Mulesed Merino lambs with their mothers. Image – The Livestock Collective.

AUSTRALIAN Wool Innovation is seeking expressions of interest for a Transition to Non-Mulesed Pilot Project, but is apparently not motivated to increase the production of market-preferred non-mulesed wool in Australia.

The project preamble recognises that “the Australian wool industry is facing evolving expectations from markets and consumers” and also notes: “Demand for NM (non-mulesed) wool is steadily increasing, with brands and retailers seeking reliable supply.”

However, despite ongoing non-mulesed wool premiums at auctions and a preference for NM wool among its marketing campaign brand collaborators, AWI has consistently declined to highlight non-mulesed wool production as a marketing, reputational or future viability issue for the Australian wool industry or its grower-shareholders.

“This initiative does not mandate change for all wool growers,” AWI said in a media release promoting the pilot project.

When asked what motivated the project and if AWI wanted to encourage increased production of non-mulesed wool, an unidentified AWI spokesman said “the project reflects AWI’s ongoing commitment to supporting wool growers in flystrike management and aligns with Woolmark+ initiatives focused on providing growers with practical frameworks and tools to manage flystrike and reduce reliance on mulesing where they choose to do so.”

The spokesman said the AWI-led pilot builds on existing AWI resources and advisor networks.

“The project is not intended to promote one production system over another, but rather to support wool growers who are interested in exploring or progressing towards non-mulesed management.

“AWI’s role is not to tell growers which husbandry system to adopt,” he said.

“AWI supports grower choice by providing tools, training and information so wool growers can make informed decisions for their own enterprise.”

Expressions of interest for the project close at 5pm AEST on Sunday, 31 May 2026.

The AWI spokesman said each grower group will be supported by an AmpliFly™ accredited advisor who will help growers benchmark their current position, develop a transition plan, identify achievable year-one actions, and access relevant AWI tools such as the Flystrike Extension Program.

“AWI believes this approach has potential because it combines technical support with peer learning and local relevance.

Expressions of interest are currently open, and AWI will confirm final participation once recruitment and regional group selection are complete.”

AWI lists the project’s benefits for participating wool growers

Structured, practical, on-farm support from a dedicated AWI AmpliFly accredited advisor.

AWI StrateFly workshop to establish understanding of flystrike risk management principles, decision-making frameworks and transition to non-mulesed (TNM) pathways.

Assessment of your current flock traits, management practices and flystrike risks.

Development of a tailored TNM plan specific to the individual business, including achievable year one actions (e.g., trial non-mulesed mobs, flystrike management adjustments, refinement of ram selection).

Flystrike chemical resistance profile for each participating business.

Flock Profile genomic testing provided for each participating business.

First access to new AWI Visual Sheep Scoring workshop.

Participation in regional grower group of up to 10 businesses from your region.

Include up to three people from your business to get everyone on the same page and share different insights and perspectives.

Peer learning amongst grower group by sharing experiences, discussion of challenges and practical problem-solving.

Hear directly from growers who have made the move to non-mulesed to understand their challenges and opportunities.

An individual business plan for ‘where to next’.

Click here for more information on the pilot.