PROTECTING FLOCKS FROM FLYSTRIKE - ISSUE 76 SEPTEMBER 2018 - Australian Wool ...
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ISSUE 76 SEPTEMBER 2018 PROFIT FROM WOOL INNOVATION www.wool.com PROTECTING FLOCKS FROM FLYSTRIKE 08 40 58 LIVE & BREATHE NATIONAL MERINO MERINO LIFETIME CAMPAIGN CHALLENGE PRODUCTIVITY
14 H URN & FYFE 62 D ROUGHT RESOURCES BACK FIBRE OF FOOTBALL FOR WOOLGROWERS OFF-FARM ON-FARM EXECUTIVE EDITOR Richard Smith E richard.smith@wool.com A AWI Marketing and Communications L6, 68 Harrington St, The Rocks, Sydney NSW 2000 4 WoolPoll 2018 38 Lifetime Ewe Management case study GPO Box 4177, Sydney NSW 2001 8 AWI’s new ‘live & breathe’ campaign 40 National Merino Challenge 2018 P 02 8295 3100 E info@wool.com W wool.com 9 Peak performance from Black Diamond 42 Australian Rural Leadership Program AWI Helpline 1800 070 099 10 Jenna completes her run for bums 43 Next generation on the horizon SUBSCRIPTION Beyond the Bale is available free. 12 Leading sportswear brand ashmei 44 Queensland wild dog coordinators To subscribe contact AWI P 02 8295 3100 E info@wool.com 13 Particle Fever slam dunks with wool 45 My exclusion fence is built, now what? Beyond the Bale is published by Australian 14 Fibre of Football 46 SA aerial baiting receives support Wool Innovation Ltd (AWI), a company funded by Australian woolgrowers and the 15 Emma Hawkins at home with Jeanswest 47 Wild dogs in the USA Australian Government. AWI’s goal is to help 48 2018 Flystrike RD&E Technical Update increase the demand for wool by actively 16 Wool Week Australia selling Merino wool and its attributes through 18 Scanlan Collective’s love for Merino wool 50 Performance of blowfly & lice treatments investments in marketing, innovation and R&D – from farm to fashion and interiors. 19 SABA: Sisterhood of the travelling coat 52 Premiums/discounts for mulesing status COPYRIGHT 20 McIntyre: Knitted in history 53 LVMH learns about animal welfare Material in Beyond the Bale is copyright. Reproduction of the material is encouraged. 21 Waverley Mills remains Australian icon 54 Transitioning to a ceased-mulesing flock However prior permission must be obtained 23 International Woolmark Prize 57 Improving sheep AI programs from the Executive Editor. 24 Blair Archibald excels with wool 58 Merino Lifetime Productivity project DISCLAIMER To the extent permitted by law, Australian 24 Dion Lee: SUIT portrait series 60 Elmore Field Days Wool Innovation Ltd excludes all liability for loss or damage arising from the use of, 25 Joe Merino’s classic T-shirt for summer 62 Drought resources for woolgrowers or reliance on, the information contained in this publication. 25 ODEEH: womenswear push in Germany 63 Beyond Blue ambassador John Sudholz The Woolmark symbol is a registered trademark of The Woolmark Company Pty Ltd. 26 Fox & Lillie woolgrower tour to Europe 64 Technologies to shape your future © 2018 Australian Wool Innovation Ltd. All rights reserved. 28 Lagonda: Electric experience with wool 65 Artificial intelligence R&D to aid selection ADVERTISING SALES 29 MINI helps drive demand for wool 66 New tool tackles Red Leaf syndrome Max Hyde, Hyde Media Pty Ltd P 03 5659 5292 30 Top Japan brands inspired by Aussie visit 67 Shearer and wool handler training E max@hydemedia.com.au 31 Merino wool takes centre stage Vietnam 68 Robotic shearing revisited in digital age Advertising is subject to terms and conditions published on the ratecard, which is available 32 Australia-China relationship strengthened 69 R&D into fully automated wool harvesting from Hyde Media. 33 New Wool Education Centre in Shanghai 70 How long can this wool market hold up? ISSN 1447-9680 33 Trade workshop for Chinese partners 72 EMI record run continues FRONT COVER 34 Study backs wool to ameliorate eczema 73 WoolQ: new functionality Protecting the national flock against flystrike. At this year’s 2018 Breech Flystrike RD&E 35 Digital ways to learn about wool 74 Readers’ photos Technical Update, held in June in Sydney and attended by 115 industry stakeholders, significant 36 Naturally Inspiring seminars and incremental progress was reported from a wide spectrum of research projects and 37 Latest wool fashions showcased locally AWI INVESTMENT STRATEGIES trials conducted on farms and in laboratories. Marketing Sheep Woolgrower See page 48 for details. Production Services feedback@wool.com Processing Innovation Business & Education Extension Services WOOL.COM To subscribe to the free monthly AWI e-newsletter for woolgrowers, and the weekly wool market review e-newsletter, visit www.wool.com/subscribe WOOLMARK.COM instagram/BeyondTheBale facebook.com/TheWoolmarkCompany twitter.com/woolinnovation twitter.com/woolmark youtube.com/AWIWoolProduction instagram.com/TheWoolmarkCompany wool.com/podcast youtube.com/TheWoolmarkCompany This magazine is printed on PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of View Beyond the Bale online with image galleries BtB and video at http://beyondthebale.wool.com Forest Certification) paper stock. GD2973
UPFRONT 3 GETTING ON WITH BUSINESS We are continuing with initiatives to help increase the demand for wool through investments in marketing Stuart McCullough and R&D – from farm to fashion. Chief Executive Officer Australian Wool Innovation DROUGHT WOOLPOLL 2018 A NEW LOOK I am deeply concerned about the effect that I encourage all eligible wool levy payers AT SHEARING the enduring drought conditions are having to cast their votes when the poll opens Wool harvesting is an elaborate labour- on many woolgrowers. AWI provides a range on 17 September. It is the opportunity for intensive process, relying on highly trained of drought planning and management woolgrowers Australia-wide to choose what shearers and wool handlers who work hard publications, webinar recordings and other percentage of their clip proceeds are used within a busy wool shed workplace. While AWI resources for woolgrowers going into, to fund AWI – their research, development continues to fund shearer and wool handler enduring or recovering from drought. On and marketing company – for the next training aimed at increasing productivity, skills our website we also provide links to useful three years. The ballot paper will be posted development and professionalism, AWI is also external resources and government agencies to eligible levy payers in September, along taking a new look at automated shearing. that provide drought assistance. View a list with a Voter Information Kit that outlines We are spreading the investment