August 2026
- 6 days ago
- 6 min read
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
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From the Farm to Policy:
Meet Our New Sheep Health, Welfare and
Biosecurity Policy Director
On the WoolProducers Blog this month is Georgie Trowbridge. Raised on a wool and lucerne property in South Australia's South East, our newest team member brings a lifelong connection to the industry – and dual degrees in Agriculture and Law – to her new role as Sheep Health, Welfare and Biosecurity Policy Director at WoolProducers Australia.
Read on to learn about her journey from the farm to policy, and what she hopes to achieve for the wool industry...
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ENGAGEMENT
UPDATE
Animal Health, Welfare and
Biosecurity
This Month, WoolProducers:
Engaged with AHA on the review of Bluetongue and Peste des petits ruminants AUSVETPLAN manuals.
Participated in a number of meetings with DAFF exploring the establishment of the Biosecurity Response Levy on behalf of the wool industry
Attended a meeting on Livestock Liaison Industry insurance arrangements convened by AHA
Attended an NLIS Database Uplift meeting
Attended government and industry briefings on H5N1 Bird Flu detections. For the latest reliable updates please go to: Bird flu (Avian influenza) - DAFF Unusual bird deaths should be reported to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline 1800 675 888.
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Trade
This Month, WoolProducers Australia:
Engaged in a number of trade related activities, including participation and presentation to the NFF Agrifood Trade Diversification Network, leading an Indian delegation to tour wool facilities and meet with wool industry stakeholders in Melbourne and meeting with Austraia's Ambassador to Morocco
Participated in an AWEX Industry Consultative Committee meeting to review the National Wool Declaration
Participated in the NFF Trade Committee meeting and also an NFF Farming Systems Committee meeting and separate briefing on APVMA cost recovery
Participated in a Wool Industries Australia Executive meeting
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Other Engagements
WoolProducers Engaged In The Following Activities During May:
Attended an industry seminar on the results from the Merino Lifetime Productivity project held in Dubbo
Met with Minister Julie Collins’ advisor to discuss wool industry issues
Participated in an Agricultural Ministerial Roundtable in relation to fuel and fertiliser shortages and delays due to the conflict in the Middle East
Participated in a Sheep Sustainability Framework board meeting
Hosted a member meeting and discussed relevant wool industry issues including funding for the National Wild Dog Action Plan, NLIS, trade, Australian Animal Welfare Strategy and wool processing
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CEO'S REPORT
Double Tagging Older Sheep: All Cost, No Biosecurity Gain
From 1 January 2027, most Australian states will require every sheep leaving a property to carry an electronic identification (eID) tag, regardless of the animal's age. For newborn lambs, that transition is well underway and largely sensible. But for older sheep, animals already carrying a visual National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) tag, many of them heading straight to slaughter, the looming deadline makes very little sense.
WoolProducers Australia is again calling on state governments to defer this requirement, and to do so before woolgrowers and sheep producers are forced to spend money and labour for no biosecurity return.
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GET INVOLVED
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Bird Flu
With the start of localised spread of the H5N1 strain of avian influenza in Australia, now is a good time for woolgrowers to review their on-farm biosecurity plans and practices. While the current risk to sheep is considered negligible and the risk to humans remains low, maintaining good biosecurity is essential to help protect livestock and support Australia's strong animal health status. For more information, please refer to the following resources:
If you notice sick or dead birds or other animals showing signs of bird flu, you should not touch them or get too close. Record your location and report multiple sick or dead birds or other animals to the 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
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AHA Member Engagement Week
Animal Health Australia is inviting all members to the second Member Engagement Week of 2026, being held on 14 - 17 September in Canberra. More information here.
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Regional Australia Institute: Regions Rising National Summit
The 2026 Summit will explore the theme People Power, recognising that people are the driving force behind thriving regional communities and productive economies. The Summit will be held 14-15 September in Canberra, more information here.
Ag Trade Apprenticeship Survey
The National Farmers Federation is running a 5 minute survey to gauge support and interest in the proposed Ag Trade Apprenticeship. This is an important opportunity for stakeholders to share feedback and help shape the development of the curriculum and course design. Head here to complete the survey.
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Have Your Say - Open Consultations
The Australian Government has several consultations open for public submission. To view any of the consultations and to have your say, visit the consultation webpage by following the links below:
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National Bush Summit
Wool producers are encouraged to attend and join the conversations on cost of living, energy, housing, healthcare and connectivity at the National Bush Summit in Dubbo on the 26 and 27 August. Further information here.
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THIS MONTH IN WOOL
Eastern Market Index
The Australian wool market weakened in the final week before recess, with a larger offering putting greater pressure on the market and the EMI falling 28 cents to 1,873 A¢/kg. Australian auctions now head into a three-week recess resuming Monday 17th August. Further information and weekly price reports here.
HVNL reform implementation
From 1 August 2026, the HVNL is changing, introducing a range of reforms for Australia’s heavy vehicle industry. The NHVR created a brochure to help prepare for the changes, and recently released further clarification on work diary and Unfit to Drive duty changes. You access them here and here.
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Weather warnings and climate outlooks
The August - October long-range forecast predicts below-average rainfall across the south-west, and much of the eastern half of the country, and above average for the north-west. Daytime temperatures are likely to be above average south of the tropics. Overnight temperatures are likely to be above average for most of Australia. Read more here
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AWEX and AWTA Commence Discussions on Potential Merger
The Boards of the Australian Wool Exchange (AWEX) and the Australian Wool Testing Authority (AWTA) have agreed to commence formal discussions to explore a potential merger of the two industry-owned organisations. Read more here
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New research provides practical guide for evidence-based wild dog management
The National Wild Dog Action Plan (NWDAP) has highlighted a new research paper providing policy makers, land managers and stakeholders with an accessible, evidence-based guide to issues surrounding dingo ecology and wild dog management. Read more here
CSIRO - Solutions-Led Science Recognised Among 2026 Eureka Prize Finalists
CSIRO researchers have been recognised in the Australian Museum Eureka Prizes. Of note is a new generation of water quality monitoring technology across Australia, the The Vesi™ Field Innovation and Environmental Monitoring Team. Read more here.
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AWI – The Yarn Podcast
286 - RB Sellars celebrates wool
"Built for work, worn for life" is the RB Sellars motto and a perfect fit for the Merino wool campaign with Woolmark. Listen here
287 - AWI Chairman fresh from China
George Millington has recently returned from China with grounds for sustained optimism for wool. Listen here
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New AWI project to test scalable carbon for Australian wool
Australian Wool Innovation has funded a new project to demonstrate a practical, and scalable way for Australian woolgrowers to measure, model and verify the carbon performance of wool production systems...More here.
Safer Farms Report 2026
Farmsafe Australia has launched the 2026 Safer Farms Report, proudly supported by WFI Insurance, alongside a national campaign encouraging every person in agriculture to recognise the influence they have on the people around them. Read more here
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2026 Australian Fleece Competition Results
Commercial exhibitors Michael and Jenny Sweeney of Tallara, Walcha, NSW took out the 2026 Grand Champion title at the Australian Fleece Competition. As well as showcasing Australia’s exceptional wool-growing diversity and skill, this year’s nominated charity was the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. See the full catalogue of results here
