WOOLGROWERS are battling the bulge. We are talking here not bellies but bales.
Bulging or over-length wool bales have come to the notice of the NSW transport authorities.
Fines were issued last year to transport operators whose loads exceeded the 2.5-metre legal limit.
To meet transport requirements, bales should not exceed 1250mm.
But as growers and AWEX have discovered, that is easier said than enforced, with many bales bulging to 1350mm.
Early last year, the NSW Government called a truce and allowed loads to a maximum width of 2.7 metres, provided the industry addressed the problem.
AWEX took up the task, with plans for farm trials
AWEX's Kerry Hansford said the trials would aim to quantify contributing factors and evaluate whether woolpacks needed to be modified.
As part of its preliminary work, AWEX measured 650 bales at stores in Newcastle and Melbourne.
A third were 1250mm or less, while two-thirds exceeded 1255mm. The average length was 1265mm, with some measured at 1435mm.
AWEX also assessed the wool type and wool length. It found the problem was more likely with fleece wools, particularly crossbreds, rather than the shorter-length oddments.
Dr Hansford said an over-length wool bale could result from various factors, including problems with the press and bale fastening, problems with wool packs, and during transport when the weight of bales on top of each other could lead to distortion or bulging.
As part of on-farm trial work, AWEX will test three prototype packs with a variation of seams and panel constructions. They will be compared to the standard three-panel pack.
Dr Hansford said AWEX would also trial wool packs with a "bale fastening guide" - a line sewn into the flap of each pack.
It would act as a guide for the correct placing of bale fasteners.
Earlier sales
OF interest this year will be the push from Chinese importers to have Australian auctions held on Tuesday-Wednesday rather than Wednesday-Thursday.
AWEX chief executive Mark Grave has confirmed that February's auctions will be moved to Tuesday-Wednesday as part of trial to assess the benefits and costs of such a move.
Mr Grave said Chinese importers considered Tuesday-Wednesday sales an opportunity to conclude administrative and logistic arrangements ahead of the weekend.