risk across of available resources on the AWI website information about WoolPoll 2018 and how a few investments, as well as looking for at www.wool.com/droughtresources. AWI proposes to invest levy funds at each additional opportunities in safe and soft levy rate option. The poll closes at 5pm robotics. See page 68 for further details. HEALTHY PRICES (AEST) on 2 November. CONTINUE PROTECTING AWI ANNUAL GENERAL AGAINST FLYSTRIKE During the past few months, the EMI surpassed the $20 mark for the very first MEETING (AGM) At this year’s 2018 Breech Flystrike RD&E time, and at the time of writing is $21.16. The AWI 2018 AGM will be held on Technical Update attended by 115 industry Prices are in very healthy territory, both in Friday 23 November at the Swissotel stakeholders in July, significant and incremental absolute terms and in comparison to prices Sydney at 68 Market St, Sydney. Formal progress was reported from a wide spectrum of from just 12 months ago. I have always notice and meeting papers will be sent to AWI research projects and trials conducted on farms firmly believed that Merino wool is a $20+ shareholders in October. AWI shareholders and in laboratories. The presentations from the fibre. With supply having increased during who are unable to attend the AGM in person event are all available on the AWI website at the past couple of seasons, I consider these will be able to view the AGM proceedings www.wool.com/flystrikeRnDupdate robust prices as fundamentally a result of a via webcast. Further details are available on strong and consistent demand for our fibre. the AWI website at www.wool.com/agm. LIVE & BREATHE AWI’s marketing in key northern hemisphere The AWI 2017/18 Annual Report will also be MARKETING CAMPAIGN markets has been successfully cementing released in October. AWI’s marketing arm The Woolmark Australian wool as a premium natural fibre Company has launched a new global for which consumers are willing to pay a REGISTER NOW consumer campaign – the first in recent premium price. Although the finer microns FOR WOOLQ years. The Live & Breathe campaign aims to have performed particularly well lately, Most of WoolQ’s functionality is now educate a lost generation on the technical the broader microns have also been rising complete and available on the WoolQ performance benefits of Australian Merino during the past 18 months. Meanwhile, other website. This functionality includes wool, and to drive purchase through competitive fibre prices remain relatively flat. the industry discussion forum and partners in the performance, athleisure ready reckoner, as well as the eSpeci (an and streetwear categories. The overarching INDEPENDENT REVIEW alternative to the current paper speci) that message of the campaign – which comprises OF PERFORMANCE was made available in March. The final a short film, hero fashion and sportswear piece of WoolQ functionality, the ‘WoolQ imagery, and additional e-commerce AWI has published on its website an Market’, is scheduled for release towards extensions – is that wool is breathable, independent Review of Performance, which the end of the year. I strongly encourage making it perfect for performance. Focusing is required to be conducted every three years. woolgrowers to register with WoolQ today on breathability allows the campaign to The report, produced by Ernst & Young, will – at www.woolq.com. Not only will you be talk about a number of wool’s key elements be of great benefit to AWI in refining its able to use all the current functionality, in the performance category, such as processes and approach going forward. I am but you will be kept updated on the release temperature regulation, odour resistance pleased the review included important context of the WoolQ Market. and its moisture-wicking nature. For more about the scale of the Australian wool industry information, visit www.woolmark.com. and the scope of AWI’s role.
4 UPFRONT IT’S YOUR CHOICE WILL YOU VOTE THIS WOOLPOLL? The 2018 WoolPoll levy rate options have been announced; 3% 2.5% voting opens on 17 September; Every three years AWI is required to conduct a poll asking woolgrowers to and AWI recommends growers determine what percentage of their choose to maintain the 2% levy. wool income they would like to invest in research, development (R&D) and marketing undertaken by AWI. In the coming weeks, you’ll receive your Voter Information Kit, which includes your ballot papers to vote in this year’s WoolPoll. Whether wool is the primary focus of your business, part of your mixed enterprise, or just a hobby on the side, your vote counts. Don’t leave it to others to decide what investment – if any – is made in future WoolPoll is your opportunity to directly R&D and marketing for our industry. influence how much funding AWI will receive for the next three years to deliver YOUR LEVY R&D and marketing services for the RATE OPTIONS Australian wool industry. The WoolPoll Regulations require AWI 1.5% to propose 3 to 5 levy rates for you to vote on, including a zero option if you think investment in R&D and marketing for the industry isn’t necessary. If you have paid $100 or more in wool WoolPoll 2018 asks you to consider five levy rate options: 0% levies over the past three financial years, you are eligible to vote in WoolPoll. Your voting entitlement is determined MESSAGE FROM WoolPoll Panel Chair Sydney Lawrie. from records of your wool sales. If you are eligible to vote, you will have been notified THE WOOLPOLL of your voting entitlement in August. PANEL CHAIR TO WOOLGROWERS I’m privileged to be your Panel Chair for WoolPoll 2018 and lead such a diverse Panel representing woolgrowers from all regions across Australia. Your Ballot Paper will be sent to you in We the Panel have worked closely with September. You can vote online, by mail AWI to ensure that the Voter Information or via fax – as per the instructions that Memorandum provides you with the will be sent with the Ballot Paper. information you need when deciding how to For any questions about the voting place your vote. process, call the voter assistance line I encourage you to take the time to sit down on 1800 990 365. as a family or a business unit and discuss the future you want for your business and your industry. This is such a critical vote for the industry, and an opportunity we get every 3 years that other industries don’t – IT’S YOUR WOOL, IT’S YOUR LEVY, IT’S YOUR VOTE! Voting opens on 17 September 2018. Sydney Lawrie The poll closes at 5pm (AEDT) on Chair, 2018 WoolPoll Panel 2 November 2018.
