Uruguay Expects Smallest Wool Clip in Over 100 Years

Uruguay is facing its smallest clip in over 100 years. The 2011-2012 season's wool production is estimated to be limited to 32 million kilograms, according to Joaquin Martinicorena, president of Uruguay's Wool Secretariat (SUL).

The disclosure was done during the official opening of the Uruguay 2011-2012 shearing season.

Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Tabare Aguerre, said the clip this year will include the shearing of 7.5 million sheep and close to 2 million lambs, totaling an estimated 32 million kilograms of wool. A couple of decades ago, Uruguay's flock was more than 25 million.

However, the 2011-2012 season will be "the inflection point for Uruguay's falling sheep stock because of the excellent prices for wool and lamb", added SUL president.

Minister Aguerre said he was optimistic about the future of the sheep industry, emphasizing that sheep play an important role in rural development and social inclusion, and the purpose of the National Strategic Plan for the sector is basically to expand the production of lambs.

Reprinted in part from mercopress.com