Australia, with a sheep population of approximately 79 million sheep produces 350 million kg of greasy wool annually, more than one quarter of the world’s wool.

This 350 million kg of greasy wool was worth approximately $2.8 billion to the Australian economy in 2008/9(ABARE). Australia exports wool all over the world, China is our largest purchaser with 246 million kgs, next closest is Italy with 34 million kgs then India with 24 million kgs.

Production in the 2007/08 selling season on a state-by-state basis was; New South Wales 35%, Western Australia 23%, Victoria 20%, South Australia 15%, Queensland 5% and Tasmania 2%. (Note figures have been rounded)

Australia’s flock is composed mainly of Merino sheep, in July 2008 89% of the total flock where estimated to be Merino and 8% Merino cross breeds.

The original genetic base for the Australian Merino was the Spanish Merino as well as other types from England, Saxony, France, Austria and Cape Colony. Through many generations of careful selection and cross-breeding taking into account the impact of the different environmental conditions, the Australian Merino that is now recognised world-wide was developed.