September 2026
- 6 days ago
- 6 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
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The Re-Emerging Threat Of Rabbits
Rabbits are back, and they're costing Australian agriculture
over $200m a year.
On the WoolProducers Blog this month, WPA Director Leonie Mills
unpacks why feral rabbit numbers are climbing nationally, what's being done about it, and why producers can't afford to get complacent.
Plus, a handy resource to help you keep an eye on numbers
before they get out of hand...
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ENGAGEMENT
UPDATE
WoolProducers held their Policy Advisory Committee (PAC) meeting and Board meeting on 25 and 26 August. Access an Executive Summary of the PAC meeting here
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Animal Health, Welfare and
Biosecurity
This Month, WoolProducers:
Engaged with AHA on the review of the Categorisation AUSVETPLAN manuals
Participated in the AWI Animal Welfare Forum regarding the latest update on flystrike mitigation research and extension activities
Participated in a number of meetings with DAFF, AWI and AHA exploring the establishment of the Biosecurity Response Levy on behalf of the wool industry
Attended a National Sheep Industries Biosecurity Strategy Steering Committee meeting
Participated in the Sustainable Biosecurity Funding Advisory Panel 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.
Have been communicating with the Australian Vet Association – Sheep, Goats and Camelids Special Interest Group regarding their recent mulesing policy change. It has been agreed that WPA will focus on the commonalities of our respective policies. See this month’s CEO’s report
Trade
This Month, WoolProducers Australia:
Engaged in a number of trade related activities, including participation and presentation to the ANMI Trade Development Network, Austrade meetings and AusHub meetings
Participated in an AWEX Industry Consultative Committee meeting to review the National Wool Declaration
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Other Engagements
WoolProducers Engaged In The Following Activities During May:
Staff travelled to Sydney for a number of meetings with AWI staff members to discuss industry issues
Participated in a number of NFF meetings, including CEOs, Farming Systems, Workforce and Sustainable Development Committee meetings and briefings
Participated in an Agricultural Ministerial Roundtable in relation to fuel and fertiliser shortages and delays due to the conflict in the Middle East
Attended the NFF Leaders Summit and the $100b 2030 Cocktail event
Attended the National Bush Summit in Dubbo
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CEO'S REPORT
Science and Strategy, Not Deadlines: The Future of Mulesing
The recent update to the Australian Veterinary Association's (AVA) policy on mulesing has once again placed this issue under the spotlight. While much attention has focused on the AVA's support for a phase-out of mulesing, it is equally important to acknowledge what the policy also recognises, that flystrike remains a severe animal welfare problem, and an immediate ban on mulesing would create significant adverse consequences for sheep welfare.
The AVA has deliberately not called for an immediate prohibition because it recognises that practical and effective alternatives are not yet available across all Australian sheep production systems.
Importantly, this is not a debate that should be left solely to activists, policymakers or commentators. Governments and the AVA need to hear directly from the people responsible for sheep welfare on farm.
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GET INVOLVED
AWI - Advance Notice of AGM
AWI will hold its 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM) at 10am on Friday 13th November 2026. AWI advises that the AGM has been changed to a virtual meeting rather than a physical one. For more information head here
REDA From sheep to shop internship 2027
Applications for the REDA internship 2027 close 18 September. Apply now for your chance to join the team in Italy! This opportunity is open to university students or who have completed university studies not earlier than November 202s. 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:
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It’s not too late - 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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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
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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Nominations opening in September - AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award
AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award is 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. Applications for the 2027 Rural Women’s Award will open in September, so keep an eye on the website for more details.
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R U OK? Day
Thursday 10 September is R U OK? Day. The people around us go through life’s ups and downs every day. That’s why we want everyone to feel confident to check in with the people they care about and Ask R U OK? Any Day. More information here.
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THIS MONTH IN WOOL
Eastern Market Index
The Australian wool market opened sharply lower on return from recess, with the EMI dropping 61 cents to 1,812 A¢/kg amid grower resistance. It rebounded strongly the following week, rising 41 cents to close at 1,853 A¢/kg on strong buyer competition across Merino and crossbred sectors. Further information and weekly price reports here.
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On-Farm Biosecurity Management -
Important Changes
From 1 September 2026, producers seeking LPA accreditation or reaccreditation will need to upload or create an On-farm Biosecurity Management Plan for each property associated with their LPA account. This can be done using the free online tool in your LPA account or by uploading a copy of an existing biosecurity plan that covers the required elements. More here
The NHVR Issues Trailer Towing Reminder With New Amended Agricultural Notice
The NHVR is reminding agricultural operators and contractors that eligible prime movers or rigid truck combinations are only permitted to tow one agricultural trailer or implement, such as a comb trailer, when travelling under the updated National Class 1 Agricultural Vehicle and Combination Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2026 (No.1). More details here
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Expert Commentary: What do we know about H5 bird flu?
Following the arrival of H5 bird flu in Australia, scientists from CSIRO's Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) explain what their testing has told us about the virus. Read more here
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Weather warnings and climate outlooks
The September to November long-range forecast predicts below-average spring rainfall across parts of the south and east; above average in the west. Above average temperatures are likely across much of Australia during spring. Read more here
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Workforce Plan 2026–2027 launch
The recently released Skills Insight's Workforce Plan 2026-27, identified persistent shortages across livestock farming and lists Shearing and Wool Classing as a current project, working to ease skills shortages in the wool industry. Read more here.
ABARES Agricultural Commodities Report
ABARES' latest Agricultural Commodities Report forecasts wool prices to strengthen in 2026-27, in contrast to easing cattle and lamb prices, offering a bright spot for woolgrowers amid a softer broader livestock outlook. Read the full report here.
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AWI – The Yarn Podcast
286 - RB Sellars celebrates wool
Tom Hooke from East Loddon Merino Stud in the Riverina has written a fascinating Nuffield report looking into the potential for using regenerative farming principles across the vast the Pastoral regions of Australia.
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Michell Endeavour Merger
Australia’s largest wool exporter Michell Wool has partnered with the country’s second largest exporter Endeavour Wool, merging its wool sourcing, direct buying and broking operations with the comparative newcomer Endeavour Wool Exports. Read more here