UPFRONT 5 AWI RECOMMENDS: VOTE 2% THIS WOOLPOLL • T he projects featured in this edition future-proof our investments. We believe 2% of Beyond the Bale are only a snapshot is the optimum level to balance our financial of the work AWI does on your behalf. responsibility with our capacity to deliver WHY WE DON’T If you see value in the projects we’re benefits for growers. RECOMMEND funding, then we need your support at WoolPoll to continue. Choosing 2% means we can continue to deliver our core R&D and extension MORE THAN 2% programs in areas such as managing flystrike, While AWI could invest even more • V oting 2% means we can continue to improving reproduction and wild dog control, in R&D and marketing at 3% or 2.5%, deliver your core R&D and marketing to address your profitability and productivity we believe 2% is the optimum level to priorities – and look at investing in priorities. We can also invest in new projects balance our financial responsibility new projects that fill important gaps as they arise to help lower production costs, in the industry. with our capacity to deliver benefits such as automated wool harvesting, which we couldn’t do with less than 2%. for growers. • 2 % enables us to build resilience and future-proof. With 98% of Australian wool being exported, we need all hands on deck across the supply WHY WE DON’T D emand for wool has risen sharply and chain because without consumer education with it, so has the price. Many of you and awareness, people wouldn’t choose to RECOMMEND 1.5% are taking advantage of this and investing buy Australian wool. With the 2% levy, we can We could not maintain the level of back into your business – because we all keep marketing Australian wool and building investment in R&D and marketing at know that choosing to invest when times are global demand. Just as moving between 1.5% in the long term, nor continue to good enables us to future-proof and build farming enterprises is relatively easy, so too is substituting wool for other fibres. If we deliver R&D and marketing benefits for resilience. With the drought biting hard across much of Eastern Australia, it’s even take our foot off the pedal, we’ll leave a gap in woolgrowers. We would have no capacity more front of mind that we must prepare the market that will undoubtedly be filled by to invest in new opportunities and no now to manage the challenges of the future. another fibre. It's a conscious choice, and we buffer in our budget against future want to ensure wool is the final choice, right wool price volatility, meaning existing Since late 2017, the Board has deliberated along the supply chain through to consumers. programs may have to be discontinued. on the levy rate options and what its recommended rate should be, with extensive Choosing 2% allows us to secure wool’s place in the apparel and textile market of modelling of investment and forecasting of production and income at the various rates. the future, by investing in product and WHY WE DON’T We know some parts of the industry say that processing innovations that revolutionise how wool is thought of and used – no longer RECOMMEND 0% cutting the levy won’t hurt R&D or marketing the itchy, bulky school jumper of days gone 0% makes it impossible to address investments, because the higher wool price by, but a luxurious, high performance, key woolgrower priorities that support will counteract any losses to AWI’s funding. technical fibre for the modern consumer. profitability, sustainability or increased But a cut to the levy leaves no room in the WoolPoll is your choice to invest in your demand. We would have to abandon budget to protect your investments against any future price volatility or unpredictable industry. Your future profitability, the R&D that helps in your fight against seasonal conditions that affect production industry’s sustainability, and the global flies, wild dogs or any future industry volumes – factors which heavily impact the demand for your product rests on this threats. We would stop marketing your amount of income AWI receives. choice. AWI takes seriously its role in wool, and walk away from all the delivering R&D and marketing outcomes ground we have gained in growing That’s why we’re recommending you vote to that benefit Australian woolgrowers maintain the 2% levy – so we can invest now – and it can only do this if you vote to demand for Australian wool. when prices are good and build resilience to maintain the 2% levy rate. IT’S YOUR CHOICE VOTER INFORMATION MEMORANDUM WOOL IS YOUR CHOICE VOTING OPENS 17 SEPTEMBER 2018 VOTING CLOSES Australian farmers investing 2 NOVEMBER 2018 in wool innovation since 1936 The WoolPoll Voter Information Memorandum (left) and AWI’s summary of investments ‘Wool is Your Choice’ (middle) will be sent with ballot papers in September to those woolgrowers eligible to vote at WoolPoll 2018. You can view them both documents online now at www.woolpoll.com.au (right).
6 UPFRONT MESSAGE FROM YOUR WOOLPOLL PANEL Sydney Lawrie, SA Richard Keniry, NSW Rob Ingram, NSW “People are showing a lot more interest in “Treat (the) WoolPoll vote like an “Not voting in WoolPoll impacts directly WoolPoll 2018, especially the mixed farmers investor…There are plenty of people now on the bottom line of what is spent on I’ve spoken to, because wool prices and investing in new sheepyards and sheds, the industry and the quality of the work. sheep prices are so good…and that’s making and so my question to them is - how Will you criticise the industry and what them think about how their WoolPoll money much do they want to invest in the it does and where it’s going, or will you will be spent to improve the industry.” industry for the future?” vote to have a say?” Brenton Lush, SA Candice Roberts, Qld John Hassell, WA “We’re working with AWI to ensure “Even if it’s your parents who vote, start “The voting period comes as some growers WoolPoll isn’t Merino-centric and that the conversation with your family and get turn their attention to cropping and harvest there’s a voice for growers of 25-30 involved and contribute to the future of time – it’s easy to jump on your phone when micron wools.” your industry.” you’re out and about and vote.” IT’S YOUR CHOICE Steve Harrison, Vic Ed Storey, NSW “It’s taken a long time to get to the point where “Vote but don’t get caught up in politics… we’re looking to increase flock numbers and Ours is one of the only rural industries employ a worker, but it’s been a tremendous where we get to vote every three years on 12-18 months for wool prices…There’s no better how much of our wool income is spent on time for us to decide the future of our industry.” R&D and marketing.”
