Hurse family shearing

Despite the disappointment of lower wool prices than a year ago, the Hurse family is looking at the bright side.

The wool market isn’t doing much to excite wool growers currently.

But for the Hurse family, getting their main shearing finished is a positive.

Peter and Sharon Hurse, along with their son Matthew, run a mixed farming enterprise at Moolort in central Victoria.

Matthew Hurse with his dog Tilly at Moolort during shearing. Picture: Rob Leeson

This week they finished shearing about 3000 Merino sheep, including lambs, and will sell their wool within the next few weeks.

The sheep have an average fibre diameter of 20-21 microns.

Matthew said on current market appraisals they were expecting about 1000c/kg average for their wool.

The benchmark Eastern Market Indicator closed last week at 1171c/kg clean, down 15c/kg on the previous week and down 262c/kg on the same time last year.

The southern region 21-micron indicator was at 1317c/kg.

Peter and Matthew Hurse during shearing at their property at Moolort. Picture: Rob Leeson

“It would be good if prices were better of course, I think it will definitely be a bit lower than last year and input costs are higher,” he said.

He said shearing costs were roughly the same as last year, however drench, labour and other inputs that go with shearing were all higher.

“You’ve just got to keep an eye on it (the costs).”

Matthew said they have had a “good season” and had a successful winter crop harvest which finished before Christmas.

“The crops have definitely pulled above their weight the last couple of years, so we can’t complain.”

Shearing at Moolort. Picture: Rob Leeson.