FLOCK biosecurity is at the forefront of Gippsland Merino breeders minds, which prevents the spreading of pest and disease and protects clients' property from costly infection.
The upside to this strong focus on biosecurity is a reputation as progressive leaders in producing healthy, resilient stock.
In the past year, Steve Harrison Bindawarra Merino Stud, Giffard has undertaken an international training course on foot and mouth disease, in Nepal, and seen firsthand issues of wool contamination at processors in China.
Another Gippsland producer who upholds leading standards is Kelvin Pendergast, Pendarra Merino Stud, Benambra, who has travelled to China to visit wool processors.
It is part of their professionalism, according to Landmark Gippsland wool agent, Donald Rash.
"Gippsland wool growers are exceptionally professional in their wool growing practices and strive to keep the clip as clean as possible," Mr Rash said.
"They all, without a doubt, adhere strictly to how chemicals should be used and withholding periods too."
Mr Rash started classing wool clips in Gippsland shearing sheds in 1990 and has seen his fair share of practice.
"The vast majority of wool growers are very good about reducing risk of contamination," he said.
"Unfortunately, contamination can only be identified in the early stages by the grab sample.
"After sale, bales are mixed together so there is no way of knowing what clip a contaminated sample comes from so growers can't find out if it was their bale at fault."
Mr Harrison agreed it would be better to clearly identify where the contamination in a wool consignment originated; otherwise it reflects back on all wool growers.
"The major and common problem is skin pieces," he said.
"There is also an issue of quality of wool classing, with variations in length and class of wool.
"The vast majority are doing their best but contamination can't be identified after sale when the lots are all blended and boxed together.
"Everyone suffers."
He strongly recommends wool growers commit to the campaign to keep the wool clip clean and ensure they complete the national vendor declaration forms correctly, including identifying fleeces from mulesed and non-mulesed sheep.
"It would be good if a review enabled wool growers to earn more money and if it helped the industry – but it's doubtful if that will happen," Mr Harrison said.
"With the volatility of price, it doesn't help buyers or growers to have peaks and troughs."
Mr Harrison travelled to Nepal and China with government assistance and recommends continued funding to enable more farmers to undertake these study trips.
"A major disease outbreak would close our economy, so it's not an industry issue it's a national security issue," he said.
So far, 150 Australian participants have completed the foot and mouth disease training course. Mr Harrison is one of at least 15 farmers to take part.
"Australian farmers are well skilled in anything that's detrimental to their animals," he said.
"Farmers are completing this course so there is at least one person in each region in Australia who can recognise the signs of foot and mouth infection.
"I came home feeling very lucky to be an Australian farmer."
