WIA deputy chairman Michael Jackson, left, with medal winner Chris Wilcox, and WIA chairman David Michell.

LEADERS in wool industry analysis, services and genetics featured in the Australian Wool Industry Medal presentations in Melbourne last week.

At Wool Industry Australia’s annual wool industry dinner, WIA chairman David Michell and deputy chairman Michael Jackson made presentations to semi-retired market analyst Chris Wilcox, Bogo Merino Stud manager Mal Peake, Greendale Merinos co-principal Alan McGufficke and Australian Merino Production Trial convenor Craig Wilson.

Chris Wilcox

Wool Industries Australia president David Michell presented former industry analyst and National Council of Wool Brokers of Australia executive director Chris Wilcox with his medal – awarded last year, but not presented due to Mr Wilcox deciding to “trip off overseas and not face the consequences.”

Mr Michell said Chris Wilcox has been a key figure in the industry for more than 33 years, serving as a leading economist. He joined Woolmark as chief economist in 1992 and played a major role in shaping the industry after the Reserve Price Scheme collapse and built strong ties with China, Australia’s largest wool customer. In 2008, Mr Wilcox founded Poimena Analysis and became NCWSBA executive director, introducing initiatives such as the Wool Broker of the Year Award.

Mr Michell said Mr Wilcox has served on multiple industry boards and contributed to strategic analyses for the wool sector in Australia and internationally.

“His evidence-based approach and insightful economic analysis have had a lasting impact on both Australian and international wool industries.”

A semi-retired Mr Wilcox said he was not now accustomed to speaking publicly, and more accustomed to looking after grandchildren in Australia and England and listening to their music. Mr Wilcox thanked WIA and all those he had worked with in the industry.

“I will cherish this medal and remember my time in the wool industry.”

Alan McGufficke

WIA deputy chairman Michael Jackson, left, with medal winbner Alan McGufficke, and WIA chairman David Michell.

Mr Michell said Mr McGufficke has been a highly respected contributor to the industry for more than 40 years and recognized for his leadership in objective measurement, genetic evaluation, and Merino breeding.

“Through the development of Greendale Merinos, he ahs pioneered the use of performance recording, DNA technology and genomics to improve wool production, profitability and flock performance across the industry,” Mr Michell said.

“His genetics have achieved national recognition through Sheep Genetics and the Australian Merino Production Trial.”

Mr Michell said Mr McGufficke has made a significant contribution through long-standing support of industry research, scholarship programs and young wool grower mentoring.

“His commitment to innovation, knowledge sharing and the advancement of the Australian wool industry has earned him widespread respect and made a lasting contribution to the future opf wool production.”

Mr McGufficke gave thanks for the recognition, but said he was so pleased the first awards of the night went to the industry’s youth.

“It doesn’t matter what industry we are in the next generation hss got to be encouraged and they should receive awards like this at an earlier age to help them strive to achieve their goals.”

Craig Wilson

WIA deputy chairman Michael Jackson, left, with medal winner Craig Wilson, and WIA chairman David Michell.

Mr Michell said Craig Wilson has made a significant contribution to the Australian wool industry through his leadership in sheep genetics, benchmarking and industry research.

“For more than 20 years he has managed the Australian Merino Production Trial, Australia’s largest commercial sheep genetics assessment, helping producers improve wool production, profitability and flock performance across the industry.”

Mr Michell said he has also contributed to the Merino Lifetime Productivity Project, advised more than 50 Merino breeding businesses and collect benchmarking data from more than 18,000 sheep.

“Craig is a long-standing supporter and mentor of the Peter Westblade Scholarship and was recognised with the 2025 Boehringer Industry Innovator Award for his contribution to the Australian Merino Production Trial.”

Mr Wilson said he was humbled by the award. He said he is driven by his thirst and capacity to help the industry and felt blessed by the support of his family and so many mentors.

Mal Peake

WIA deputy chairman Michael Jackson, left, with medal winner Mal Peake, and WIA chairman David Michell.

Mr Michell said Mr Peake has made an outstanding contribution to the Australian industry over more than 40 years through his leadership in Merino breeding, genetic improvement and producer education.

“As stud manager and classer of Bogo Merino Stud, he was an early adopted of performance recording, genomics and bechmarking, helping drive improvements in flock productivity and profitability.

“Mal has also contributed to industry research through projects with NSW DPI, CSIRO and AWI, including the development of drought management and grazing tools still used by producers today.

Mr Michell said Mr Peake is a founding director of MerinoLink and a long-time supporter and mentor of the Peter Westblade Scholarship.

“Mal is widely respected for his generosity, practical knowledge and lasting commitment to advancing the Australian wool industry.”

Mr Peake said although he didn’t aspire to such awards, but was truly grateful to receive the award and honoured to be included among such deserving recipients. He said the award was not his along, but reflects the encouragement and hard work of many people, including family, friends and mentors who had believed in him.