Leaders of the superfine Merino wool industry gathered in Armidale last weekend for education and celebration, with the best fleece awards for all districts of the country handed out during a gala dinner held at the historic Booloominbah House, on the campus of the University of New England.
Growers heard from industry representatives about the challenges facing supply and demand of Merino fibre, and there was a call for greater unity from within the luxury brand that is Australian superfine wool.
At the end of the day producers were encouraged to tell their story - one of good management and sustainability.
While markets were back, buyer Andrew Blanch, New England Wool, said the hiccup was due to a few reasons, not the least being that European mills have enough in stock after buying twice as much last year. Quality is low, given the season, along with supply. Still, fashion houses have trouble filling superfine orders.
"I can't see the market coming off too much," he said.