The Yarn

Uncertain seasons, new technology, new opportunities. There is no doubting the bright future for the sheep and wool industries, but how can it all be made easier? Hear how farmers Chris Patmore and Zac Roberts make their enterprises more time and effort – efficient and the advice pasture expert Phil Barrett-Lennard has for those planning an easier system

As we celebrate 100 we introduce you what is largely an Australian wool manufacturing secret: ABMT textiles. Julian Collins of ABMT gives an insight into the wool market nosedive but offers hope as well. Head also to Vietnam and hear how wool is reducing its reliance on China and continually finding new markets.

Meet Stephen Glen, the latest winner of the Australian Fleece Competition and hear what it takes to grow a Grand Champion fleece: hint: not easy. Also, Merineo is a brand-new baby range for newborns, it has taken a long time to break into this valuable market, how has Claire Hausler done it?

After a 3-week break, Australian wool auctions have returned with heavy losses for various reasons. Hear from an insider: Scott Carmody talks through the exact reasons why the wool market has dropped so heavily a year after record highs. On a positive note, we also hear from a very upbeat and innovative Australian Woolmark licensee who has a great view of the future for wool.

Colin McDowell is one of the world’s top fashion commentators. Having been a journalist for over 20 years, he has at one time or another written for every quality newspaper and magazine in Britain. Join Ellie and Colin in Wales as they talk about wool's past, present and future and Colin's work as a mentor and judge for the International Woolmark Prize.

Merino ewes can successfully lamb at 12 months of age, but it takes commitment and confidence. Hear the research behind the potential from James Whale, Meridian Ag who studied exactly this.

More resilient, more flexible, more productive: hear from the 2019 Southern Australia Grassland Society conference as Australia’s farmers look for better pastures for an uncertain future.

Real time monitoring of stock is unlocking many sheep secrets but using powerful computer learning, could be identify stock by facial recognition also? WoolQ brings woolgrower closer to the consumer, hear the latest on this exciting new platform for wool.

What does it take and what does it cost to create a woolshed that is 100% off the grid? The savings, the innovations, the opportunities and the future. Hear it all from Peter and Jane Waters who have done it with their 4-stand, 2-press operation.

Woolmark’s Jeff Ma in downtown Shanghai explains China’s love for wool Travel to the Yorkshire mills in the UK and hear how innovation with Australian wool has kept new fabrics evolving after 200 years In Australia though, continuing drought is keeping supply of wool low, while feed and finance are tight for many who actually grow the fibre