AWEX has provided updated results on the average price differences paid in the 2019/20 season to the end of January for wool with the various mulesing statuses. The data shows that the average premiums paid for non-mulesed Merino wool at auction in the July 2019 to January 2020 period remained high. The highest statistically sound premium was paid for 16 micron wool at 99 cents/kg, but the premiums for wool from 20 micron and finer were all above 40 c/kg. The premiums for 17 and 18 micron wool were a little lower than for the full 2018/19 season. The average premiums paid for increased for 16 micron, 19 micron, 20 micron and 21 micron wool. These are average price differences. As such, they do not show some of the much higher premiums that have been achieved for good quality, fine non-mulesed Merino wool. There is also non-mulesed fine Merino wool that is sold directly from growers under contract with some companies which I understand attract even higher premiums.

The data also shows that there are premiums paid for wool from properties that have ceased mulesing, with premiums of up to 35 c/kg for fine Merino wool. As well, the analysis shows that there were statistically-sound premiums paid for wool from sheep that have been mulesed with pain relief. The premiums paid for this Pain Relief-declared wool in the seven months July to January of this season was as much as 16 c/kg for 16 micron wool. The premiums disappeared or even became discounts for 19-21 micron wool, possibly because of the higher available volumes of this wool.

Further details, including a chart showing the premium paid for non-mulesed wool by micron for 2019/20 to January compared with the average premiums paid for the full season in 2018/19, 2016/17 and 2013/14, are provided in the full edition of the NCWSBA Weekly Newsletter. Available to NCWSBA members.