Why Representation Matters: Director Reflection

Makaela Knapp, Director for WoolProducers Australia

Since my last blog post in June 2024, writing about the phase-out of live sheep exports being the biggest challenge facing WA producers, a lot has changed. This issue brought agriculture and regional communities together like never before- not just in numbers but in the power of producers sharing their own stories. Hearing firsthand accounts from those directly affected gave weight to our advocacy in a way that statistics alone never could. While the outcome wasn’t what we had hoped for, it reinforced two vital lessons for me: our strength lies in unity, and in ensuring that producer representation and lived experience remain central to shaping the future of our industry.

For this blog post, I wanted to reflect on why grassroots representation matters and what it means to be a director of WoolProducers Australia (WPA). As wool growers, most of our time is spent on the day-to-day running of our businesses- feeding stock, checking water and moving mobs. It can be easy to overlook the important work done by peak industry councils to influence decisions made at state and national levels that directly affect us.

My journey to becoming a director began with the Raising the Baa program, where I was appointed Youth Ambassador. That experience opened my eyes to the depth of work WoolProducers undertakes across animal welfare, health, biosecurity, trade, sustainability and more. When the opportunity arose to step into a director role, I stepped into the role knowing the work at WPA was both impactful and rewarding. I am grateful to WPA staff for valuing the voices of early career woolgrower’s, actively making space for them and nurturing their passion for industry.

Being a State Farming Director of WPA means representing the interests of woolgrower members and helping to shape strategic policy for the wider industry. For me, it also means bridging the gap between life on the land and the decision-making tables in Canberra and beyond. Policy development on critical issues such as pain relief, mulesing, trade and market access is vital for setting industry direction and ensuring wool remains a sustainable, profitable and respected industry.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve also learnt during my term so far is that unified representation strengthens our industry. When producers are willing to put their hand up for leadership roles — whether at a state farming organisation or on a peak industry council — it ensures that decisions are made with lived experience and practical understanding of wool production.

Looking ahead, it’s no secret that wool is facing challenges. The AWPFC’s second forecast for the 2025/26 season is 251.5 Mkg greasy, down 10.2% on the previous year.

The number of sheep expected to be shorn in 2025/26 is 57.9 million, down 8.1%. In a market where wool is often viewed as a discretionary purchase, these figures raise question about our future.

That’s why representation is so important. As an industry we can’t afford to become less of the worlds textile share. Don’t get me wrong, leadership roles take us away from our farms, but they give us the chance to help mould and steer industry in a progressive, sustainable and innovative direction ensuring a bright future for wool. They also give us the platform to demonstrate best practice and lead by example.

With independent director elections coming up, now is the time to think about who you want representing you at a national level- or to consider nominating yourself. Yes, it can be daunting and taking time off farm four times a year for meetings isn’t always easy. But with support- and with your knowledge and lived experience- it’s an opportunity to make a real difference and ensure that wool remains a thriving, respected and sustainable industry well into the future.

Makaela Knapp,

Director WoolProducers Australia