Summary of wool production estimates and forecasts for Australia. 2014/15 Fourth forecast

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1 Australian Wool Production Forecast Report Australian Wool Production Forecast Committee Summary April 2015 The Australian Wool Production Forecasting Committee (AWPFC) has set its forecast production for the 2014/15 season at 341 million kilograms greasy for the 2014/15 season, the same as the estimate for the 2013/14 season. The Committee s first projection for 2015/16 has been set at 332 mkg, down by 2.7%. There is expected to be a 2.8% reduction in the number of sheep shorn in the 2014/15 season. This decline is less than the 5.2% fall in the opening sheep numbers according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics preliminary estimates released in January The fall in sheep shorn numbers in 2014/15 will be offset by an increase in average fleece weights across Australia due to good production conditions in several regions, including southern New South Wales, northern South Australia and regions in Victoria. Nationally, average fleece weights are expected to increase by 2.9% due to better than expected fleece weights in these regions. Table 1 summarises the estimates and forecasts. Table 1: Summary of wool production estimates and forecasts for Australia Parameter Opening Sheep Number (million) Average Cut Per Head (kg) 2013/14 Final Estimate 2014/15 Fourth forecast Change y-o-y (%) 2015/16 Initial Projection Change y-o-y (%) % % Sheep Numbers Shorn (million) % % % % Shorn Wool Production (mkg greasy) % % FURTHER INFORMATION Mr Russell Pattinson, National Committee Chairman Tel: Australian Wool Innovation Limited April This document may be reproduced and disseminated with attribution to Australian Wool Innovation Limited (ABN ). DISCLAIMER AWI Limited makes no representations about the content and suitability of the information contained in these materials. Specifically, AWI does not warrant, guarantee or make any representations regarding the correctness, accuracy, reliability, currency, or any other aspect regarding characteristics or use of information presented in this material. The user accepts sole responsibility and risk associated with the use and results of these materials, irrespective of the purpose to which such use or results are applied. In no event shall AWI be liable for any loss or damages (including without limitation special, indirect, or consequential damages), where in an action of contract, negligence, or tort, arising out of or in connection with the use of performance of these materials.

2 Regionally, the Committee forecasts that wool production in 2014/15, compared with 2013/14, will fall the most in Queensland (-24.9%) and Western Australia (-7.4%), while production in Tasmania will remain steady. Wool production in New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia is expected to increase by 2.2%, 1.9% and 7.9% respectively. Table 2 shows the current forecasts by state for 2014/15 in comparison to the 2013/14 estimate. Table 2: Summary of wool production estimates and forecasts for individual states Shorn wool production (mkg greasy) QLD NSW VIC TAS SA WA National 2013/14 Final Estimate /15 April Forecast Change y-o-y (%) -24.8% 2.2% 1.9% 0.0% 7.9% -7.4% 0.0% The Committee noted that the AWTA wool test data for 2014/15 shows a reduction in volumes of wool of 17.5 microns and finer, and an increase in micron, micron and broad wool (27 microns and broader), in the first nine months of the season. This has resulted in a 0.2 micron increase in the mean fibre diameter for Australia so far this season. More detailed information on shorn wool production by state and by micron can be found in the Appendix to this report. Forecast for 2015/16 The Committee made its initial projection for the 2015/16 season, with a forecast 2.7% decline in shorn wool production to 332 mkg as shown in Table 1. This decrease is due to an expected reduction in opening sheep numbers by 3.5% to 69.1 million head, which is the result of the continued high sheep and lamb turn-off rates in the current season even though lamb markings rates appear to have increased in 2014/15. Major data inputs These forecasts are based on detailed consideration by the state and national committees of current seasonal conditions, AWTA test data, AWEX auction statistics and matched brand analysis information gathered on sheep producer and wool grower intentions, including the MLA/AWI Lamb Survey results, ABS sheep and lamb turn-off and National Livestock Recording Service yardings data. ABS data Table 3 summarises the Australian Bureau of Statistics flock data for the period 2010 to The ABS preliminary estimate for the number of sheep as at 30 th June 2014 (i.e. the opening number of sheep for the 2014/15 season) was released on 21 st January This preliminary estimate shows sheep numbers at 71.6 million head for Australia. The ABS will release its final estimate of sheep numbers as at 30 th June 2014 on 29 th May This release will include data on the number of ewes mated and the lamb marking % in 2013/14. 2 P a g e

