Victorian breeders speak out against wool industry defending mulesing
It’s time to move on, say Victorian sheep producers who have ceased mulesing and managed their flocks successfully for 10-20 years.
PROGRESSIVE Victorian sheep breeders have recoiled from suggestions the wool industry should attempt to recast and defend the practice of mulesing to consumers.
Wool Producers Australia president Ed Storey last week called a “frank discussion” about mulesing in its upcoming 2030 strategy, pointing to the fact that most Australian wool was still produced by mulesed sheep, and the market needed to be educated about why.
He said mulesing remained a required animal health practice on many farms.
But Ben Duxson, Glendemar Merinos, Marnoo, said he was “disappointed” by the “damaging message”.
“We stopped mulesing 20 years ago, it is possible and we see premiums now up to 30 per cent above the market, especially on a sliding market, for non-mulesed wool,” Mr Duxson said.
“It’d be good to see our leaders show a bit more leadership, it’s very disappointing that they are taking such a long stance on this; really the industry has had enough time to change, breeding is possible, but producers need to be willing to make the move.
“It is doing damage to Australia’s reputation because wool from New Zealand, South Africa and South America is not from mulesed sheep.
“We need to be mature enough to recognise our consumers don’t want mulesing.
Wareek sheep producer Martin Long, who ceased mulesing his sheep in 2007, said the decision made him a better manager. “We monitor our stock better now,” he said.
“Consumer is king, we just need to move away from it, it just has to happen.
“In the past three years we’ve gotten premiums for contracted non-mulesed wool.”
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