Wool report: MPI to support contracted shearers

PGG Wrightson's GM for Wool Grant Edwards. Photo / Supplied

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This week The Country's Jamie Mackay is joined by PGG Wrightson's GM for Wool, Grant Edwards to talk about the uncertainty around the wool industry as New Zealand begins its lockdown.

The wool industry has come to a halt as auctions have been put on hold for the next month.

The wider wool industry had applied to the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) to support wool exports said Edwards.

The application to MPI covers PGG Wrightson's operations to a degree - wool scouring, wool dumps and exports.

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Edwards said he had talked to executive officer for the New Zealand Shearing Contractors Association Phil Holden, who said he had put an application through to MPI based on animal health and welfare services.

Shearing has been deemed an essential service based on animal welfare, and individual contractors will need to apply for assistance said Edwards.

More details can be found on The New Zealand Shearing Contractors Association website.

Mackay asked if getting sheep and lambs dagged, crutched and ready for meat processing was a part of animal welfare.

Edwards said he assumed so, but if there were any farmers unsure they should get in contact with their shearing contractor.