November 2026
Updated: 5 days ago
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
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Thank You and Farewell:
A President’s Final Report
In his fourth and final report, WoolProducers President Steve Harrison reflects on the wins, the lessons and the unfinished business, and shares the one thing he believes could decide the industry’s future.
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ENGAGEMENT
UPDATE
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Animal Health, Welfare and
Biosecurity
This Month, WoolProducers:
Feedback was provided to Animal Health Australia on two AUSVETPLAN Guidance Documents, with WoolProducers also finalising its feedback on the AUSVETPLAN Bluetongue Manual.
WoolProducers continues to work closely with DAFF, AWI and AHA to progress the establishment of the proposed Biosecurity Response Levy for the wool industry.
Planning for an upcoming National Sheep Industries Biosecurity Strategy workshop is underway, with WoolProducers participating in coordination meetings ahead of the workshop scheduled for the new year.
WoolProducers attended the National Animal Biosecurity Research, Development and Extension Strategy (NABRDES) Biosecurity Research Showcase Series, which aims to improve coordination and collaboration in animal biosecurity research, development and extension, reduce duplication and identify research gaps.
Engagement in the National Arbovirus Monitoring Program (NAMP) Future Funding Working Group is ongoing, with WoolProducers continuing to advocate for the interests of woolgrowers in determining future funding arrangements.
Government and industry briefings on H5N1 avian influenza detections were attended by WoolProducers. For the latest information, visit the DAFF Bird Flu website. Unusual bird deaths should be reported to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
WoolProducers is continuing to work with organisations to advance a project to register the R-Pilus footrot vaccine.
WoolProducers met with CSIRO and Animal Medicines Australia to discuss regulatory barriers to registering and accessing veterinary medicines, with specific reference to the R-Pilus footrot vaccine.
Discussions were held with State Farming Organisation members regarding ongoing concerns about the implementation of mandatory electronic identification (eID) requirements from 1 January 2027. This culminated in significant media interest.
Trade
This Month:
Under the Austrade Accessing New Markets Initiative, WoolProducers now has dedicated Business Development Managers working on trade diversification activities in India, Bangladesh and Vietnam.
Woolproducers participated in a range of trade-related activities, including presenting at an Austrade webinar on Doing business in Bangladesh for Australian exporters and attending the Australia Vietnam Policy Institute Conference in Sydney.
The ongoing review of the National Wool Declaration was progressed through WoolProducers' participation in an AWEX Industry Consultative Committee meeting.
WoolProducers undertook a number of parliamentary briefings on the importance of trade diversification, onshore processing and the work that we are doing to pursue opportunities.
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Other Engagements
WoolProducers Engaged In The Following Activities this month:
WoolProducers participated in a number of National Farmers' Federation (NFF) meetings and briefings, including the CEOs, Farming Systems, Workforce and Sustainable Development Committee meetings.
WoolProducers participated in the NFF AGM and Members Council, which included an address by Trade Minister Don Farrell.
The Future of Global Agriculture webinar was attended by WoolProducers, providing insights from the OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook 2026–2035.
WoolProducers attended the AWTA AGM, whereby changes to the AWTA constitution were unanimously supported.
WoolProducers participated in the Sheep Sustainability Framework Board meeting, to approve the 2026 Annual Report which will be launched on 25 November in Canberra
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Youth Ambassador
"Absolutely do it"
Toby Haylock reflects on his year as WoolProducers’ Youth Ambassador
Toby Haylock’s year as WoolProducers Youth Ambassador took him from Dubbo’s Bush Summit to the IWTO Congress in China, where he met people from every link in the wool supply chain.
Read his story to find out what surprised him most, what he thinks could get more wool into more wardrobes, and why he says anyone thinking about applying for 2027 should just go for it!
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BIOSECURITY UPDATE
What to do if you suspect an emergency animal disease on your farm
Knowing what to do at the first sign of an emergency animal disease (EAD) can help protect your livestock, your business and the wider sheep and wool industry.
If you notice unusual signs of disease in your livestock, act quickly. Suspected EADs should be reported immediately to a veterinarian or the EAD Hotline on 1800 675 888.
