Strategies to move to a non-mulesed flock and pain relief options for those that continue with the practice will be up for discussion when Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) and Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) roll out their popular series of It’s Ewe Time forums across Queensland on August 21-23.
AWI Genetics and Animal Welfare Advocacy Program Manager Geoff Lindon will discuss animal welfare market signals and moving to a non-mulesed enterprise when he presents at Longreach, Tambo and Mitchell.
Mr Lindon says the wool supply chain is seeking increasing transparency regarding welfare practices and completing an accurate National Wool Declaration (NWD) is the best way for woolgrowers to ensure they’re meeting these customer needs.
“There’s now a small discount in the market for wools that are not declared,” he said.
“It’s best to consult with your wool broker so you fill out the NWD accurately.”
Declaring use of pain relief, as well as being non-mulesed to the supply chain are two other musts, according to Mr Lindon.
“There are small premiums in the marketplace for using pain relief and the woolgrower largely gets his money back for pain relief products,” he said.
“The premium for non-mulesed wool is increasing and is now about 40 to 50 cents a kilogram clean depending on micron category.”
Mr Lindon says the It’s Ewe Time forums will be a good chance for producers to receive the latest industry advice and information, as well as discuss pertinent issues and topics with other local sheep producers.
Other speakers at the Queensland forums include Sprout Agribusiness Managing Partner Brecken Curtis, QLD Department of Agriculture & Fisheries Beef and Sheep Extension Officer Andrea McKenzie and MLA Genetics Program Manager Hamish Chandler.