Introduction of global merino information system

Photo caption: Real time sales figures are displayed on the wall of the Christchurch Wool Auction Centre during trials of the AWEX ID market information system.

November 27, 2000

Media release ­ for immediate use

Introduction of global merino information system

New Zealand Merino growers will shortly have access to real time auction prices and be able to compare with other countries thanks to a market analysis system being trialled this week at the Christchurch Wool Auction Centre.

Merino New Zealand, in conjunction with WoolPro, is running a trial on the AWEX ID market information system with the aim of having it commissioned by July 1 next year.

Andrew Harris, Project Manager for Merino New Zealand, said the new system will have many benefits for New Zealand merino growers.

³Real time comparisons of New Zealand merino prices with those from overseas will be a major benefit as will the improved information available for both growers and exporters² he said.

This system is very user friendly with growers able to view in the sale room, their individual sale lots together with previous lots sold.

New Zealand lags behind other key growers such as Australia and South Africa in this management area. Mark McDonald, Information Systems Manager for AWEX Australia, has been in New Zealand overseeing the trial.

³We see tremendous advantages for the whole wool industry once this technology has been implemented. It is not just merino specific,² he said.

The trial incorporated WoolPro undertaking the appraisal of all merino sale lots with AWEX ID descriptive and a value applied to each lot.

Once the sale data is captured the information can be transposed into various market reporting formulae for buyers and sellers.

Further information: Andrew Harris, Merino NZ, Telephone 021 ­ 924 842

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