UPFRONT 7 INDEPENDENT THREE-YEAR REVIEW OF PERFORMANCE AWI’s latest three-year review of performance has stated that: AWI has performed well in many regards, but, as with most organisations, many opportunities exist for its improved performance in the future. AWI is looking to implement the review’s recommendations that will help the company deliver better results for woolgrowers. BACKGROUND on how we can improve the business, and that's exactly what they've done. consultation and communication initiatives since the last strategic planning period, AWI has an obligation through its Statutory and that the addition of these methods has Funding Agreement (SFA) with the Federal “AWI acknowledges there are areas where strengthened AWI’s ability to connect with Government to undergo an independent re- we can enhance the way we operate and wool industry stakeholders. view of performance (ROP) every three years we look forward to improving delivery of – and report the ROP to wool levy payers and our services to Australian woolgrowers. “However, the report also said that more the Government prior to each WoolPoll. The report provides a detailed roadmap to needs to be done by AWI to ensure more assist that process.” effective consultation is undertaken with This year, the Government took the lead industry representative organisations and in contracting and managing the independent Mr McCullough noted that AWI’s review of other stakeholders,” Mr McCullough said. consultant undertaking the review (Ernst performance process is unique in many ways. & Young). The review also considered some “For woolgrowers, the report means that their PROGRESS OF additional matters that were raised by industry and government. company, AWI, is being well scrutinised every IMPLEMENTING three years and they get to see those results RECOMMENDATIONS AWI welcomed this expanded review and and they get to judge us on our worth,” he said. Mr McCullough said that, from an operational fully cooperated at every stage to ensure the and Board perspective, AWI intends to consultants had access to all the informa- “So I think that it evidences to woolgrowers that the company is been well looked at. expeditiously adopt key recommendations tion required to make their recommenda- that will help to enhance transparency and tions. Ernst & Young’s thorough review of There are many things that we've done right, and things that we can do better accountability and consultation mechanisms AWI’s performance and governance for with its shareholders and stakeholders. the period 2015-2018 resulted in a 500-page have been identified and will be addressed report that was released on 9 July. in due course.” “Ernst and Young did a good job with this The report highlighted that AWI’s employees report and they have provided us with In summary, 82 recommendations were are of a high calibre, with a strong the timings that they'd like to see the suggested, with the areas of monitoring commitment in delivering high quality recommendations implemented,” he explained. and evaluation, consultation and gover- nance being the focus. The recommenda- innovations and experience that spans the “We can simply accept many of the tions range in levels of importance from entirety of the wool industry value chain. recommendations outright, but there were 'mandatory', 'critical' and 'recommended' some that warrant some more thought and and provide the company with timing OPERATIONAL potentially might require constitutional suggestions for completion helping to RECOMMENDATIONS change which we've got to put to a vote of all pave the way for greater consultation, The report’s recommendations can be broken shareholders, so there's a bit of road to go yet. transparency and accountability. into two main parts: the operations of the But certainly the ones that we can tick off company and the Board. From an operational quickly we will, and we'll work on the others to REPORT WILL point of view, Ernst & Young identified two get them delivered in due course.” BENEFIT AWI AND key areas that could be improved: one is AWI is creating a dedicated spot on its measurement and evaluation, and the other WOOLGROWERS one is consultation. website at www.wool.com/ROP that In response to the report, AWI CEO Stuart will inform woolgrowers on the McCullough said the assessment of how AWI “We acknowledged at the beginning of the progress/status of implementing the was performing against its responsibilities review that measurement and evaluation report’s recommendations. will be of great benefit to AWI in refining its was a bit of an issue for us,” Mr McCullough processes and approach going forward. explained. “Because we don't sell anything, MORE INFORMATION it’s often hard to give to woolgrowers tangible • Woolgrowers will receive a summary of “A review of performance is a normal part of figures of return on investment, so that's the ROP report with their WoolPoll Voter the WoolPoll cycle that AWI goes through where we've got to spend some more energy Information Kit. every three years to inform woolgrowers and time. We need people collecting data in • You can download the full report and a prior to the WoolPoll vote. It’s a very normal the northern hemisphere on a constant basis summary report from www.wool.com/ROP part of our life,” Mr McCullough said. and analysts back here extrapolating that into • Hear from AWI’s CEO Stuart terms that woolgrowers can understand.” McCullough speaking about the report’s “The report is complimentary on many of recommendations and the the things that we do, such as our strong Regarding consultation, the review of next steps for AWI in Episode reputation for marketing activities, but Ernst performance acknowledged that AWI 49 of AWI’s The Yarn podcast at & Young’s aim was to identify any problems has increased its number of engagement, www.wool.com/podcast with the business and provide suggestions
8 OFF FARM Campaign imagery highlights commercially available apparel, in this case: Facetasm 100% Merino wool jacket; [sn] super.natural 50% Merino wool crop top; and Wilderness Wear leggings 100% Merino wool outer. LIVE & BREATHE CAMPAIGN AWI has launched a new global marketing campaign that aims to educate a new generation of young consumers about the performance benefits of Australian Merino wool. A WI’s marketing arm The Woolmark Company has launched the new global consumer campaign – Live & Breathe – the The campaign hones in on wool’s inherent breathability to ensure the simplicity of the campaign’s message has cut-through in the layered into the campaign, such as choosing quality over quantity (reinforcing the Woolmark symbol as a mark of quality), first in recent years. crowded marketplace. According to a 2017 and of choosing natural fibres to avoid the Nielsen Report, ‘breathable’ and ‘comfort’ adverse environmental effects of synthetics. The campaign aims to educate a young are the most important attributes people generation of consumers, who might look for when buying sportswear – and AWI CEO Stuart McCullough says in a world not have grown up with wool, about the science shows that wool is the one of the dominated by synthetic fibres, it can be technical performance benefits of Australian most breathable fibres. easy for millennials – the world’s largest Merino wool – and drive the purchase consumer group, by volume – to lose sight of wool apparel and footwear products, Focusing on breathability allows the of the wonders of Mother Nature. through brand partners in the performance, campaign to talk about a number of wool’s athleisure and streetwear categories. key elements in the performance category, “Wool, once the fibre of choice for athletes such as temperature regulation, odour worldwide, was overthrown by the rise of The overarching message of the campaign is resistance and its moisture-wicking nature. man-made fibres, but in recent years we have that wool is breathable, making it the perfect seen the re-emergence of Merino wool in the fibre for performance and athleisure. However, secondary messages are also activewear industry,” Mr McCullough said.
