Our Research

Land, Water & Wool comprised seven major areas of research and development based around the major issues facing sustainable wool production:

Benchmarking Surveys & Sites

The experience, views, attitudes and practices of woolgrowers were crucial to the success of the Land, Water & Wool program. A comprehensive survey of 1500 woolgrowers was conducted at the beginning of the five-year program to determine their attitudes and practices in relation to natural resource management.

Sustainable Grazing of Saline Lands (SGSL)

Many woolgrowers have shown that specific management methods allow them to keep producing profitably on saline country. The SGSL Sub-program targeted different management options such as developing new pasture mixes and altering grazing strategies.

Rivers and Water Quality

As good water quality often depends upon the health of the water catchment, Land, Water & Wool worked with wool growers to investigate viable options for land use around rivers and streams. Environmental issues, such as water quality and biodiversity, as well as production issues were addressed as part of this Sub-program.

Native Vegetation and Biodiversity

Native grasses and other types of vegetation are an important part of our natural environment and affect wool production. Native vegetation and biodiversity enhance environmental values of wool growing areas. Balanced with production, trees, grasses and shrubs can also return economic and social rewards. On-farm the challenge is balancing productivity, sustainability and profitability. This Sub-program worked with woolgrowers to make well informed choices that were both profitable and helped to protect, sustain and improve native vegetation across different regions in Australia.

Managing Climate Variability

Australia has the most variable climate on Earth. Recent experiences of severe drought show that planning for seasonal variability is vital to successful farm management. This means that our woolgrowers need to be among the world’s best risk managers. Seasonal weather forecasts are vital to good farm management and a recent survey revealed more than half of wool producers taking notice of these longer term predictions. This Sub-program improved grower access to seasonal forecasting tools and provided information to assist decision making on, for example, stocking rates.

Managing Pastoral Country

Unique environmental management issues affect the large pastoral properties which account for more than 80 per cent of the area used for sheep and wool production in Australia. With a specific focus on Australia's valuable pastoral country, this Sub-program looked at environmental issues and management options to maintain productivity and improve sustainability. 

Future Woolscapes

What will the wool industry look like in 10, 20 or 50 years? Long-term sustainability means looking ahead. This Sub-program worked with woolgrower groups to identify options for the future of their industry in Australia.