Australian wool production to go higher in 2021-22

Australian wool production estimates for this season have been released, and it looks positive.

Wool production is tipped to rise this season.

Wool production is forecast to increase 8 per cent in 2021-22.

The latest Australian Wool Production Forecasting Committee’s forecast, released last week, shows production in 2021-22 is estimated at 318 million kilograms greasy, an 8 per cent increase on the 2020-21 estimated shorn wool production of 294 million kg and an upward revision from the Committee’s August forecast of 310 million kg.

Total shorn sheep numbers for the current financial year are estimated at 70 million head, up 4.6 per cent on last year.

The average cut per head has also increased, to 4.54kg/head — a 3.2 per cent increase.

Committee chairman Russell Pattinson said widespread November rain across most

wool producing regions will build on the already exceptional spring season.

“Pasture feed is plentiful in many grazing regions, while in farming areas crop stubbles will also contribute to an ample supply of summer feed. The abundant feed supply is expected to increase average cut per head,” Mr Pattinson said.

Australian Wool Testing Authority key test data from July to November show year-on-year increases in vegetable matter (up 0.6 per cent to 2.3 per cent) and yield (up 1 per cent to 65 per cent), which are both indicators of the improved seasonal conditions.

All states are expected to increase their production with NSW to hit 105.9 million kg in 2021-22, up 6.8 per cent; Victoria to reach 75.7 million kg, up 7.1 per cent and Western Australia at 62.3 million kg, up 10.3 per cent.

South Australian production is forecast at 54.9 million kg, a rise of 6.6 per cent; Tasmania at 10.7 million kg, up 13.8 per cent, while Queensland will record the largest rise in production at 8.7 million kg, up 20.8 per cent.

The Committee confirmed its August estimate of shorn wool production for the 2020-21 season at 294 million kg greasy, a 3.7 per cent increase on the 284 million kg production for the 2019-20 season.

Meanwhile, the wool market finished the year on a slightly weaker, but positive note as the Eastern Market Indicator fell 2c/kg to close at 1358c/kg.

The national offering rose to 40,862 bales last week, up 3849 on the previous week, resulting in the national pass in rate jumping to 13.7 per cent.