FOR argument's sake, let's say he was wearing wool.
The portrait of then British war secretary, Lord Kitchener - dressed in full officer's garb - rallying the local troops to World War I was perhaps one of the most famous images from last century.
And its accompanying "Your Country Needs You" catchcry remains as relevant to today's Australian wool industry as it was for the British troops in 1914.
Similar to those World War I soldiers last century, Australian wool growers face insurmountable challenges.
A critically low national sheep flock, deflated wool prices and the continued shift into cropping and prime lambs have forced the wind out of the industry's sails.
Never has there been a more critical time for wool growers to fight for their future.
And in the form of WoolPoll 2009 they have been handed a golden - and timely - opportunity.
WoolPoll determines the percentage of wool income available to Australian Wool Innovation to fund research and development, innovation and marketing.
Option to wool growers this time around are 3 per cent, 2.5 per cent, 2 per cent, 1 per cent or zero. AWI is championing to retain the current 2 per cent levy.
Voting opened last month and closes next Friday at 5pm. Alarmingly just 20 per cent of eligible growers have so far registered their vote.
For an industry as proud as wool, and given the vast array of challenges it faces, this is simply not good enough. It's your business that could be affected by any changes to the levy. So have your say.
A non-vote is not a vote for a zero levy, nor is it a vote for the status quo. It doesn't count.
It's time for the wool industry to look to the future, not dwell on the past.
Your country - which once rode on the sheep's back - needs you.
