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.

In recent weeks there has been a welcome lift in the wool market as a level of confidence has returned to sale rooms across the country. Together with this improved market has been discussion around certified integrity schemes that have evolved in the wool market over the last decade. Hear from AWI Chairman Jock Laurie on both these fronts as the industry enters a time of renewed optimism.

Sheep still have an important role to play in a cropping enterprise according to Paul Omodei from Planfarm.

Clare Canon has returned from the Blue Earth summit where she spoke of the disconnect between global sustainability frameworks and the realities of natural fibre production. But despite this she is making it work, with better recognition and better prices for the wool she produces from the environment that she manages.

Ricky and Marnie Luhrs of Mooralla Merinos are extremely positive about the future of the Merino brred based on its versatility and performance. Given they took out the Lambex Feedlot competition with Merino lambs, they have good reason to be confident of the breed in its modern form.

Woolmark + is designed to help woolgrowers and supply chain partners accelerate the wool industry’s transition towards a ‘nature positive’ future. AWI/Woolmark’s Global Sustainability Manager Emma Gittoes Bunting talks us through the initiative.