00:00with the phase out of live export in WA, that certainly has been an issue. But on top of
00:07that, we've had dry seasons across the southern states in the last 12 months. But ultimately,
00:12it's the price that we're receiving for our product. What we get now is the same price
00:18as we received 10 years ago. And of course, our costs have gone up like everyone. So that's
00:27certainly been a tough one for wool growers at the moment. I think we peaked the national
00:33flock at 180 million. We're down to 60 million now, or 63 million. And of that 60 odd million,
00:41there'd be certainly 10% of that number would be shedders. So they don't require shearing.
00:49And again, that also affects our wool production going forward. China is in recession. Europe's
00:55struggling at the moment. The Italians aren't buying as much of that top end product as they
01:00normally do. And we've still got the overhanging issue of President Trump coming forward. If he's
01:07going to place tariffs on anything out of China, that certainly may affect the price of wool that
01:12we receive going forward. Most farmers are diversifying. They're either going into prime
01:18lambs, cattle cropping, or certainly some are just putting their hands in the air. They've
01:24reached a certain age and are selling their farm. The good wool growers are still making money.
01:30But yeah, most are diversifying. But there is good money to be made. But you certainly have
01:36to keep working hard at it. Farmers are very good at chasing rainbows. So whilst everyone
01:41may be heading towards the meat side of things, there is an opportunity to walk back and still
01:47remain focused on wool. Yes, it may be easier to have a meat production side of things. But
01:58someone like myself is a born and bred wool grower, so we'll continue to grow wool. I'm living the
02:03dream. Ever since I left school, I wanted to be a wool grower and built the flock from 10,000 to
02:0910,000. So look, I'm one of the very lucky few that have managed to be able to do that. And
02:15there'll be others come along and do that going into the future, I'm sure.
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