OFF 9 FARM LIVE & BREATHE CAMPAIGN FILM B R E AT H E MORE DO MORE Gabriela Hearst cap Aclima crop top Devold jacket XTM leggings 3.1 Phillip Lim trousers The Woolmark Company proudly supports the Woolmark Certification Program. See woolmark.com for details. Example of campaign collateral being rolled out across the world. The advert features commercially available apparel: Devold 100% Merino wool jacket; Clips from the campaign film highlighting the natural and breathable aspects of wool. Aclima 65% Merino wool crop top; XTM 100% Merino wool leggings; 3.1 Phillip Lim 50% Merino wool trousers. “The fibre's inherent performance properties and eco-credentials have seen the fibre become prominent once again and is reaching a new generation of consumers.” CAMPAIGN ROLLOUT Working with award-winning global creative agency TBWA and media buying agency OMD, the campaign – which includes a short film, and hero fashion and sportswear imagery – began at the start of this month. While the film (distributed through social media and Woolmark.com) and the out- of-home campaign (billboards, bus shelter advertising etc) serve as two hero aspects of the campaign, events, e-commerce extensions and collaborative partnerships will help to drive home the message in an impactful way. “The campaign features a carefully curated The three-minute campaign film Home alone, she puts it on and sets off selection of some of the most technically begins in a dystopian, industrial and running, breaking free of the city walls, and advanced and innovative wool and wool-rich gloomy city – where nature is absent, heads towards the natural horizon. garments commercially available on the pollution hangs in the air and people market today,” Mr McCullough said. When she arrives she is breathing freely, have long forgotten what natural surrounded and connected to the source A layered influencer campaign of some of the means. Clothing is no longer made of the natural fibres she wears. It is this world’s leading fitness stars will help connect from wool, but from restrictive and natural, better world that the campaign’s product to consumers in an approachable, unbreathable plastics. protagonist is escaping to and leading a authentic way, while custom landing pages and But there is hope. On the horizon just path for the rest of the world to follow. product hubs of wool products will be available beyond the city lies the promise of a more to shop on Amazon USA and Farfetch.com. “Set against an environment that is both positive, natural world – a world where artificial and natural, our global campaign Product launches and interactive events in Mother Nature hasn’t been replaced reminds consumers of wool's natural the US (PE Nation workout and Erin Snow ski but rather, embraced. Here, lush, green benefits which cannot be matched by any launches), China (Elle Fit Club events), Japan pasture spills across the mountainside other fibre,” Mr McCullough added. (Vogue Fashion's Night Out and National Sports – and Merino sheep graze. Day), and UK (Nagnata yoga launch) will localise “Unrivalled by any man-made fibre, Amongst the despair of the city, the and personalise the wool messaging. Merino wool’s naturally inherent qualities campaign’s central character – an – breathability, odour control, moisture athletic young woman who works in management – reconnects the wearer MORE INFORMATION a giant industrial factory – magically to a forgotten experience.” www.woolmark.com/liveandbreathe discovers a wool running outfit.
10 OFF FARM The new Rhythm Tee from Black Diamond is perfectly suited for pursuits such as trail running and rock climbing. PHOTO: Black Diamond PEAK PERFORMANCE FROM BLACK DIAMOND Leading mountaineering and outdoor brand Black Diamond is making its first foray into using wool, with its millions of customers in 40+ countries across the world set to be showcased products made from the fibre, thanks to a collaboration with AWI. Black Diamond’s Rhythm Tee. B lack Diamond is a global leader in mountaineering/climbing gear and apparel, with additional product lines ultralight Rhythm Tee will solidify Black Diamond’s dedication in this regard. active users allows us to showcase the natural benefits of Merino wool including thermo-regulation, odour management and It features a breakthrough co-developed including skiing and hiking gear/apparel. movement in the context of cutting edge Nuyarn Merino wool fabric technology at a Based in Utah, USA, the company’s products design and innovation,” he stated. “The very superlight 95gsm – making it significantly are available in more than 40 countries across nature of our relationship demonstrates the lighter than other tee shirts, while increasing the world, but with a primary focus in USA, versatility of Merino wool and the vision of durability and performance. The fabric is also Canada, Europe, UK, Asia and Australia. Black Diamond’s apparel design team.” engineered for incredible stretch and much The company is strategically focused on faster drying times making it the ultimate The tee has been launched to a good reception growing its apparel category and has been breathable climbing or trail running shirt. at trade shows including July’s Outdoor working with AWI’s marketing arm The It is also machine washable. Retailer summer market in Denver, with the Woolmark Company to introduce wool apparel consumer launch to be early next year. The Woolmark Company has taken an active into its product range for the first time. role in educating the internal Black Diamond The collaboration between the two companies For the northern hemisphere Spring/ development team about Merino wool, will expand for Autumn/Winter 2019/20 into Summer 2019, Black Diamond will introduce connecting the brand with the wool supply further Merino wool product. its customers to the technical advantages of chain and supporting business units on As well as Black Diamond stores and Merino wool apparel, with a highly innovative product innovation. distributors in key markets, the company 95gsm ultralight tee, for men and women. The AWI CEO Stuart McCullough said AWI’s aim reaches a global audience on its website product has incredible stretch and recovery with the collaboration is to increase wool www.blackdiamondequipment.com and and is perfectly suited for pursuits such as consumption in the mountaineering/climbing their products are distributed online on the rock climbing and trail running. and outdoor category. websites of more than 100 global retailers. It This iconic brand continuously focuses also has a huge social media reach with more “Collaborating with such an iconic brand on high performance and innovation in than a million followers on its channels. as Black Diamond and its core group of every product that it develops, and the new
OFF 11 FARM JENNA COMPLETES HER RUN FOR BUMS On 14 June, Jenna Brook finished her epic four month run up the entire length of Australia from southern Tasmania to the northern tip of Queensland – all while wearing Australian Merino wool apparel from Merino Country. 4 529km, 117 days and eight pairs of shoes after starting her journey on the South East Cape of Tasmania, Jenna finished her integrate the supply and production chain from the raw fleece through to the end product. The business was originally based on extraordinary journey at Cape York. ‘Clareborough Station’, outside of Richmond in North West Queensland but is now based Jenna began in Tasmania on 17 February, between Brisbane and the Gold Coast. running 400km before transferring to the mainland, then 510km through Victoria “I often got asked on my run how I could be and just over 1,000km through the heart wearing long sleeves every day, and the answer of NSW, before the 2,700km trek up the is simple: Merino wool. The truth is simply length of Queensland. Finishing on 14 because Merino is pure gold,” Jenna said. June, she averaged more than 38km each day, not far off a full marathon distance “I was so proud to wear Merino Country every day for four months. clothing throughout the run, which is not only made in Australia, but also made from However the run was not just a personal Australian-grown wool. challenge for Jenna, there was also an important reason for the run, and one that “Merino wool allows your skin to breathe, is close to her heart. Along the way