Welcome to the July edition of ‘Around the Camp’. Winter has definitely arrived, so I hope you have got your wooly jumpers out! 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.
- Queensland wool production
- Live stream – LambEx 2014
- Feral animal mapping
- Drone helps producer check on stock
- ‘Silver Bullet’ for blowfly?
- Upcoming events
- eBulletins
1. Queensland wool production
David Henderson from Western Wool Marketing has summarised information released by Australian Wool Testing Authority that quantifies the effects that the drought has had on Queensland wool production. (david.henderson@olamnet.com)
- The national wool clip bale numbers were down 4.6%. Queensland bale numbers fell 27.0%. Falling from 73,490 in 2012/13 to 53,648 in 2013/14.
- The drought also fined up the clip. Queensland now has Australia’s finest mean fibre diameter at 19.5 micron. This is down from 20.1 micron in 2012/13. The national mean fibre diameter is now 20.9 micron down from 21.2 micron the year before.
- 60.6% of Queensland wool is now finer than 19.5 micron. Nationally 44.6% of the clip is now finer than 19.5micron. Last year in 2012/13 only 40.3% of the clip was under 19.5 micron.
- Our export desk has been constantly making comments on this supply increase in the fine end of the clip and how this has had a negative impact on fine wool pricing.
2. Live stream – LambEx 2014
LAMBEX IS SOLD OUT! You can however watch the event live, including the opportunity to send in your questions in real time while presenters are on stage, or plan to watch it later. This is a great opportunity for those that couldn’t make the event but want to hear the exciting speakers they have organised.
Please click on the Watch LambEx tab and complete a registration so you can log in. This service is offered at no charge to the viewer.
For more information on LambEx 2014, click here.
3. Feral animal mapping
A community driven wild dog map that aims to provide better feral control planning outcomes. All information is stored using the Desert Channels Queensland Fulcrum App. Some of you may have seen this early on in the week but just to inform everyone, Desert Channels Queensland has recently released the feral animal mapping. The overall aim is to encourage collaboration among landholder, community groups and local government in tackling the feral animal issue.
To find out more or to become a contributor of data, click here
4. Drone helps producer check on stock
A New Zealand farming family have employed a set of digital eyes to help keep track of their stock. They’re using a remote-controlled drone fitted with cameras to fly over their farm, counting sheep and looking out for problems. Their remote-controlled helicopter is fitted with two cameras – one feeds back live pictures through a set of goggles and the other records higher quality video for later.
5. ‘Silver Bullet’ for blowfly?
Eradication by sterilisation would be the ultimate silver bullet solution to the Australian sheep blowfly pest problem, according to a New South Wales entomologist. “The Australian sheep blowfly has the right characteristics for sterile insect release, but the problem was the cost of a room in a radiation facility was found to be prohibitive when a cost analysis was conducted, for it to be possible it would have to be government-funded,” Dr Weston said.
To find out more, click here
6. Upcoming events
14 July – Making the most from prime lambs, Nindigully, click here to view details.
9-11 July – LambEx in Adelaide, click here to view details.
23-24 July – Business Edge, Roma, click here to view details.
31 July – ABARE regional outlook conference, Goondiwindi, click to view details.
26-29 August – Dubbo sheep and wool bus tour 2014, click here to view the tour details.
9-10 September – Westech Field Day, Barcaldine, click here for more information.
7.eBulletins
The Feral Flyer, Invasive Animals CRC e-newsletter – Issue 251 3 July 2014
AWI Woolgrowers’ eNewsletter – June 2014