WOOL PRODUCTION FORECAST TO FALL AS FLOCK NUMBERS REMAIN LOW

 Australian wool production is forecast to fall slightly in the coming season, despite improving seasonal conditions and a strong rebound in producer confidence.

The Australian Wool Production Forecasting Committee is predicting shorn wool production of 249.3 million kilograms for 2026-27, down 1.8% on the previous season.

Sheep numbers are also expected to remain historically low, with 56.3 million head forecast to be shorn, a decline of four-point-seven per cent.

The latest forecast has been revised upwards by 5.4 million kilograms since April, following improved rainfall across South Australia, Victoria and parts of Western Australia.

However, conditions remain mixed in New South Wales and challenging in parts of Tasmania and Queensland.

Producer sentiment towards the wool industry has strengthened, with the latest survey showing an 80-point improvement over the previous year.

The committee says the national flock appears to be stabilising, with future growth expected to come through on-farm breeding and greater retention of breeding stock, provided seasonal conditions remain favourable.