3 Table 3: ABS National flock numbers ABS data 2009/ / / / /14(p) % Δ Closing Flock (million head at 30 th June)*: % Breeding ewes (million head at 30 th June)*: % Lambs marked: % Ewes mated: na na na Marking % na 89% 89% 89% na na *Used by AWPFC as sheep number at 1 st July, opening day of following season. (p) preliminary estimate. Australian sheep turn-off statistics for the July 2014 to January 2015 period, sourced from the ABS, are shown in Table 4. This turnoff data covers sheep slaughter, lamb slaughter and live exports and is compared the equivalent period in 2013/14 and the five year average 2010/11 to 2014/15. Table 4: ABS Sheep turn off data for 2014/15 (July to November) Parameter Sheep slaughter ('000 hd) Sheep weights (kg/hd cwt) Mutton production (tonnes cwt) Lamb slaughter ('000 hd) Lamb weights (kg/hd cwt) Lamb production (tonnes cwt) Live exports ('000 hd) Financial year 5-yr FY Jul 13-Jan 14 Jul 14-Jan 15 % Δ Avg % 5,939 5,740-3% 4,319 33% % % 137, ,615 1% 100,943 38% 13,013 13,272 2% 11,693 13% % % 278, ,025 4% 251,231 15% 1,113,654 1,240,701 11% 1,270,176-2% The ABS data shows a small year on year decline in the number of sheep slaughtered (-3%) but an equally modest increase in the number of lambs slaughtered (+2%) in the first seven months of the 2014/15 season. However, when compared with the longer term (5 year) average, both the number of adult sheep slaughtered (+33%) and the number of lambs slaughtered (+13%) were up substantially for this season to date. There was an increase in live exports year on year (+11%) in the July to January period of 2014/15, but the number exported is only slightly down (-2%) on the longer term average. AWTA wool test data (Financial year to end March 2014) AWTA generates monthly greasy wool test data volumes within the various diameter categories. Comparative financial year to-date results are shown in Table 5, and Figures 1 and 2 (overleaf), based on this report. A historical comparison of the Australian micron profile percentage share and average micron can be found in Table 4 in the Appendix to this report. 3 P a g e

4 Table 5: AWTA key test data volumes (WSA) for the financial year to March Parameter Year DIAMETER (MICRON) < /26 27/28 29/30 >30.5 TOTAL AWTA Key Test Data FY Total greasy tonnes 2012/13 6,994 18,961 37,011 49,630 48,759 35,536 21,767 11,982 6,833 13,642 18,668 12,228 7, , /14 10,825 22,719 39,445 49,866 45,601 30,728 17,115 9,346 6,059 15,058 18,553 8,942 5, , /15 8,599 21,799 41,089 51,660 44,616 30,219 18,135 9,679 5,460 13,000 19,569 11,522 7, ,810 YTD - YOY% 2014/15-21% -4% 4% 4% -2% -2% 6% 4% -10% -14% 5% 29% 35% 1.1% AWTA data for wool test volumes presented in Tables 5 and 6 and Figures 1 and 2 indicate that: - Volumes of wool tested for 2014/15 to end March were 1.1% higher than for the same period in 2013/14; - There was a reduction in wool tested of 17.5 microns and finer and in the micron categories in the first nine months of the season; - There were significant increases in the broad end of the clip (greater than 28.6 micron), which was a recovery from the sharp decline in 2013/14; - There were gains in the micron and micron categories; - The volumes of wool tested (on a wool statistical area basis) in the first nine months of the 2014/15 season were higher than year earlier levels in South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania and New South Wales. It was lower in Queensland and Western Australia. Figure 1: Comparison of monthly AWTA key test data volumes 4 P a g e

