No Change to AU Wool Production Forecasts
September 23, 2005
September 23, 2005 -- According to the National Wool Production Forecasting Committee, Australian shorn wool production in 2005-2006 is forecast at 470mkg (1.036 billion pounds) greasy based on 106.7 million sheep. This is down from 475mkg (1.047 billion pounds) in the 2004-2005 season. The average fleece weight is expected to be 4.40 kg/head (9.7 lbs./fleece). The main driver behind the 2005-2006 forecast continues to be an expectation of lighter fleece weights this year. Average fleece weights are forecast to decline around 2 percent to 3 percent, largely as a result of weather conditions across the country.
The increase in Merino ewes as a proportion of the flock, combined with the increase in pure Merino joinings evident from flock rebuilding, is likely to result in a younger flock profile, maintaining pressure on fleece weight per head and micron in the medium term. Further increases in Merino production will depend on improving seasonal conditions and the relative price premiums for wool and lamb.
It is estimated that U.S. wool production for 2005 will be approximately 38.3 million pounds. This is up 2 percent from 2004 and is attributed to the increasing size of the U.S. flock.
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