Friday, March 29, 2024

PULPIT: Clear heads needed to revive wool

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It’s amazing how clear you can think when you’re drenched in sweat and your muscles are hissing from so much lactic acid you feel as if you’re lying on a bed of red hot coals.
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One of the biggest challenges sheep farmers face is the low price of wool.

Thanks to record high lamb prices the last two seasons farmers haven’t been hit in the back pocket too badly.

However, we have a world-class fibre in abundant supply right at our doorstep that is not being used to its full potential.

Wool is natural, flame retardant, breathable, non allergenic, biodegradable and, better yet, it needs only grass to be grown. There’s no use of oil or synthetic materials in sight.

Merino farmers have a super-fine, high-quality product that is used mainly in clothing.

Shearing time is a very important part of the year because the clip can bring in up to 80% of their income. 

I doubt there are any crossbred farmers in New Zealand making money from their wool clip. This is not sustainable and something has to change.

Blanketing NZ in pine trees so international companies can get carbon credits is not the answer.

Why don’t we give wool to every university and high school in New Zealand and ask them to find a new use.  

There has to be a niche market and options that haven’t been explored yet.

Kiwis are renowned for being self-sufficient and forward-thinking so why don’t we find a solution to this problem and prove to the world what a unique nation we really are.

It’s not very often you find a teenager or young person who knows exactly what they want to do with their life.  

Or better yet, how many people feel they are stuck in a job with a limited future?  

With tourism at its lowest level in recent history and thousands of people out of work there has never been a better time to showcase agriculture and what it has to offer.

One of the most appealing factors is the ability to evolve and grow with your work.

There is never a better sense of freedom than being able to work on the land. It’s something that everyone should have the chance to try.

Farming is tough work and not for the faint-hearted.  

But the diverse set of skills they can learn in this industry becomes a great foundation for any path they might head down in future.

Shearing is a lot like farming, you get paid for you production and performance.

If you want a pay rise you have to work harder.

Young people are forever getting criticised and put down for sticking their necks out and trying to achieve larger-than-life possibilities. Do nothing and you will achieve nothing.  Rather than bury your head in the sand, attack every opportunity by the horns and prove to the pessimists you can reach the desired outcome.

Don’t become lukewarm and content with where you are, keep hunting and find that one thing that makes you white hot and passionate about getting up every day.

Take the risk, put yourself out there and learn from your mistakes as well as the mistakes of others. The person who is willing to go the extra mile, show some initiative and get their hands dirty will always be one step ahead.

Hard work is a great spotlight on character. Some turn up their sleeves, some turn up their noses and others don’t turn up at all.

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