 |
5th August 2003
Recently announced changes to the management and direction of the Falkiner Memorial Field Station have raised concerns amongst woolgrowers.
Whilst Australian Wool Innovation confirmed their commitment to this important field station late in May, it is now becoming clear that this important demonstration and research facility is facing a significant change in its future.
Falkiner had been developed to provide a fully operational demonstration and educational resource, managed and advised by leading and localised practitioners of agriculture and in particular commercial wool growing.
The emphasis of all activities was to provide practical, repeatable and hands on experience, information and encouragement of commercial and profitable wool growing in the pastoral zones.
To see a grass roots driven demonstration site promoting profitable and sustainable wool production in the lower rainfall areas, was indeed commendable believes the Australian Wool Growers Association.
Especially in light of the much-publicised concerns over the shrinking of the Australian woolclip
AWGA chairman, Will Crozier, is dismayed by the recent turn of events indicating a move away from commerciality and essential exploration of the station’s original charter.
Specifically Mr Crozier states “the removal of the localised advisory panel to Falkiner, the ceasation to hosting the Central Sire Evaluation Trial, discontinuing the breed comparison trial and the trial work done on nutrition pre lambing, will not allow practical and relevant data to be collected any more, in the manner widely appreciated by pastoralists”
“At a time where it is crucial to address future land use in the pastoral regions, to abolish the very practical and desirable incentive to encourage wool production in these areas, it is scandalous to destroy the efforts of those committed to its endeavours and the successful commercial nature of the Falkiner Memorial Field Station.” Mr Crozier says.
News Archive 2003
Discussion Papers
Media Links