Jenna wicks away sweat, provides excellent UV raised awareness of bowel cancer in the protection and helps maintain a comfortable communities that she passed through, body temperature in the heat and the cool, as well as online through social media making it far superior than any synthetic platforms. She called her run ‘Running for option. Also, it doesn't stink – so that's a bonus. Bums’ and she raised more than $65,000 for “The Merino gear fit the bill perfectly. Do Bowel Cancer Australia. yourself a favour and get some – there isn’t “Bowel cancer is the second biggest cancer any place for synthetics when you're out and killer in Australia, and not enough people about getting life done!” are talking about it”, Jenna said. With early Merino Country uses 100% Australian grown detection, more than 90% of bowel cancers Merino wool and its fabrics are knitted and can be successfully treated, yet less than 40% dyed in Australia. All garments are sewn in its are found early enough. own factory in Queensland, employing local “Not enough people have the conversation people and supporting its community. Jenna completed her 4,529km ‘Running for about bowel cancer, most likely as a result of “We're very proud to have supported Jenna Bums’ charity run at Cape York. embarrassment and stigma, and this must with our beautiful, practical and colourful change. Hopefully my run has started some Australian Merino products from 12 months conversations, as well as raising money.” out before she started the run, then from the bottom of Tasmania to the tip of Cape York,” UP THE COUNTRY WITH added founder and managing director of MERINO COUNTRY Merino Country, Kerrie Richards. Jenna, who is from Birdsville in far west Queensland, was delighted to be sponsored MORE INFORMATION in her running challenge by activewear and www.facebook.com/runningforbums underwear company Merino Country, whose www.merinocountry.com origins are also in outback Queensland and You can donate to Bowel Cancer Australia at is this year celebrating its 25th birthday. www.runningforbums.com.au Jenna taking the opportunity on her run to visit For information about bowel An extension of the family Merino cancer, phone the Bowel Cancer a shearing shed in NSW to see how the wool is harvested for her running gear – and to have a wool enterprise, Merino Country was Australia helpline on1800 555 494 or chat with the shearing team about bowel cancer. established 25 years ago to vertically visit www.bowelcanceraustralia.org
12 OFF FARM EASY RIDER BE COOL IN WOOL Filmed on Matthew and Cherie Coddington’s property ‘Roseville Park’ near Dubbo NSW, a new campaign from UK brand ashmei showcases the performance benefits of Merino wool. A new video and promotional campaign by leading sportswear brand ashmei – titled ‘Be Cool In Wool’ – champions the performance benefits of Australian Merino wool and highlights it as a fibre for all seasons. S ince launching back in 2012, UK-based brand ashmei has established itself as producing some of the world’s best activewear, the help of Australian Merino wool. ashmei is no stranger to Australia’s wool- transport their customers to the fibre’s origins, and ashmei designer Lucy Reeve Smith has visited and worked on a wool- known not only for its stylish designs but growing industry. Previous marketing growing property in South Australia to also for its innovative fabrics and technical initiatives have seen the brand use the better understand how wool is produced. performance. It has built this reputation with AWI-produced virtual reality headset to This year, ashmei founder Stuart Brooke visited Australia and, with the help of the The film features Merino wool gear being in-house videography and marketing teams tested for running as well as cycling. of AWI’s marketing arm The Woolmark Company, has produced a stunning video and series of images championing the benefits of the fibre for cycling and running apparel in a campaign called ‘Be Cool In Wool’. Filmed on Matthew and Cherie Coddington’s property ‘Roseville Park’ near Dubbo NSW, the film features Perth-born adventure cyclist Jack Thompson testing Merino wool gear for its breathability, odour resistance and thermoregulation properties for long distance cycling and running, particularly for the summer months. In the film, Jack plays Gareth, a fictional Australian woolgrower who is also a keen cyclist. Visiting his neighbour (played by Sam Tourle of ‘Naroo’/‘The Springs’) 60 miles away, Gareth compares the latest Merino wool cycling and running gear with apparel made from man-made fibres. The film draws on science to showcase the performance benefits of wool and how it outperforms its synthetic counterparts.
OFF 13 FARM Taking advantage of the explosive growth in demand for sportswear and activewear, wool’s position as a technical fibre allows it to meet increasingly demanding consumer needs for comfort and performance. Wool is recognised by leading sportswear brands – such as ashmei – and manufacturers for its technical benefits. “You could say that Merino wool was the principal driver for me launching ashmei in the first place,” said Mr Brooke. “I found myself running in Merino ski base-layers that I’d had for years because they were keeping me more comfortable than the synthetic alternatives available at that time. At this point I identified there was a gap in the market for a sportswear brand that focused on a no-compromise approach to performance. Unsurprisingly, Merino wool was a major feature in our debut collection. “Our recent collaboration with The Woolmark Company will help to shine a light on the benefits of using Merino wool for high aerobic exercise in warm conditions.” PARTICLE The film was released in time for the northern hemisphere’s summer months and has been shown on ashmei’s social media channels, via 60 stores across North America, Europe and Asia and has been picked up by FEVER numerous online media outlets. MORE INFORMATION To view the apparel and to watch the short film, visit www.ashmei.com/becoolinwool SLAM DUNKS WITH WOOL Chinese sportswear label Particle Fever has designed a series of wool-rich garments inspired by basketball, blurring the lines between fashion and function and championing the performance benefits of Merino wool. F ollowing the success of AWI’s collaboration with Chinese luxury sportswear label Particle Fever last year, the Director Lin Hai. “It’s an interesting and unique combination, and even though basketball is a strenuous game, we are two brands have collaborated once again, showing our customers that you can still feel this time unveiling a wool-rich athleisure cool whilst wearing wool.” capsule collection inspired by basketball. ashmei founder Stuart Brooke with Particle Fever’s fantasy basketball team of Matthew Coddington at ‘Roseville Park’ in May. To promote the ‘Team Wool’ collection, creative and sporty individuals showcases Particle Fever launched a pop-up the benefits of wool by highlighting its basketball event in its Beijing store, beauty and how the natural fibre can be featuring a hand-picked team outfitted in adapted to sportswear. wool basketball jerseys and accessories with a strong visual identity. The sportswear collection highlights a variety of innovative techniques, patterns The commercially available collection further and textures – from contoured wool fabrics reinforces the position of Merino wool as and a moisture-wicking metallic weave the ideal performance fibre as well as in the paneling, through to a custom houndstooth growing market of athleisure, which blurs camouflage pattern. Each example reinforces the line between fitness and fashion. the versatility and benefits of wool in the sportswear category. “Ever since the first athleisure collaboration with Woolmark and “Our collaboration with Particle Fever offers Lane Crawford, we kept exploring the our millennial customers a contemporary possibilities of wool as a functional fibre, sportswear brand choice,” states AWI Country and this time we’re very excited to bring Manager for China, Jeff Ma. “This collection Matthew Coddington took the opportunity to visit the ashmei showrooms in England during a visit to wool into basketball uniform-inspired demonstrates the unique benefits and the country in June. garments,” said Particle Fever Creative features of Merino wool.”
