Judge and CP Wool relationships manager Roger Fuller asked O’Connor what he is doing for crossbred wool, stressing that it’s not economical to even take the wool of the sheep’s back as crossbred values sit.
O’Connor assured farmers looking on at the judging of the fleece wool the newly appointed Wool Group is addressing the issue and he hopes for improvement in due course.
Ashburton sheep farmer and A&P Association president David Butterick hosted O’Connor for the morning at the show.
O’Connor said he was there to talk to farmers on the ground and in particular talk about issues top of mind including irrigation and water, Mycoplasma bovis and wool.
Wool section convener Dave Strong said entries were up this year across all types including Merino fine wool, mid micron Corriedale and PollWorth, crossbred and Border crosses with black and coloured fleeces also up on previous years.
It is very pleasing to see farmers supporting the wool section, especially given the doldrums of crossbred wool prices.
