Elders has today announced a planned transition of its Western Australian (WA) wool handling and selling operations to its state of the art facility in Melbourne, in response to a significant and sustained decline in wool production volumes in Western Australia.
From July 2027, all WA wool handled by Elders will be received, processed and sold through Elders’ Melbourne operations.
WA wool production has declined by close to 40 per cent in recent years, raising concerns about the long term viability of maintaining local handling operations at current volumes.
In response, Elders has carefully assessed how best to continue delivering strong outcomes for growers, with a focus on access to buyer competition, speed to market and long term industry sustainability.
Elders’ General Manager Operations Dave Adamson said the decision reflects a proactive and grower first approach.
“Our priority is, and always has been, to act in the best interests of our clients,” Mr Adamson said.
“Transitioning WA wool handling and selling to Melbourne ensures growers continue to benefit from strong buying competition, efficient processing and consistent weekly auction access, despite the significant decline in local production volumes.”
Melbourne is the largest weekly wool selling centre in the world, hosting around 27 active buyers and accounting for more than half of Australia’s total wool sales each week. The depth and diversity of the Melbourne market provides greater competition and demand across all wool types, from superfine fleece to cardings.
WA wool will be handled through Elders’ Ravenhall facility in Melbourne, a world class, 24 hour processing operation opened in 2024 following a $25 million investment – the largest single investment in wool infrastructure this century. The facility has the capacity to handle all WA wool, with no additional selling costs to growers. Freight costs associated with the transition will be covered by Elders and buyers.
A designated WA section will be established on the Ravenhall show floor to ensure WA clips are clearly presented and easily identified by buyers. Elders’ District Wool Managers will continue to work closely with growers throughout the process, providing local support and guidance.
Importantly, Elders emphasised it is not stepping away from the WA wool industry.
“Elders remains fully committed to Western Australian agriculture and the Australian wool industry,” said Mr Adamson.
“We are moving away from our WA handling facility due to declining production volumes felt across the industry, not walking away from growers. We will continue to operate our branch network across WA, support local communities and invest in long term, sustainable solutions for our clients.”
Elders clients already have the option to sell their wool through Melbourne, and the company will continue to engage closely with growers in the lead up to the full transition in July 2027 to ensure a smooth and well supported change.
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