14 OFF FARM AFL CAPTAINS’ WOOLLY WESTERN DERBY West Coast Eagles captain Shannon Hurn has joined AWI’s Fibre of Football campaign – and on the eve of the Western Derby at the start of August, he caught up with Fremantle Dockers captain and fellow campaign supporter Nat Fyfe in a photoshoot to promote Australian wool. WOOL SHOWCASE P hotographed in retro woollen footy jumpers, with some prize-winning To have wool recognised as the fibre of Australian football is only fitting given the AT THE MCG WA Merino rams, the pair joined forces to champion Australia’s wool industry – strong social and economic ties the wool industry has had with the game from its supporting the farmers, shearers, transport very inception in the mid-19th century in During a big weekend of footy at the operators, fashion designers and retailers country Victoria. MCG last month, a pop-up shop was behind the natural product. installed selling woollen supporter gear. The latest footy star to join the campaign, Since 2014, the Fibre of Football campaign Shannon Hurn, comes from a sheep property Round 20 at the MCG was always has highlighted the strong and enduring in the Barossa region of South Australia and going to be big – with top of the table connections between Australian football returns to the farm outside the footy season Richmond battling Geelong on Friday and the wool industry. Fremantle’s Nat to help at shearing time and to turn off lambs. night, Hawthorn taking on Essendon on Fyfe, Geelong’s Tom Hawkins, Hawthorn’s He told AWI’s podcast The Yarn that he is Saturday, and Melbourne clashing with Luke Breust, Melbourne’s Bernie Vince and proud to back the wool industry. Gold Coast on Sunday. Channel 7 commentator Hamish McLachlan have all shared their deep connection to the “Growing up in the country, it’s great to Nearly 160,000 footy fans went through fibre through a series of campaign videos. support the wool industry and the quality the turnstiles with many stopping in at a special pop-up shop installed at the ground selling Fibre of Football woollen supporter gear. With temperatures barely scraping into double figures, the high quality woollen products – jumpers, scarves, beanies and gloves – were not only perfect as a momento of the supporters’ favourite teams, but they were also ideal for keeping the fans warm at the match and onwards during the winter months. The Hawthorn Hawks’ mascots at the pop-up shop showing off the woollen supporter gear in front of the cameras. West Coast Eagles captain Shannon Hurn and Fremantle Dockers captain Nat Fyfe in a Fibre of Football photoshoot promoting Australian wool.
OFF 15 FARM EMMA products it creates. It’s great to see the industry going well at the moment. “We had champion Shannon Warnest shear at home for many years and when my footy HAWKINS career is over I’d love to return to the farm, it’s a family farm and it would be great to continue it,” Shannon added. Nat’s parents own a trucking company, based at Lake Grace in Western Australia, transporting sheep for a living. “But nowadays I get to see more of the AT HOME WITH JEANSWEST finished products, after the fibre gets turned into high-class garments and sporting Fashion and lifestyle ambassador Emma Hawkins, the wife of apparel,” Nat told AWI’s The Yarn. AFL star and Fibre of Football supporter Tom Hawkins, recently helped promote the latest Woolmark-certified knitwear from “I've worn Australian Merino wool every year for the past five years at the Brownlow Australian fashion brand Jeanswest. Medal. Merino wool is a world-class premium product, and so we're grateful for all the work that our woolgrowers do across the country.” E mma Hawkins has a long history with wool. She is the grand-daughter of legendary Boonoke studmaster Basil Nat attended a shearing school before he was Clapham and she was brought up at drafted to the Dockers and says he would have Deniliquin in the Riverina district of NSW. a go at shearing if asked, but noted it would Her husband, Geelong Cats footballing take him well over an hour to shear one sheep. star Tom Hawkins, is also from the Riverina, coming from a wool, cropping Posters of Shannon and Nat wearing and rice property in Finley. their woollen footy jumpers with the Merino rams were distributed by the Farm Today they live on a small farm outside Weekly newspaper in the week prior to of Melbourne that contains sheep and the Western Derby. Angus cattle – and it was against this beautiful backdrop that Emma was photographed, along with daughter WOOLLEN FOOTY Arabella, for a Mothers’ Day shoot, SUPPORTER GEAR showcasing her favourite pieces from AWI’s Fibre of Football campaign is not only Jeanswest’s Woolmark Australian Wool promoting the rich heritage of the Australian Collection. The photos were promoted on wool industry and Australian Football, it is the Australian fashion brand’s website also placing Merino wool back into football and social media channels. jumpers and supporter apparel. “I feel very lucky that Jeanswest The 100% Merino wool retro footy jumpers approached me for this very relaxed and worn by Shannon and Nat in the photoshoot candid Mothers’ Day shoot to promote were signed and then later that week my favourite Woolmark knitwear from auctioned at the Lambex conference dinner Jeanswest,” Emma said. “Now it should in Perth with proceeds going to beyondblue. be very clear that I am not a model and The Dockers guernsey went to Rachel Browne would never attempt to be one, I am of Chirniminup Dohnes, Nyabing, for $2,700 actually very awkward in front of the and the Eagles guernsey went to WAMMCO camera! What I am, however, is a big CEO Coll MacRury for an astounding $7,000. supporter of our local farmers and the Well done to both. Australian Merino wool they produce.” Emma with daughter Arabella on her and The same Eagles and Dockers footy jumpers, The Jeanswest Woolmark Australian Wool her husband’s property. Emma is wearing along with footy jumpers for the other AFL Collection is crafted each year from pure (top) Jeanswest’s Theresa Pullover and teams, are available to purchase from the new wool and wool blends. The premium (bottom) Jeanswest’s Nishka Crossover Pullover and Anabel Wool Blend Jacket. official AFL online shop at