Opinions about how to market the world’s greatest natural fibre are not hard to find, however listening to the person actually in charge in very enlightening. Laura Armstrong the Head of Demand Creation at Australian Wool Innovation/Woolmark explains how wool is promoted in an age of the digital marketplace, influencers and social media.

The research, development and marketing body for Australian wool has a new Chief Executive Officer. Brian Fry has great experience in marketing premium Australian produce and is looking forward to driving demand for our premium natural fibre together with finding productive gains on farm for the woolgrowers that fund AWI/Woolmark.

An overnight success that has taken 27 years. XTM is growing the market for Merino wool through its clever alignments and innovative products. Hear Global Sales Manager Paul Manders discuss how COVID helped change the company and why he feels confident the outdoor market for wool will continue to grow.

Woolgrower Michael Edmunds joins researchers from Deakin University to discuss an AWI-supported flystrike project taking research back into commercial paddocks. Together, they explore why some sheep are targeted by flies — and how on-farm research is helping deliver practical tools for woolgrowers.

Containment feeding has significant advantages for feed efficiency and managing stock condition. Given the significant advantages, it is not relatively difficult nor costly to set up. However, there are many important considerations before setting up. Hear from Simon Fowler from Chilwell farms near Esperance in WA about how and why it works so well.

With thanks to the National Foundation for Australia China Relations, AWI helped organise for a number of upcoming wool leaders to tour our most significant market. Hear from the Foundation’s CEO Gary Cowan and young woolgrowers Charlie Brumpton and Mitch Rubie on why they are more enthusiastic than ever about growing Merino wool.

In this extended episode we cover wool supply and demand and therefore price, longer term contracts, the work of the International Wool Textile Organisation and we also hear from a large fine woolgrower and his view of the future of the industry.