5 Figure 2: Across-years comparison of Australian diameter profile to March (AWTA based on key test data) Table 6: AWTA Wool Statistics Area test data volumes (WSA) for the financial year to March Year NSW Vic WA SA Tas Qld Australia 2012/13 99,937 70,063 58,896 40,101 8,624 11, , /14 97,734 65,004 61,341 38,393 8,387 8, , /15 101,996 66,877 56,301 41,838 8,545 7, ,810 % change y-o-y 4.4% 2.9% -8.2% 9.0% 1.9% -18.5% 1.1% AWEX auction statistics and matched brand analysis According to the AWEX s auction statistics, first hand bales offered were higher (4.3%) in 2014/15 compared with 2013/14 to week 40 (the week ending 2 nd April 2015), with increases in the northern (+1.7%) and southern regions (+6.5%), and a small decline in the western region (-0.4%). The AWEX s matched brands analysis for the same period shows a 2.2% fall in wool volumes, with large declines in Queensland ( down by 14.2%) and in Western Australia (-11.1%), and a smaller decline in Tasmania (-4.8%) offset by increases in South Australia (+2.8%) Victoria (+1.3%) and New South Wales (+0.7%). Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) seasonal rainfall seasonal outlook The BoM recorded dry to very dry conditions over late spring to early autumn (October to March) for western Victoria, the southern half of South Australia, northern New South Wales, parts of Tasmania, much of the key wool growing regions in Queensland and the south-west corner of Western Australia. The eastern part of Victoria, northern South Australia and southeast New South Wales and considerable parts of Western Australia recorded above average rainfall (figure 3). 5 P a g e

6 Figure 3: Australian six month rainfall deciles (October 2014 to March 2015) These patterns are replicated for the full 12 months to March. Dry conditions were recorded throughout Tasmania, in western Victoria/south-eastern South Australia, Queensland and northern and western New South Wales and the south-west corner of Western Australia (figure 4). Northern parts of South Australia, the south-east of New South Wales and eastern Victoria have seen above average rainfall. Figure 4: Australian yearly rainfall deciles (April 2014 to March 2015) 6 P a g e

7 The Bureau predicts that much of mainland Australia will record wetter and warmer than normal seasonal conditions between April and June 2015 (figures 5 and 6). Tasmania is expected to see normal conditions. Figure 5: Chance of exceeding median Figure 6: Chance of exceeding median rainfall (April to June 2015) maximum temperature (April to June 2015) As at 31 st March, the Bureau stated that the chance El Niño being declared in the coming months is at 50%. This is double the average likelihood of an event occurring at this time of the year. It also noted that international climate models monitored by the Bureau indicate the central Pacific Ocean will continue to warm, with all models indicating El Niño thresholds will be reached or exceeded by mid-year. State Committee inputs The following provides a summary of seasonal conditions and wool production in each state for the 2014/15 season as reported by State Committees in April Seasonal conditions have been good to excellent for some regions but dry to very dry in other regions. Nevertheless, average fleece weights are expected to be above the levels seen in 2013/14. Sheep shorn numbers will decline as a result of declines in opening numbers in most states. As well, there has been a continued turnoff of sheep and lambs this season. Reports suggest that these sheep and lambs have been shorn prior to slaughter. This increased turn-off of sheep is expected to result in lower sheep numbers at the start of the 2015/16 season. New South Wales Seasonal conditions in the southern half of the state are generally very good, with some parts experiencing some of the best conditions ever seen for stock. In contrast, the northern half of NSW is dry, with some parts very dry, although well-established drought feeding strategies are helping to maintain fleece weights. Recent drier conditions has meant few delays in shearing, which is advanced and resulted in an increase in wool receivals and tests in the past three months. It will mean that receivals and tests are likely to be significantly lower in the last three months of the season. Overall for the 2014/15 season, sheep shorn numbers are expected to be lower than in 2013/14, but not by as much as the decline in opening numbers, and wool production is expected to increase by 2%. 7 P a g e