Good on-farm biosecurity is also critical. Isolate animals showing signs of disease and limit the movement of livestock, products, equipment and other potentially contaminated materials while advice is sought. Having an EAD response plan as part of your farm biosecurity plan, and ensuring staff know what to do, can help limit the potential spread and impact of an outbreak.
Click here to learn how to recognise, report and respond to a suspected emergency animal disease on your farm
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GET INVOLVED
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:
● Renewing the Australian Animal Welfare Strategy
● Australian Radioactive Waste Management Framework: consultation
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National Ag Day 2026 - The countdown is on
This year’s National Agriculture Day theme is “Our Farmers, Our Future” aiming to put people at the centre; showing Australia the people growing our food and fibre, managing our land, and sustaining our regional communities. National Ag Day will be celebrated on the 20th November this year. Stay up to date here.
Tickets on sale for ABARES Outlook 2027
Early bird tickets for ABARES Outlook 2027 are on sale. The 2027 event will be held 2-3 March 2027, with 2 ways to participate. The theme is ‘Who will shape the future of Australian agriculture?’, and will explore who and what will drive the next chapter of Australian agriculture, fisheries and forestry. See more here.
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AWI - The Yarn Podcast: Episodes
290 - Nanjing Wool Conference 2026
Stronger grower returns are essential to wool’s future, but securing that future takes the whole supply chain working together. Listen here....Listen here
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AWEX - WoolClip Online Training Hub is now live!
AWEX has launched the WoolClip Online Training Hub - a dedicated online resource for Wool Classers, wool growers and selling agents using WoolClip - Australia's digital wool specification & on-farm data capture platform. Head here for more info
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WoolProducers Australia 2026 Annual Report
Explore our highlights, our impact, and our people
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THIS MONTH IN WOOL
AWI - Why are brands asking different questions about my farm?
Discover how Woolmark’s Nature Positive Farming framework helps woolgrowers measure environmental outcomes and inform farm management, while meeting growing expectations from brands and retailers for verified information about how wool is produced. Read more here
Animal Health Australia - landmark Culicoides identification guide
A new publication from the National Arbovirus Monitoring Program (NAMP) will strengthen Australia’s arbovirus surveillance and biosecurity capability by providing the first comprehensive identification guide for female Culicoides biting midges found in Australia. Read more here
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CSIRO report identifies investment priorities for low-emissions agriculture
A new report by CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, has found there is a growing suite of promising options already available to reduce on-farm emissions and further opportunities for practical solutions for Australian producers. Read more here
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National Farmer Wellbeing Report - 2026
New research shines light on Australian farmer mental health. Saddening statistics around self-harm and suicide spark calls for government support and industry-wide collaboration to create farmer-to-farmer support networks across the country. Read the report here.
Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness
Work has begun on a new laboratory wing at CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) in Geelong, marking the start of a major refit designed to support the facility’s critical work into the future. See more here
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NHVR tackles key industry questions arising from HVNL reforms
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) is responding to practical questions emerging as operators adapt to recent changes to the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL), with new guidance providing clarity on the areas generating the most interest. They have released a new set of frequently asked questions (FAQs), alongside factsheets and other guidance materials. See more here.
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Weather Warnings and Climate Outlooks
The November to January forecast shows above average temperatures across most of Australia. Rainfall is also likely to be above average for parts of western, central and eastern Australia, below average in parts of the far north and south-east. Read more here
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ISC - Choosing and applying sheep and
goat tags
With mandatory sheep and goat eID coming into full effect nationally on 1 January 2027, it’s important for producers to be tagging their livestock in preparation for the deadline. Read more here.
The PM&C Annual Report 2025–26 is
now available
The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet's Annual Report 2025–26 is now available. It oulines activities, performance and achievements against the 3 key activities. Read the report here.
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Eastern Market Index
Wool prices fell three weeks running, with the EMI down 97 cents to 1,723c/kg, including a sharp 62-cent drop in the latest sales week. Further information and weekly price reports here.
