July 2026
- 21 hours ago
- 5 min read
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
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Is wool a by-product?
On the WoolProducers Blog this month is Director Bradley Venning discussing whether wool has become a by-product of meat production rather than a valued product in its own right, how the industry can shift wool from a by-product to a valued coproduct, why recent price rises are encouraging, and what it will take to keep young people in the trade and protect what made Australian merino great...
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ENGAGEMENT
UPDATE
Animal Health, Welfare and
Biosecurity
This Month, WoolProducers:
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.
participated in the Animal Health Australia General Meeting on 23 June
Provided a submission into the Biosecurity Reform Process. To view a copy please click here
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Trade
This Month, WoolProducers Australia:
Led an industry delegation to Bangladesh, along with the Australian Cotton Shippers Association, which culminated in an Australian Natural Fibres Seminar in Dhaka.
Travelled to Dalang, China to attend the 95th IWTO Congress. While there WoolProducers participated, presented and chaired a number of working groups and also presented at the Joint Australia-China Wool Working Group, outlining current sentiments and supply issues on behalf of Australia woolgrowers
Engaged in a number of meetings with Austrade to progress work under the Accessing New Markets Initiative, which will see further work being conducted on behalf of the wool industry in Vietnam, Bangladesh and India.
Participated in an ISC Supply Chain Taskforce meeting
Participated in an AWEX Registration Review Committee meeting
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Other Engagements
WoolProducers Engaged In The Following Activities During May:
Met with the National Council of Wool Selling Brokers and the Australian Council of Wool Exporters and Processors to discuss industry issues, including preparation for IWTO.
Participated in multiple meetings (Ministerial, government and industry) in relation to fuel and fertiliser shortages and delays due to the conflict in the Middle East.
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CEO'S REPORT
Australian Wool Finds a New Audience: Inside the Dhaka Natural Fibres Seminar
The seminar was co-hosted by WoolProducers and the Australian Cotton Shippers Association, working alongside the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade). Together we brought Australian wool and cotton representatives to Dhaka to make a direct case for the environmental credentials, innovation, and commercial potential of Australia’s natural fibre industries…
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GET INVOLVED
Australian Sheep and Wool Show – Bendigo
The Australian Sheep and Wool Show is being held on 17-19 July in Bendigo. The nation's top sheep producers gather in Bendigo to show and display their sheep. Each year more than 2000 sheep are at the show along with breeders from every state...More information here
SMS Industry information sessions
With the amended HVNL coming into effect on 1 August, the NHVR is hosting a series of free online information sessions focused on Safety Management Systems (SMS). These sessions are designed specifically for small operators and owner operators...More info here
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CSIRO - Australian National Soil Information System (ANSIS) Training
ANSIS provides access to standardised soil data and information from multiple organisations across Australia to support improved sustainable soil management. ANSIS is the new place to find nationally consistent, useable soil data and information. Online training available Tuesday 14 Jul 2026, 11.30am to 12.30pm AEST, register 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
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Still time to nominate- 2026 Australian Agriculture Awards
The Australian Agriculture Awards provide national recognition for farmers, agribusiness leaders and agri-professionals making a long-lasting and profound contribution to this vital sector. Find out more here
Future Founders: Emerging Ag
Industries
This is an industry-led program designed to give 18-25 year olds in WA hands-on exposure, mentoring, and real-world skills to kickstart a career or entrepreneurship in one of Australian agriculture. Applications available here
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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 Renewables in Agriculture Conference and Expo 2026
The conference will be held on 12 August in Orange, gathering farmers, consultants, peak bodies, and government to discuss on-farm renewables, the business case for energy transformation, and opportunities in agrivoltaics, large-scale solar, and wind developments...More here
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THIS MONTH IN WOOL
El Niño: What it Means for Australia's
Climate
The El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is now in an El Niño phase. This phase is expected to strengthen with prolonged periods of above-average temperatures in the equatorial Pacific expected to peak this winter. Read further information on what it means for Australia’s climate here and here
Rabobank Rural Confidence Survey -
Quarter Two 2026
Sentiment among Australia’s agricultural producers continued to track lower this quarter, with concerns about cost pressures in the wake of Middle Eastern tensions remaining top of mind for farmers across the country...Read full results here.
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Eastern Market Index
The Australian wool market eased for the first time since mid-May. This week's sale saw buyers become more price-sensitive in the final week of the 2025/26 season following several weeks of strong market gains. Further information and weekly price reports here
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Lowy Institute 2026 Poll report out now
The Lowy Institute’s 2026 Poll, Australia’s leading foreign affairs survey, shows Australians have registered historic levels of distrust and unease in 2026. Read the full report here
ABARES Fertiliser dashboard now available
Find information on the latest global and Australian indicator prices for fertiliser-grade urea and import quantities, as well as import information on other fertilisers. More info here
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In case you missed it: Australian Wool Opportunities Highlighted at Bangladesh
Natural Fibres Seminar
WoolProducers Australia co-hosted a Seminar for 200 representatives from Bangladesh's textile, spinning, manufacturing and apparel sectors attended the Australian Natural Fibres Seminar in Dhaka on 22 June...Read more here