8 Victoria Seasonal conditions have been good in significant parts of the state until drying off in past few months. As a result, sheep have been in very good condition, until recently so average fleece weights are expected to be higher in 2014/15. With the dry summer and early autumn, there has been a sell-off of sheep. These sheep that have been sold-off are typically being shorn first, which will mean that the fall in sheep shorn numbers will not be as great as the decline in opening sheep numbers at the start of the 2014/15 season. The higher average fleece weights will more than offset the decline in the number of sheep shorn. Wool production will therefore be 2% higher for the full 2014/15 season. Western Australia Opening sheep numbers are reported by the ABS to be down sharply, but sheep shorn numbers are not expected to be down by as much. Average fleece weights are expected to move back to the 50 th percentile level. There is currently intense competition for sheep for live trade and slaughter. Seasonal conditions are dry in some areas but are excellent in the northern sheep producing regions of the state. Over the full season, both the number of sheep shorn and the average wool cut per head is likely to decline, resulting in a 7% fall in shorn wool production. South Australia Seasonal conditions have been good to very good in the pastoral areas (northern South Australia) and dry in the south-east. As a result fleece weights are up in the north and reasonable in the south due to hand-feeding. This, combined with signs that pursuit of higher fleece weights is starting to bear fruit, means that average fleece weights will be higher this season. The number of sheep shorn will also lift, in part due to increased early shearing. For the full 2014/15 season, there is expected to be an 8% increase in shorn wool production. Tasmania Seasonal conditions were difficult over summer in the main wool-growing regions in central Tasmania and, unless there is rain in the next few weeks (before it gets too cold), winter will be difficult. This is likely to result in a decline in average fleece weights. There appears to have been a turn-off of sheep over the past 6 weeks, but these have been shorn before sale. The number of sheep shorn for the full 2014/15 season is estimated to have increased, even though opening sheep numbers were lower. This will offset the decline in average fleece weights and result in the same level of shorn wool production in 2014/15 as in 2013/14. Queensland There was very low rainfall during summer (the main rainfall period for Queensland) in significant parts of the sheep producing regions of Queensland. This has resulted in a further significant turn-off of sheep as well as advanced shearing. Average fleece weights are lower than a year earlier. Both the number of sheep shorn and the average cut per head will fall and production is predicted to decline by 25% in 2014/15 to the lowest on record. 8 P a g e

9 Appendix Table 1: Comparison of the 4 th forecast for 2014/15 against the final estimate for 2013/ /14 Final Estimate QLD NSW VIC TAS SA WA National Opening Sheep Number (million) Sheep Numbers Shorn (million) Average Cut Per Head (kg) Shorn Wool Production (mkg greasy) /15 4th Forecast (Apr-15) QLD NSW VIC TAS SA WA National Opening Sheep Number (million) Sheep Numbers Shorn (million) Average Cut Per Head (kg) Shorn Wool Production (mkg greasy) Change % QLD NSW VIC TAS SA WA National Opening Sheep Number -20.1% -3.9% -6.0% -1.9% -0.2% -7.9% -5.2% Sheep Numbers Shorn -21.9% -1.9% -3.9% 1.9% 2.8% -4.1% -2.8% Average Cut Per Head -3.8% 4.3% 6.0% -1.9% 4.9% -3.5% -1.3% Shorn Wool Production -24.8% 2.2% 1.9% 0.0% 7.9% -7.4% 0.0% Note: Totals may not add due to rounding 9 P a g e

