, how is wool positioned to stay at high demand levels? Hear from Woolmark’s John Roberts, GM Eastern Hemisphere about the initiatives across Asia and also trade analyst Scott Carmody about the sentiment of the raw wool auction rooms.