www.shop.afl.com. knits not only look great, but are also au. Other woollen supporter gear available super warm and machine washable. “My Grandfather was a very well-known from the website includes scarves, beanies As a busy working Mum, Emma believes Merino Studmaster and my father always and gloves, kids beanie knitting kits, V-neck that with the right staple items you can taught me the value in wearing wool from a jumpers, and ‘my first footy jumper’ for babies. mix and match for most occasions. “I love very young age,” she said. “However, now we The woollen footy supporter gear is also black skinny leg jeans and boots worn have our own sheep I love seeing the process available on the AFL clubs’ own e-stores. with a delicious comfy wool jumper for from start to finish, and I have definitely ultimate winter styling – and if I am understood the range in quality and fabrics, MORE INFORMATION heading into work, I will add a boot with and I just can’t help but love home grown Hear more from Shannon Hurn and Nat the heel and a leather jacket or long wool. It’s a beautiful fibre and as Australians Fyfe in Episode 53 of AWI’s The Yarn jacket over to dress up an outfit.” we should be very very proud of it. podcast at www.wool.com/podcast www.fibreoffootball.com.au Emma says that living on the farm has Shop at www.shop.afl.com.au certainly influenced what she looks for MORE INFORMATION in a garment. www.jeanswest.com.au www.emmahawkins.com
16 OFF FARM WOOL WEEK AUSTRALIA Retailers, shopping centres, artisans and consumers threw their support behind Australia’s eighth annual Wool Week, held from 24 May to 3 June to coincide with the start of the winter retail season, with many retailers having window installations and online promotions. A n initiative of AWI and its subsidiary The Woolmark Company, Wool Week arose from the global Campaign for Wool that aims to wool at the forefront of shoppers’ minds. “Thanks to the support of leading brands and educate consumers about the natural benefits retailers, along with educational activities, of wool and increase sales of wool product. Wool Week aims to reconnect consumers with the versatility and natural benefits of This year’s campaign was joined for the Australian wool and encourages conscious third year running by shopping centre giant purchasing decisions,” Mr McCullough said. Westfield which aligned its own Winter 2018 fashion campaign with Wool Week to “I applaud all retailers, brands, woolgrowers champion the natural fibre. and consumers who have once again thrown their support behind our annual AWI CEO Stuart McCullough says Wool campaign and are ultimately increasing Week is an annual celebration which puts demand for this premium fibre.” A video shot at Dave and Skye Ward’s wool-growing Sportscraft store window created live during property near Goulburn was played on a giant TV Wool Week by extreme knitter Jacqueline Fink. billboard by Westfield in the atrium of its Bondi Junction store. Wool Week marketing collateral on garments at Westfield Fountain Gate, Victoria. Digital marketing from retailer KOOKAI M.J. Bale window display promoting the The spectacular window of Parlour X in Paddington sent to its online news subscribers. ‘rebirth of wool’. (Sydney) showcasing Australian wool fleece.
OFF 17 FARM RETAILERS PROMOTE OUR NATIONAL FIBRE Westfield returned as a major partner, with 39 centres across Australia and New Zealand promoting the fibre, the woolgrowers who produce it and the retailers that sell it. Wool Week advertising was promoted via smart screens in Westfield centres, playing short video content a total of 12.85 million times. The campaign took customers back to the source of the fibre, showcasing woolgrowers Dave and Skye Ward and family who farm near Goulburn, NSW. Westfield’s website and e-newsletters also had a wool takeover, with six articles published highlighting the Woolmark The knitting installation by Natalie Miller at Westfield Sydney. brand and designers such as Dion Lee’s innovative uses of Australian Merino wool. Fashion retailers utilising Wool Week to help them sell more wool products included CUE, David Lawrence, Helen Kaminski, Icebreaker, KOOKAI, MARCS, Otto & Spike, Oxford, Parlour X, R.M. Williams, SAAKI, SABA. These and other major retailers cre- ated window installations highlighting their latest wool products available for winter. WOOL WEEK EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES Westfields across Australia and New Zealand also hosted exclusive wool-focused activities to generate retailer and consumer interest in Wool Week. Wool Week activities drew a crowd at Westfield Carindale, Brisbane. For example, Westfield Sydney hosted esteemed artist Natalie Miller who created a live knitting installation, whilst Westfield Doncaster (Melbourne) showcased a collection of International Woolmark Prize garments, in a celebration of the world’s best emerging fashion designers. Australia’s most-loved extreme knitter, Jacqueline Fink, partnered with Sportscraft to create an extreme knitting masterpiece in the main window of its Pitt St store in Sydney. Starting with one ball of wool, she spent five days displaying her craft, with passers-by treated to a unique view of extreme knitting. In partnership with the Art Gallery of NSW, she also hosted a series of workshops in The Woolmark Company Making Space Interior design workshop with Nicole Vastelias of LuMu at Westfield Bondi Junction. which was set up near The Lady and the Unicorn exhibition – a collection of rare French medieval masterpieces mostly made from wool and silk highlights. The exhibition was supported by The Woolmark Company and attracted more than 86,000 viewers whilst on display. Amongst many other events across the country, St Ives Shopping Centre on Sydney’s North Shore hosted knitting workshops for all ages, through which visitors could help knit scarves to do be donated with its yearly coat drive to those in need. MORE INFORMATION Hear more about Wool Week in Episode 44 or The Yarn podcast At the Art Gallery of NSW, participants were treated to an extreme knitting masterclass by Jacqueline available at www.wool.com/podcast Fink using Australian Merino wool.
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