Australian shorn wool production for the 2016-17 season is expected to be 4.3 per cent higher than the 2015-16 season. Excellent seasonal conditions in virtually all major sheep producing areas of mainland Australia have resulted in higher average wool cuts per head this season. High wool prices in the past few months have also encouraged producers to retain older sheep to help rebuild their flocks and for shearing.

The increase in shorn wool production compares with a 4.7 per cent increase in the weight of wool in the first nine months of 2016-17 and a 6.4 per cent increase in the first hand offerings of wool at auction. Some wool, particularly ultrafine wool, has been released from the stocks held on-farm and also from stocks held in broker’s stores in response to the high prices.

For the 2016-17 season to March, there has been a significant increase in the weight of wool tested between 20 microns and 24 microns and declines in the volumes of 17 micron and 18 micron wool. This probably mainly reflects the excellent seasonal conditions. There has also been a significant fall in the volume of 26 to 30 micron wool. The mean fiber diameter for Australia to March was 21 microns, the same as in 2015-16.