Mulesing Issues

In recent years, the practice of surgical mulesing of merino lambs has become a contentious issue.

The Australian merino industry is divided on the issue and has failed to reach an agreement about a strategy and timing to eliminate the practice.

There is, however, a supply of certified Australian non-mulesed wool available through supply chains.

Genetics

Over the last 15 years, genetics have been developed to breed what is known as ‘plain bodied’ or ‘dual purpose’ merino sheep.

Sheep that are plain bodied are generally more resistant to all forms of fly strike.

Production using new genetics

There are a growing number of specialty merino producers using new genetics.

These merino producers have been able to cease the practice of mulesing on their farms.

Merino production in Australia has declined by 65% since 1991.

Sheep numbers are declining due to low wool income compared to meat and grain.

Concern about mulesing issues

The USA and European retail base is extremely concerned about the lack of response from the Australian wool industry regarding mulesing.  Many major brands have pledged to stop purchasing wool from sheep that have been mulesed.

The Australian industry is divided on the mulesing issue and has been slow to respond to market signals and the requirements of brands and retailers. However, there are a significant number of progressive growers who have embraced new breeding methods and ceased the practice of mulesing.

These growers are anxious to find reliable markets for their certified wool.

The supply system

The majority of Australian wool is traded as a commodity and sold at auction.

There are approximately 2 million bales or 335 million kgs sold as 360 thousand sale lots.

There are alternatives to the traditional commodity supply system which will provide supply chain transparency.

NewMerino® operates a fully independent supply chain.

The National Wool Declaration

The National Wool Declaration Version 1 was introduced in August 2008. Version 2 was introduced in April 2009.

The purpose of the National Wool Declaration is to identify the mulesing status of individual lines of wool being presented for sale at auction.

The use of the NWD is voluntary.

A desk audit system audits approximately 900 declarations annually (approx. 3%). On-farm inspection (audits) commenced in September 2010.

It is planned for 225 on-farm audits to have been conducted by April 30, 2011. This will be  approximately 0.75% of all farms.

Sustainability

Australia is a nation very mindful of the value of the land, but at the same time is aware of its fragility. Increasingly, the focus is on the preservation of things natural and the need to constantly work on improving natural resources for future generations.

The current generation of farmers is taking a much more holistic approach to managing their land in a sustainable manner.

Animal welfare

Over the last 15 years, genetics have been developed to breed what is known as ‘plain bodied’ or ‘dual purpose’ merino sheep.  Sheep that are plain bodied are generally more resistant to breech fly strike.

A significant number of merino producers now use these genetics and have been able to cease the practice of mulesing on their farms. Consequently, there is a growing supply of non-mulesed merino wool from farms that have ceased mulesing.

The further growth in supply of non-mulesed wool will increase when clear demand signals are received.

Processing

The dominant proportion of all merino wool is washed and combed in China.

It is not unusual for wool tops to be made by blending wool supplied from several countries.

General

Australian Wool Innovation is responsible for research and development and marketing leadership for the industry. Wool growers in Australia pay a 2% levy on the sale price of their wool to fund the organization and its activities. This amounts to in excess of AU$40 million per annum.

Many growers are extremely frustrated by the lack of progress in resolving the mulesing issue and are keen to move away from the commodity marketing system. This will enable them to deliver a more highly defined product and undertakings about quality and supply.