On and off-farm logistics
AWI's main aim from this research is to develop and implement logistics technologies that enable cost savings and positive structural changes on-farm and within the wool processing pipeline, for example the delivery of enabling technologies, such as wool bale ID, to facilitate better pipeline traceability.
Overview
Woolgrowers will benefit from improved on and off-farm logistics systems through:
- lower logistics and fibre measurement costs;
- increased value of wool at farm gate; and
- availability of new and better fibre measurement tools to optimise wool production and marketing.
On-farm logistics
Part of AWI's Sheep Genetics and Wool Quality Program, on-farm logistics projects aim to deliver benefits to woolgrowers in an environment where there is limited and variable use of advanced technology on-farm.
Big differences in productivity linked to farm management practices create opportunities for technology research and adoption in such areas as better sheep identification.
AWI is developing and adapting new technologies that allow optimal sheep and wool production at lower costs.
Key strategies are to maximise woolgrower adoption of:
- on-farm decision making, data storage and communication with the wool pipeline;
- coating sheep by validating benefits of coating to targeted woolgrowers; and
- a sheep identification (sheep ID) accreditation and extension package to woolgrowers for on-farm precision livestock management.
A scoping study conducted during late 2003 and early 2004 examined the technical, commercial and economic issues in relation to the practice of coating sheep. Download the study (PDF 173Kb)
AWI and the Sheep CRC have co-funded the development of data standards for electronic storage of animal, wool and meat data, as well as for transmission of this data between industry sectors. More information at sheepcrc.org.au
Top of page
Off-farm logistics
Wool pipeline organisations are already highly efficient within the constraints of:
- a complex, multi-staged processing pipeline;
- high levels of competition;
- over supply of processing capacity; and
- small margins
Key projects in this program include:
- Annual publication of Sheep's Back to Mill statistics, showing the logistical costs incurred in shearing, transporting and selling wool.
- Landscaping and market research aimed at delivering innovative demand chains to improve efficiency in the pipeline and boost wool sales.
- Compilation of a supply chain model that reflects the global logistical wool pipeline that could be applied in the assessment of alternative supply chain options.
- Delivery of enabling technologies, such as wool bale ID, to facilitate better pipeline traceability.
A joint AWI/AWEX study conducted late 2005 examined the costs, benefits and potential technology for tracking bales from farm to processor via electronic bale tags. It found potential handling efficiencies and cost savings of over $2 per bale. Download the executive summary (PDF 36Kb), full report (PDF 194Kb) or review of previous research in this area (PDF 59Kb)
Electronic Bale Tag
Publications