AUSTRALIA’S peak stud Merino breeder body has urged wool producers to vote for the two percent option in the coming WoolPoll ballot, advocating a bigger spend on marketing.

In a media release this week, the Australian Association of Stud Merino Breeders encouraged growers to make an informed decision in the Wool Poll.

WoolPoll is a voluntary vote of wool levy payers who have paid at least $100 in wool levies over the past three years. This year eligible growers will vote on four levy options – zero, 1 percent, 1.5pc and 2pc. The current levy rate is 1.5pc. WoolPoll regulations allow AWI to propose an additional levy rate for shareholders to consider; however, this year the AWI board has not applied to list a fifth option.

WoolPoll voting opens on Friday 20 September 2024 and closes on 1 November.

To update contact information, find more information about WoolPoll and read the Voter Information Memorandum growers should visit, https://www.wool.com/woolpoll.  The VIM outlines AWI’s projected operations depending on the 2024 WoolPoll ballot result.

AASMB president Geoff Davidson said the association supports the 2pc levy option and believes that the extra investment, particularly in marketing, will be the catalyst for improved wool prices.

“The more you look at AWI, the more you realise the importance of a strong industry body.

“The work that AWI has done in the European Community, defending wool’s environmental footprint against the synthetics industry has been game-changing,” he said.

“This has certainly improved European market access.”

Mr Davidson said the AWI investment in shearer training is certainly showing dividends, with benefits for both shearers, wool handlers and producers.

“The work in China by AWI, has seen the further development of the Chinese wool processing industry.

“With an improving Chinese economy, we should see a more sustainable wool price,” he said.

Merino breeders also support the national rally

The stud merino breeders association has also joined the National Farmers Federation in backing the National Agricultural Rally in Canberra on 10 September.

Mr Davidson said the impacts of the proposed closure of the live sheep trade and the pending biosecurity levy are unnecessary and divisive issues.

“Particularly concerning to us is the lack of science and logic behind the decision to end the live sheep trade.

“The West Australian producers have worked brilliantly to create a sustainable, highly ethical industry in line with Government requirements,” he said.

“To have it ruined by an unrelated political deal is not ethical.”

The association said it supports the Keep the Sheep campaign, but believes the issue is far bigger than just the live sheep trade.

“Farmer’s rights are being threatened. What is next, glyphosate, sustainable livestock transport or legitimate animal health procedures?” Mr Davidson said.

“We fully support the National Agriculture Rally to be held in Canberra on September 10.

“This opportunity to let the Government know our concerns should not be missed,” he said.

“Our rights are being eroded by militant minorities and misguided decision making.”

The NFF said the rally – initially called by the ‘Keep the Sheep’ live export campaign – will become an opportunity to highlight a broader range of farmer concerns: from a suite of new taxes, to the impact of water buybacks and energy infrastructure.

NFF wants return to ‘common sense’

NFF president David Jochinke said it was important that the industry stood up to its detractors who were increasingly calling the shots in Canberra.

“We’re seeing a growing number of decisions being driven by anti-farming activism, not evidence.

“We’re being drowned out by the noisy minority who want to shut us down,” Mr Jochinke said.

The rallying call follows a survey by the NFF that found confidence in the Federal Government had collapsed by nearly 40pc among members, with less than 1 in 10 farmers now saying Canberra was listening to them, or had a positive plan for their future.

The NFF said priority concerns the industry will highlight at the rally include:

• The activist-led ban on live sheep exports by sea
• Calls to scrap the Diesel Fuel Rebate
• Proposed new taxes for biosecurity and on superannuation
• Calls to scrap the 88 days of specified work for backpackers
• Water buybacks in the Murray Darling Basin and protecting the Great Artesian Basin
• Unnecessary red tape from Scope 3 emissions reporting
• The community impacts of energy and renewables developments

Mr Jochinke said a rally is an unusual step for the NFF, but it hoped it will send a powerful message to decision-makers ahead of the next election that these decisions need to stop.

“We just want a return to common sense.

“We want policies informed by farmers’ lived experience and designed to grow the industry, not diminish it to appease activist agendas,” he said.

“Whether you’re a farmer or not, I encourage you to join us to celebrate the positive story of Australian agriculture in the heart of Canberra,” Mr Jochinke concluded.

The rally will commence at 11am on 10 September on the Federation Mall, opposite Parliament House. For details visit nff.org.au.