Wool and Textile News

Alberta Experiencing Shearer Shortage

The United States and Australia aren?t the only countries suffering from a shearer shortage: Alberta, Canada, is acknowledging the problem within its sheep industry as well.                         

 

Although it is known for its cattle, Alberta has more than 255,000 sheep, but less than 30 registered shearers. Clive Reynolds is one of them, and he is not surprised that fewer and fewer people are entering the profession.

?It?s a hard way to make a living,? said Reynolds. ?You can make a good living, but it?s so spread out, you have to travel a lot to make any money.?

 

A professional can shear, on average, 200 sheep a day.

 

The shortage of shearers in the United States was a topic at both the American Wool Council and American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) Executive Board meetings in July.

 

?ASI producer leaders recently heard from U.S. shearing crews concerned with securing sheep shearers for the upcoming season,? said ASI President Guy Flora. ?The change in the U.S. currency exchange rate is one of the contributing factors to this problem, as is an overall shortage of professional shearers.?

 

AWI Launches Wool Promotion Campaign

The Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) announced in late July its intent to spend an extra $20 million over the next four years to build the standing of wool as part of a wider program to improve the natural fiber?s ailing image, reports Age Australia.

 

The campaign will target fashion designers and garment makers in an effort to get Australian wool back on international clothes racks. The promotion follows a shrinking demand for wool clothes in the face of cheaper artificial alternatives.

 

A key part of the campaign is the creation of new forms of wool, then the incorporation of those wools into retail clothing -- particularly clothing sold in the Northern Hemisphere. (The Northern Hemisphere accounts for 98 percent of all Australian wool sold.)

 

Apart from working on new products, like a trans-seasonal blend, AWI plans on increasing financial support for products already in the market, such as wool fleece.

 

Producers approved a 2-percent levy to fund the project last year. Additional funding is part of AWI?s recently revised five-year strategic investment plan. AWI has budgeted A$75 million for 2004/05 activities ? A$35.5 million in off-farm research, development and innovation (RDI) and A$29.5 million in on-farm RDI. In addition, AWI will continue to invest in informational and educational programs across both areas, with A$10 million allocated for this financial year.

 

Cotton Prices Slip

Cotton prices have slumped to a 20-month low amid reports that Chinese buyers may be delaying payment on U.S. and Australian imports.

 

The Australian Broadcasting Corp. recently reported that December futures contracts slid again, this time to 47.38 cents per pound. In addition, imports of cotton to China have plunged by 40 percent.

 

Andrew Cottle of the Independent Commodity Management says market conditions will be depressed for the next few months as the Chinese Government attempts to slow its economy.

 

?It?s a considerable worry? said Cottle, ?but we suspect over time they will re-enter the market.?

 

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