EOI: AWI Transition to non-mulesed pilot project

AWI is seeking expressions of interest (EOI) for the AWI Transition to non-mulesed pilot project.

Woolgrowers who are considering moving to non-mulesed, actively working towards going non-mulesed, or have stopped mulesing within the past five years and are continuing to work towards bedding down their new non-mulesed system are encouraged to submit an EOI to participate in this new AWI pilot project.

Benefits for participating woolgrowers

• Structured, practical, on-farm support from a dedicated AWI AmpliFly Accredited Advisor.
• AWI StrateFly workshop to establish understanding of flystrike risk management principles, decision-making frameworks and transition to non-mulesed (TNM) pathways.
• Assessment of your current flock traits, management practices and flystrike risks.
• Development of a tailored TNM plan specific to the individual business, including achievable year one actions (e.g., trial non-mulesed mobs, flystrike management adjustments, refinement of ram selection).
• Flystrike chemical resistance profiling for each participating business.
• Flock Profile genomic testing provided for each participating business.
• First access to new AWI Visual Sheep Scoring workshop.
• Participation in regional grower group of up to 10 businesses from your region.
• Include up to three people from your business to get everyone on the same page and share different insights and perspectives.
• Peer learning amongst grower group by sharing experiences, discussion of challenges and practical problem-solving.
• Hear directly from growers who have made the move to non-mulesed (NM) to understand their challenges and opportunities.
• An individual business plan for 'where to next'.

What is the AWI Transition to non-mulesed pilot project?

Successfully transitioning to a NM enterprise is a long-term process that requires careful planning, breeding focus and management adjustments. The first step is benchmarking flock traits and management practices to identify the changes needed. A transition period is then essential to make progress in breeding objectives and refine on-farm practices.

After mulesing ceases, properties typically go through a consolidation period until a stable NM management system is established. Because NM sheep have different flystrike risks, they require a different approach and mindset compared to mulesed flocks. Over time, as NM sheep make up a larger proportion of a flock, management gradually shifts away from mulesed systems and management. For most enterprises, the full transition takes 5–10 years, resulting in a non-mulesed flock with minimal flystrike risk.

The Australian wool industry is facing evolving expectations from markets and consumers. Demand for NM wool is steadily increasing, with brands and retailers seeking reliable supply.

The AWI Transition to non-mulesed pilot project is one of AWI’s initiatives to support woolgrowers in managing flystrike and reducing reliance on mulesing and chemical applications. AWI is investing in this one-year pilot project that provides structured, practical support to woolgrowers undertaking this journey.

This initiative does not mandate change for all woolgrowers. It respects woolgrower choice and aims to provide robust support and information for those already motivated to transition to a non-mulesed (NM) enterprise.

The AWI Transition to non-mulesed pilot project has funding to support three groups with up to 10 wool-growing businesses each.

Is this project for you?

If you are a woolgrower who is considering moving to non-mulesed, actively working towards going non-mulesed, or has stopped mulesing within the past five years and are continuing to work towards bedding down your new non-mulesed system, we want to hear from you!

If you like the idea of working with other woolgrowers in a supportive, small group, sharing experiences, concerns and ideas with like-minded people in a similar situation to you, and engaging with livestock consultants and industry professionals to work on a solution tailor-made to your business, environment, production system and goals, you are encouraged to submit an EOI to participate in this AWI pilot project.

The AWI Transition to Non-Mulesed pilot project has funding to support three groups with up to 10 wool-growing businesses in each group. Depending on the EOIs received and demand from regions, AWI will set up groups to match this, however at this stage anticipate groups being in western Victoria, southern NSW and northern NSW. If you are not in these regions but are interested in staying in the loop or potentially being part of a future program like this, we still encourage you to complete the EOI.

Get involved today!

Please click the ‘COMPLETE THE EOI NOW' button (at the top left in the 'EVENT DETAILS' box) and fill in the simple EOI form. 

EOIs close at 5:00 pm AEST on Sunday, 31 May 2026.

Would you like more information?

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