Wool

There can only be one way for farm gate prices for strong wool - and it’s up! Wool Impact knows it will be what farmers judge their performance on, so how far away is it? Words Tony Leggett Photos Wool Impact.

A self-confessed ‘wool evangelist’, Brad Stuart has turned his passion for wool as an undervalued product into a thriving wool insulation business. Words Tony Leggett.

Helping to guide the strong wool industry to greater prosperity is much more than a government role for Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson. It’s personal. Words Tony Leggett, Photos Mark Patterson.

A report from the Campaign for Wool NZ Trust chairman Ryan Cosgrove shows colour is the most important attribute of strong wool, accounting for 48% of the variability in price at auction. Words Tony Leggett.

When 70% of the workload in running sheep is generated by the wool they grow, it is unsurprising farmers are exploring new breeds that grow less fibre or naturally shed it completely. Tony Leggett investigates two farm businesses on different sides of the field. Words Tony Leggett.

Shearing & animal health costs outstrip the income from strong wool and one academic believes it’s a no brainer to lean into Wiltshires (shedding sheep). Rebecca uncovers the benefits of the breed from the research trial at Massey University along with the inspirational story of one East Coast farmer who had his capital stock wiped out from a drought and a cyclone.

A scheme to find value-added markets for a family farm’s wool clip is now a full-fledged industry. Words and Photos by Malcolm Pullman

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.

The New Zealand sheep industry has had many discussions over the years about the perfect sheep and how that fits into the diverse range of farming conditions. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, but a group of farmers and a scientist are working on that idea. By Sarah Horrocks.

The Campaign for Wool New Zealand (CFWNZ), tasked with advancing strong wool education, promotion and advocacy, has unveiled a new online portal and updates to the Wool in Schools programme.