7 June 2001

Media Release
Farm Media and Daily Media Farm Editors

WoolPro joins forces with Massey and Lincoln

WoolPro has joined forces with Massey and Lincoln Universities in a drive to maximise technology development and uptake in the sheep industry.

The agreements, which were announced today, will see WoolPro staff in Palmerston North and Christchurch shift to premises on the Massey and Lincoln campuses, where they will work closely with their university colleagues.

WoolPro is a subsidiary of the Wool Board which has operated as a standalone company since 1998. It provides training, technology development, extension and quality assurance services to wool growers.

WoolPro chairman, Terry Heiler, says WoolPro’s sole concern from July 1 will be the long-term viability of sheep farming.

“Our resources are limited, so it makes sense to work together with Lincoln and Massey on research and development, technology transfer, education and training,” he said.

“We will also work more closely with AgResearch, the Wool Research Organisation, Dexcell and others.

“Our aim is to provide the know-how needed by sheep farmers to keep their businesses viable. We’re aiming at annual productivity gains of 3-5 per cent.

“The core capabilities needed to do this already exist at Lincoln and Massey, or can be developed.

“WoolPro will use university facilities for some of its training work.

“We will fund research at the universities and tie university students into these research programmes. Our staff will teach at the universities.

“We also want to develop wide-ranging outreach and extension programmes for sheep farmers using WoolPro’s and the universities’ resources, such as technical expertise and communication networks.”

Dr Heiler said one of the main aims is to increase the number of people training in every area of the sheep industry, from WoolPro’s current involvement in vocational training to the universities’ training of advisors and researchers.

“While sheep farming in 2001 has been more prosperous, there’s no getting away from the fact that in many respects the industry’s technology engine is running on empty,” he said.

“It’s time to turn this situation around. These agreements with Massey and Lincoln will bring the universities closer to other people in the sheep industry, with WoolPro the go-between.”

[ends]

For more information, contact:

Terry Heiler, Chairman WoolPro, tel 03-347 8365, or

Lance Wiggins, Managing Director, WoolPro, tel 04-471 4670 or mobile 025-420 044