AUSTRALIAN Wool Innovation would need to change what it does whatever the result of the 2024 WoolPoll ballot is, according to WoolProducers Australia president Steve Harrison.
Wool growers across Australia are being urged to have their say and vote in WoolPoll 2024 before the poll closes on 1 November.
WoolPoll is a voluntary vote of wool levy payers who have paid at least $100 in wool levies over the past three years. Growers this year are picking from four levy options — zero, 1pc, 1.5pc and 2pc — in the preferential voting system ballot.
Don’t let someone else decided for you – Keniry
WoolPoll chairman Richard Keniry
WoolPoll chairman Rich Keniry urged eligible wool growers to vote now before polls close.
“This is your opportunity to decide how much of your money is invested by Australian Wool Innovation back into the industry through research, development and marketing activities,” Mr Keniry said.
“Don’t let someone else decide for you.
“WoolPoll only comes around every three years, so don’t miss your chance to have your say,” he said.
“By voting, you will help ensure that the levy rate reflects your needs and priorities – driving positive change and advancements across our industry.
“Wool growers can vote online or simply return the voting kit which has been mailed directly to eligible voters. Voters can have their say through a self-addressed mail, email, or fax – whatever suits them best,” Mr Keniry said.
“Ultimately, you’ll get what you pay for – but also what you vote for.”
WoolPoll result indication uncertain
WoolProducers Australia president Steve Harrison.
Mr Harrison said he initially thought AWI would achieve its desired 2 percent levy result in the WoolPoll ballot.
“Now I’m not so sure, but whatever they get, they’re going to have to change what they have been doing, because clearly with the Eastern Market Indicator (wool price benchmark) where it is, it’s not working.”
Mr Harrison said apathy is one of the biggest issues facing wool growers.
“Apathy … don’t get accused of that, make your vote count.”
Mr Harrison said AWI has spent at least $350 million on marketing over the last 10 years.
“For the EMI to be where it is … we can’t continue to blame COVID or the global downturn…
“If it’s not working, we’ve got to change,” he said.
“At this stage, we could spend less on marketing because we are not seeing the benefit of it.
“Either way, we need the price to lift 500 cents/kg because we are losing good farmers hand over foot; they’re selling their farms.”
Wool growers can vote online at www.wool.com/woolpoll, by mail, email or via fax.
To find more information about WoolPoll and to read the Voter Information Memorandum visit wool.com/woolpoll
Voting closes on 1 November.
For AWI to continue it will need to lift the game it plays instead of fighting like caged lions to preserve the past.
Progressive breeders have moved on to produce a highly productive, low-maintenance merino that is fly-resistant, doesn’t need mulesing or jetting and produces high numbers of lambs that survive and grow. In addition, shearers like shearing them and the fibre is in demand and a premium is paid.
Until AWI catches on that the industry in some quarters has moved on it will be running an organisation that is going downhill, leading to further exits by wool producers.
Whilst it is commendable for WoolProducers chairman Steve Harrison to advocate change for AWI, but change to what and how? Growers have advocated change for as long as I can remember. The last bold creative change was when Bill Vines introduced the Woolmark symbol to differentiate “pure new wool from reconstituted wool”. Whilst I think it was Vines’ idea, it was he together with the enigmatic leadership of Bill Gunn that pulled it off.
Twenty years ago a similiar opportunity arose to promote pure Australian non- mulesed wool, but no.
My observation is that there is a renaissance spring starting to shoot in the wool industry driven by all levels of industry. My suggestion is for AWI to pack its bags and create the space for an innovative industry to flourish. Yes Steve, the price today is disappointing, but nothing AWI will ever do will change that, that we know.
If AWI had provided the leadership and the resources for Australia in 2008 to move to a certified non-mulesed clip, the price and the sentiment may have been completely different.
Mr Harrison, I would suggest wool growers are not selling the farm. As can be seen by the numbers. The industry has shrunk from 170m sheep to 70m. Growers are changing their land use to other industries. The industry needs to change with the market and public sentiment.
I voted 0 (in WoolPoll). An AWI controlled by the Federal Government just doesn’t cut it.