Sustainable wool production : a Western Australian perspective

Abstract

Animal Production in Australia 1998 Vol. 22 SUSTAINABLE WOOL PRODUCTION - A WESTERN AUSTRALIAN PERSPECTIVE I.J. McFARLANDA and S.J. SHAWB A B Agriculture WA, 10 Doney Street, Narrogin WA 6312 Agriculture WA, Gillamii Community Agricultural Centre, Cranbrook WA 6321 Wool production accounted for 14 % of the gross value of agricultural production for Western Australia in 1995/96. Increased returns for grain has placed pressure on the long term viability of wool production with some major changes evident. The aim of this paper is to provide an insight into the current production levels and management practices of Western Australian wool producers. There are approximately 4000 professional wool producers in the main wool producing area (Woolbelt) of Western Australia. Average annual rainfall varies from 300 to 800 mm. Interviews with 280 randomly selected growers stratified throughout the Woolbelt were carried out in early 1997. Results of the survey are presented in Table 1 and 2. Table 1. Proper ty details Average Minimum Maximum Total property size (ha) Winter grazed hectares (wgha) % total area cropped Total sheep % ewes % properties producing prime lambs Stocking rate (DSE/wgha) Wool cut (kg/wgha) Superphosphate application (kg/ha) 1735 1012 25 6120 44 50 8.4 28 83 164 93 0 689 2 5 0 11400 8095 76 31950 18.5 67 200 Table 2. Time of lambing and ewe shearing Percent of properties Lambing time April May June July or later Ewe shearing Spring (Sept, Oct, Nov) Summer (Dec, Jan, Feb) Autumn (Mar, Apr, May) Winter (Jun, Jul, Aug) 16 33.5 27 23 3 2 2 1 6 5 2 7 A previous study (McFarland 1996) of the Woolbelt showed that 15 % of the total area was cropped. The other obvious change has been an increase in the number of properties producing prime lambs. Despite the tough economic conditions wool productivity (kg/wgha) remains quite varied and well below the potential. To remain within the industry the lower producers need to make some major changes. The higher producing wool growers appear to have established an economically viable and sustainable system. MCFARLAND, I.J. (1996). W. Aust. J. Agric. 1, 30-34. 400