10 Historical Australian Production Figures Table below provides historical sheep numbers, wool production and fleece weight statistics since 1991/92 for background information. Table 2: Australian wool production statistics since 1991/92 Table 3: Year Opening Sheep Number Sheep Numbers Shorn Average Cut Per Head Shorn Wool Production (million) (million) (kg) (mkg greasy) f f Australian micron profile of AWTA wool test volume statistics since 1991/92 (% share and average micron) AWTA KTD Micron Percentage Split of Wool Production (um) Year < /26 27/28 29/30 >30.5 Average Fibre Diameter (um) 1991/92 0.1% 0.7% 3.2% 7.9% 15.2% 21.5% 20.0% 13.4% 7.1% 5.5% 2.9% 1.6% 1.0% /93 0.0% 0.3% 1.9% 5.4% 12.0% 19.9% 20.6% 15.6% 10.0% 7.9% 3.0% 1.9% 1.6% /94 0.1% 0.5% 2.4% 5.9% 12.1% 18.8% 20.8% 15.7% 10.0% 7.4% 2.8% 1.9% 1.7% /95 0.1% 0.6% 3.5% 8.6% 15.2% 20.9% 19.9% 13.0% 7.0% 4.7% 2.8% 2.0% 1.7% /96 0.0% 0.6% 3.3% 8.2% 15.3% 20.8% 18.5% 13.2% 8.1% 6.0% 2.7% 1.8% 1.6% /97 0.2% 0.8% 3.9% 9.7% 15.3% 20.1% 18.3% 13.1% 7.4% 5.3% 2.3% 1.9% 1.8% /98 0.2% 1.2% 4.5% 9.8% 14.8% 19.4% 18.3% 12.8% 7.7% 5.4% 2.6% 1.8% 1.5% /99 0.2% 1.1% 4.2% 8.8% 14.6% 19.6% 18.6% 14.0% 7.6% 5.1% 2.7% 2.0% 1.5% /00 0.1% 1.0% 4.2% 9.3% 14.4% 19.1% 18.2% 13.6% 7.7% 5.2% 2.9% 2.4% 1.9% /01 0.2% 1.3% 5.2% 11.1% 15.7% 18.5% 16.4% 11.4% 6.8% 5.1% 3.6% 2.8% 1.9% /02 0.3% 2.0% 7.2% 14.4% 19.9% 18.9% 12.9% 7.7% 4.1% 3.7% 3.8% 3.1% 1.9% /03 1.0% 3.9% 9.8% 15.7% 18.9% 17.6% 12.0% 6.6% 2.9% 3.4% 3.7% 2.9% 1.7% /04 0.7% 3.6% 9.9% 15.8% 18.3% 16.6% 11.9% 7.5% 3.6% 3.5% 3.8% 2.9% 1.8% /05 1.2% 4.2% 10.5% 16.5% 18.7% 15.9% 10.7% 6.2% 3.2% 3.6% 4.1% 3.1% 2.0% /06 1.4% 4.7% 9.7% 15.1% 18.7% 17.1% 11.5% 5.9% 2.9% 3.9% 4.5% 2.9% 1.6% /07 2.0% 5.9% 11.8% 15.9% 16.9% 14.0% 9.9% 6.2% 3.4% 4.3% 4.4% 3.2% 2.1% /08 1.9% 5.3% 10.9% 16.8% 18.4% 14.3% 9.2% 5.5% 3.0% 4.1% 4.8% 3.6% 2.2% /09 2.0% 5.7% 11.4% 16.6% 18.5% 15.0% 9.1% 4.4% 2.3% 3.8% 5.1% 3.8% 2.2% /10 2.3% 6.2% 12.6% 17.1% 17.5% 13.2% 8.4% 4.6% 2.5% 4.1% 5.4% 3.9% 2.3% /11 1.5% 4.8% 11.0% 16.8% 18.0% 13.5% 8.4% 5.4% 3.0% 3.9% 5.5% 5.0% 3.1% /12 1.8% 5.6% 12.0% 17.1% 16.6% 12.3% 8.3% 5.3% 2.9% 4.2% 5.8% 4.7% 3.3% /13 2.5% 7.0% 13.3% 17.5% 16.8% 12.0% 7.3% 4.1% 2.3% 4.6% 6.2% 4.0% 2.5% /14 3.8% 8.4% 14.6% 17.8% 16.0% 10.9% 6.2% 3.4% 2.2% 5.2% 6.4% 3.1% 2.1% /15* 3.0% 7.7% 14.5% 18.3% 15.8% 10.7% 6.4% 3.4% 1.9% 4.6% 6.9% 4.1% 2.6% 21.1 Note: Totals may not add due to rounding. 2014/15* is data season to date (July - March) 10 P a g e

11 Explanation of revised AWPFC data series At the December 2005 meeting, the national Committee made the decision to collate and review the key variables (shorn wool production, cut per head, number of sheep shorn) used in the committee from the available industry sources and to create a consistent historical data series at both a state and national level. This was required as some differences existed between industry accepted figures and the AWPFC data series and to ensure a consistent methodology over time. This process resulted in changes to the parameters average cut per head and the number of sheep shorn for some seasons at both a state and national level. Modus operandi for the AWI Production Forecasting Committee The AWI Wool Production Forecasting Committee draws together a range of objective data and qualitative information to produce consensus-based, authoritative forecasts four times a year for Australian wool production. The Committee has a two-level structure, with a National Committee considering information and advice from state sub-committees. It is funded by Australian Wool Innovation Limited, which also provides an independent representative in the role of the Chairman of the National Committee. The National and state sub-committees comprise wool producers, wool brokers, exporters, processors, private treaty merchants, AWEX, AWTA, ABARES, ABS, MLA, state departments of Agriculture and AWI. The Committee releases its forecasts in the forms of a press release and a report providing the detailed forecasts, historical data and commentary on the key drivers of the forecasts. 11 P a g e