WoolProducers Australia Announces New Independent Directors, Reflects on a Busy Year and Outlines Industry Outlook

Peak grower body WoolProducers Australia, announced the results of its biennial election for independent directors at its Annual General Meeting on Thursday, 13 November.

The successful candidates were Edward Brand, David Young and Simon Riddle.

Edward Brand, David Young and Simon Riddle

Office bearer positions for WoolProducers Australia were also determined at the AGM. Steve Harrison (President) and Simon Riddle (Vice President) were all re-elected unopposed.

WoolProducers Australia President Steve Harrison thanked all candidates for their nominations “We look forward to the contribution of our Independent Directors in the coming years. 2026 is shaping up to be a big year for the wool industry and along with the current directors Simon, Ed and David’s insights will help guide our organisation to deliver the best outcomes for woolgrowers”.

“We have also farewelled Skye Ward and Angus Hobson, who didn’t re-stand for election. On behalf of the Board and staff I would like to thank Skye and Angus and wish them well in their future endeavours.” Mr Harrison said.

In his President’s report tabled at the AGM, Mr Harrison spoke about the challenges that has faced wool production over the past 12-months, including extreme weather conditions, including ongoing drought in parts of southern Australia and devastating floods in Queensland, low wool prices contributing to the exiting of growers from the industry and subsequent low production volumes.

However, Mr Harrison also spoke about opportunities going forward for the industry, “the promotion of wool’s eco credentials and other benefits will hopefully translate into better returns for our growers.”

WoolProducers’ digital 2025 Annual Report was also released. The report reaffirmed WoolProducers’ role as the leading national wool industry policy body, advocating for growers through a year marked by rising costs, challenging seasonal conditions, and persistently low wool prices. In 2024/25.

Mr Harrison said, “On the back of these issues WoolProducers’ drove strategic reforms, launched a comprehensive election platform, and commissioned a landmark report on wool pricing, calling for greater investment in production efficiency to secure long-term profitability”.

WoolProducers also strengthened global trade ties through high-level delegations, including a successful mission to Vietnam, and representing Australian woolgrowers at the IWTO Congress in France.

Mr Harrison finished by saying that “WoolProducers are proud of our key initiatives in biosecurity, sustainability, and animal welfare—such as the Australian Wool Traceability Hub and the Sheep Sustainability Framework, which highlight our commitment to transparency and innovation.

“Programs like the Youth Ambassador initiative and campaigns such as Trust in Australian Wool continue to build confidence in Australian wool across supply chains and consumers worldwide and are initiatives we will continue to facilitate.”

ENDS

Jo Hall, CEO: 0488 554 811

Steve Harrison, President: 0427 468 303

About WoolProducers’ Australia

WoolProducers plays a critical role in working closely with companies and entities funded by woolgrower funds including compulsory levies or fees for service.

Its mission is to develop constructive and profitable outcomes for woolgrowers nationally.

The agency is responsible for appointing a director to each of the Australian Wool Exchange and the Australia Wool Testing Authority, promoting good corporate governance and ensuring that the interests of growers are met.

WoolProducers maintains a working relationship with Australian Wool Innovation as the voice of woolgrower shareholders.  It aims to contribute to AWI’s programs for the benefit of growers, promoting responsible use of levy funds and ensuring good corporate governance.

WoolProducers is the sole wool industry member of Animal Health Australia, and as such, carries a significant responsibility for decision making on behalf of the industry in the event of an emergency animal disease outbreak.

As the only wool grower organisation with membership of the National Farmers’ Federation, WoolProducers is responsible for providing key policy advice on behalf of our members, and other wool growers, to Australia’s peak farm body.

WoolProducers also works closely with the Federal Government Departments on key issues such as animal health and welfare, biosecurity, pest management control, natural resource management, drought preparedness, emergency animal disease outbreak preparedness and industry development, including research, trade and logistics.