October 2026
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
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The F-Word: 10 Years Behind Wire
Ten years after building a 138 km exclusion fence, this grazier has had just one dog-related livestock loss, and hasn't needed lice treatment in five years. But it's no silver bullet.
Find out what worked and what didn't in this month's blog from WPA Director Peter Thomas...
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ENGAGEMENT
UPDATE
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Animal Health, Welfare and
Biosecurity
This Month, WoolProducers:
Attended a Supply Chain Taskforce meeting on 3 September.
Continued to engage with DAFF, AWI and AHA to progress the proposed Biosecurity Response Levy, including its potential implementation, operation and consultation with the wool industry.
Engaged in a consultation process relating to the Sheep Reproduction Strategic Partnership.
Attended Animal Health Australia’s Member Engagement Week, which featured presentations and discussions on FMD preparedness, HPAI risks to livestock, national biosecurity reform, AUSVETPLAN, emergency animal disease communications, antimicrobial resistance and emerging vaccine technologies. WoolProducers also participated in the EADRA workshop and CCEAD training held in conjunction with Member Engagement Week.
Launched an EOI process seeking proposals to undertake R&D, registration and manufacture of the R-Pilus Footrot vaccine. There have been a number of positive engagements with potential delivery partners and government representatives.
Continued to engage in the National Arbovirus Monitoring Program Future Funding Working Group to determine future funding arrangements for the program following the cessation of live sheep exports.
WoolProducers met with the RSPCA to discuss the respective organisations’ views and priorities.
Provided extensive feedback on the Bluetongue AUSVETPLAN Manual and commenced engagement on the review of the Grazing Livestock Manual. The first meeting to begin the review of the Grazing Livestock Manual was held 28 September.
Attended the Sheep Health Project Steering Committee meeting on 30 September.
Met with the Australian Veterinary Association to discuss policy positions on relevant sheep husbandry procedures.
Trade
This Month, WoolProducers Australia:
Attended the Wool Industries Australia Wool Summit in Melbourne and presented an overview of trade diversification work being undertaken in Bangladesh, India and Vietnam under Austrade's Accessing New Markets Initiative.
Participated in the third AWEX Industry Consultative Committee meeting to review the National Wool Declaration.
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Other Engagements
WoolProducers Engaged In The Following Activities this month:
Travelled to China to attend the Nanjing Wool Market Conference and represent Australian growers at the Australia-China Wool Working Group meeting from 18-20 September. For more information see this month’s CEO report
Attended a reception celebrating the 77th Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China and the Assumption of Office by Ambassador Liu Jinson
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CEO'S REPORT
Four countries, one global trend – what we heard at the Nanjing Wool Market Conference
I have recently returned from the Nanjing Wool Market Conference, where there were a record number of Australian growers, with just over 100 in attendance. The room heard from a number of organisations including the China Wool Textile Association (CWTA), Australian Wool Innovation (AWI), the National Council of New Zealand Wool Interests and Cape Wools South Africa.
Four presentations, four countries, four sets of data, however they told the same story...
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BIOSECURITY UPDATE
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.
Woolgrowers are encouraged to ensure they have an up to date on-farm biosecurity plan that reflects current property operations, including the movement of livestock, people, vehicles and equipment, and to remain alert for unusual signs of disease. Farm Biosecurity provides a practical guide to help producers build or review their on-farm biosecurity plan.
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GET INVOLVED
National Agriculture Day 2026 - 20th November
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...Stay up to date here.
Australian National Field Days
The annual Australian National Field Days is set to take place from 22-24 October in Borenore NSW. Featuring more than 500 exhibitors, educators, and entertainers from across Australia will gather to showcase the future of farming over three action-packed days...See more 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:
● Proposed standards for management of industrial chemicals under IChEMS
● Environment Protection Reform Consultation: Shaping the Next Phase of
● Restoration Contributions Calculator methodology
● Have your say on the future of AI training and infrastructure in Australia
● Australian Radioactive Waste Management Framework: consultation
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289 - A new road for Australian wool
In this episode, hear from Founder of Australian wool fashion brand, Homestead Road.
Bridgitte Brooks on her journey as a fifth-generation Western Australian wool producer and first-time fashion label founder...Listen here
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Now Open - AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award
Applications for the 2027 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award are open until Wednesday, 4 November 2026. Australia’s leading award empowering and celebrating the inclusive and courageous leadership of women involved in Australia’s rural and emerging industries, businesses and communities, now and into the future...Head here to nominate
Now Open - AgriFutures Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant
Seven Australian women per annum are granted with a learning and development bursary of up to $7,000 for professional development to enable them to bring their idea, cause or vision to life. This Grant is separate, but complementary to the Rural Women’s Award...Find out more here
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THIS MONTH IN WOOL
Eastern Market Index
The EMI eased for a third straight week, falling 45 cents to 1,845 A¢/kg as buyer demand softened around the Nanjing Wool Market Conference. Further information and weekly price reports here.
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New EU sustainability rules now apply
The EU's Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition (EmpCo) Directive and related consumer rules took effect on 27 September 2026, requiring sustainability labels to be based on certification schemes that are independently verified.
This makes wool traceability systems, such as the Australian Wool Traceability Hub, increasingly important. Read more here and here
Federal Government - Final Budget Outcome
The Final Budget Outcome for the 2025–26 financial year was released on the 28th September.
It showed a deficit of $22.3 billion (0.8% of GDP), which was $6 billion better than the $28.3 billion forecast at Budget. This was driven by tax receipts coming in $4.6 billion above forecast and payments coming in $1.4 billion lower. Read more here and here
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AWEX and AWTA Progress Merger Proposal
The boards of the Australian Wool Exchange and the Australian Wool Testing Authority have finalized constitutional changes to progress a merger. Members will vote on the proposal at upcoming AGMs: AWTA on 15 October 2026 and AWEX on 19 November 2026, targeting a 30 June 2027 wind-up and integration...more here
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Preparing Australia’s sheep system for future climates
A new national research project, Climate Resilient Sheep Systems, is bringing together genetics, pasture systems, animal performance and landscape management to investigate what a more climate-ready sheep enterprise could look like...Read more here and here
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RBA lifts interest rates
The RBA has lifted the cash rate for the fourth time this year to 4.6% - a 15 year high. The next cash rate will be delivered on November 3.
Industry and Government movement
Seven Directors have been appointed to the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (AgriFutures Australia) Board
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Weather Warnings and Climate Outlooks
The October to December forecast shows warmer than average temperatures across most of Australia. Rainfall is also likely to be above average across much of the west and central regions of Australia, and below average in the south-east and far north. Read more here
