Episode 3 – Will 2024 be the ‘Wool Renaissance’ everyone is hoping for?

In this episode on the Country-Wide podcast, Editor Rebecca Greaves talks to an innovative farming couple who have developed a woollen alternative to plastic tree protectors as well as Campaign for Wool’s, Tom O’Sullivan on the positive approach the new government is taking to supporting the industry.

Due to popular demand, we present The Country-Wide Podcast series!

Every week, we’ll be interviewing experts, inspiring characters and change-makers to bring you the latest news and trends from the farming industry.

Guests include:

1. Craig Smith, Devold NZ
2. Danielle Morton & 
3. Anastasia Tristram, Floating Peaks woollen popular poles
4. Tom O’Sullivan, Campaign for Wool.

Hosts:

1. Rebecca Greaves, Editor, Country-Wide
2. Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Managing Director, CountryWide Media

From the discovery of real-time smartphone micron testing to tracing the journey of wool from sheep to shop, we delve into the pivotal role education and government play in reshaping the future of wool. This episode provides a hopeful outlook, driven by increasing demand for natural and sustainable solutions and the potential for transformative industry innovation.

This episode discusses the environmental impact of plastics tree sleeves with Anastasia Tristram, a Central Hawkes Bay farmer who co-founded Floating Peaks offering woollen poplar tree protectors.

Sarah chats to Craig Smith, general manager of Devold NZ and Australian start-up, Zondii that is providing NZ merino growers with the opportunity to prove the traceability of their wool clip from sheep to shop.

Rebecca concludes with an honest chat with Tom O’Sullivan about the cost of wool production highlighting the financial challenges faced by farmers, a focus on declining wool sheep numbers and the role the new government can play in supporting the wool industry by specifying wool products in government procurement of carpets. 

Key Chapters of Interest

12:17 Wool Pole Protectors with Anastasia Tristram

20:26 Wool Journey Resource packs for schools

23:35 Zondii’s technology for wool testing

31:52 Devold’s commitment to quality and traceability

34:13 Traceability in the New York fashion industry

43:31 Campaign for Wool’s education programme, Wools in Schools

52:41 NZ government’s role in the procurement of wool in building products

01:01:41 Highlighting Bremworth carpet’s success

You can find the Country-Wide podcast on all your favourite podcast providers.

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