Mobile shearing a commercial
alternative by 2004 - Press release from AWI
Wool producers will have an alternative to
traditional shearing by June 2004, with the announcement today that Australian
Wool Innovation is to commercially develop a mobile, chain shearing system.
AWI will spend $6.9 million over the next three years in further developing a
working prototype from the original Western Australian Wool Harvesters concept.
The concept is to be further developed through the formation of a new company
– ShearExpress – which will be 70% owned by AWI and 30% owned by Chain
Shearing Ltd, the creators of the original system.
The new system will be fully self contained within a truck and trailer and
incorporate a range of new innovations that will allow for fast, efficient and
clean clip removal. Staffed by up to eight employees, it is expected that each
unit will be capable of turning out more than 1,000 sheep per day.
Under ShearExpress sheep are lifted via a platform onto the rear of the truck
and secured into a cradle on a conveyor system. The fleece is then removed at
four stations along the chain, with the fleece carried past the final station to
a second trailer containing a wool table, weighing system, classing bins and
wool press.
The system allows cleaner harvesting with fewer pieces, less second cuts and
less skin pieces. The restraint system would also allow producers the
opportunity to perform other animal management procedures during the process. In
line wool testing could also be conducted as part of the shearing process.
AWI Managing Director, Col Dorber said the decision to proceed with the proposal
represented an exciting step forward for wool producers.
Mr Dorber said ShearExpress would have a total of four commercial units, worth
an estimated $500,000 each, developed by June 2004.
“Once we have the units fully operational, our belief is the advantages will
sell themselves. From a producer viewpoint we believe we can deliver a number of
clear benefits including a reduction in direct shearing costs and the
elimination of the need for on-farm shearing infrastructure.
“In addition to this is the fact that the system will also incorporate
improved occupational health and safety requirements and also solve the
occupational problems of shearer shortages by providing employment opportunities
for semi-skilled workers in rural areas.
According to AWI the longer term aim of ShearExpress was to have nearly 300
machines working in Australia’s four major wool producing regions by 2015 and
shearing some 65% of the Australian wool clip.
Mr Dorber said the decision to fund the commercial venture was driven by the AWI
commitment to bring to the marketplace research, development and innovation that
was able to reduce costs for wool producers and increase productivity and profit
margins.
“Our approach with this project is to provide funds to the point where it is
in the marketplace and working effectively. Once we have achieved this and
delivered a viable working system to wool producers, we would then consider
selling our interests in the company, provided this was in the best interests of
wool producers.
Mr Dorber said AWI would continue to examine a range of shearing reform concepts
that could provide returns to Australian wool producers.
“In addition to ShearExpress, AWI continues to underwrite and support the
development of the BioClip method of chemical harvesting and is also in the
process of underwriting a national shearer training program.
“The market place must have choice and there will always be demand for the
traditional shearer. Our investment is not about removing traditional
procedures– it is all about providing wool producers with the option to adopt
new and improved shearing methods,” Mr Dorber said.
Ends
Released by AWI Manager, Media and Stakeholder Relations, Chris Rowley – 02
9299 5155 / 0427 532563
Media Contact: Col Dorber – 02 9299 5155
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