Around the Camp: More bucks for brains / Wool export figures / New Leading Sheep project/ Bush bible / Fibre of Football

Welcome to the August edition of ‘Around the Camp’. This month’s edition contains a wide variety of articles – hopefully you will find something that interests you! As always if you have a suggestion for an article or any feedback then please let us know.

More bucks for brains – we need your sheep
Wool export figures
Helping to shape the next Leading Sheep
Western bush bible
Wool celebrated as fibre of football
Upcoming events
eBulletins

1. More bucks for brains – we need your sheep

Sheep producers can help maintain Australia’s favourable trading status by keeping a close eye on their flocks for any signs of the disease scrapie, and earn money at the same time. The incentive payment available to producers has doubled to $100 for any sheep showing signs of neurological disease that are tested for scrapie. Scrapie is a degenerative disease that affects the nervous system of sheep and goats. Clinical signs can include changes in behaviour or temperament, scratching / itching or wool loss, stumbling and difficulty in walking. Sheep must be at least 18 months old and preferably under five years of age. The incentive payment is available for a maximum of two animals per disease incident.

Producers who have sheep showing clinical signs should contact Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 or their local veterinarian to determine whether they are eligible for the incentive payment.

For more information, click here.

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2. Wool export figures

David Henderson from Queensland Cotton Western Wool Marketing (david.henderson@olamnet.com) reports that in the latest ABS Export Statistics (May 2014) that:

Australian wool export volumes were down 5.4% in the period July 2013 to May 2014.
Production volumes were down 4.6% over the same period.
Major export destinations compared to previous year: China -10.3%; India +22.3% and Italy +2.7%.
China remains the major processor of all microns (<19um 81%; 20 to 23um 64% and national clip 75.1%).
India is a developing medium wool market with 66% of their imports in the 20 to 22micron range.
Italy remains predominately a fine wool processor with 81% of their imports <19 micron.

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3. Helping to shape the next Leading Sheep

Our current funding for Leading Sheep runs out in June 2015 and we are in the process of developing a new project proposal. To help us do this and to design the project so that it best meets your needs we would like your feedback. To give us your suggestions, feedback and ideas for a new Leading Sheep project please complete this short (6 question) survey before the 12th August by clicking here.

If you want to know more about the survey, how it will be used or have any other questions please don’t hesitate to contact Nicole Sallur on 07 4654 4220 or nicole.sallur@daff.qld.gov.au.

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4. Western bush bible

The Western Bush Bible is a resource outlining the financial and well-being drought assistance that is currently available. An initiative of Suncare Community Services and the Rural Financial Counselling Service, it will help people identify the various assistance schemes that are offered across the regions. Click here to view the Western Bush Bible.

For more information contact Ingrid Miller Suncare Drought Relief Program Coordinator on 07 4658 5933 or ingrid.m@suncare.org.au.

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5. Wool celebrated as fibre of football

The Fibre of Football celebrates two Australian icons that have supported each other throughout the evolution of our native game and our natural fibre. Both are central to the livelihoods and identities of many thousands of Australians. This campaign will involve many initiatives. From placing the natural fibre into football supporter gear, country football wool blend ‘MerinoPerform’ playing tops through to compiling images and stories of woollen playing jumpers and nominating people for the “Ultimate Wool Team”.

To celebrate the connection between the woolgrowing community and football an introductory video has been produced, click here to watch the video “Australian Wool – The Fibre of Football”

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