The countdown is on for farmers to vote in the wool levy referendum.
Voting closes at 2pm tomorrow, with about 40% of eligible sheep farmers having cast their votes.
The remaining 60% needed to have their voices heard on how they wanted their $700 million industry to move forward, Federated Farmers meat and fibre chairman Rick Powdrell said.
A positive outcome would mean $4.2 million to represent and develop the industry, based on a 2.75c per kg levy for the 154,000 tonnes of wool produced in New Zealand each year.
Wool Levy Group chairwoman Sandra Faulkner said she was heartened by the level of engagement with growers and stakeholders in the industry.
Sheep farmers wanted to see more unity and those she had spoken to appreciated the opportunity to have an internationally recognised, non-commercial voice to represent them effectively, Mrs Faulkner said.
Beef and Lamb New Zealand chairman James Parsons said the organisation's board had deliberately stayed neutral on how wool growers should vote.
However, he encouraged sheep farmers to participate, saying a low turnout would indicate to others that they did not care or bother to have a view about the sector.
The fundamental question was whether wool growers wished to invest in industry good wool activities, he said.
Postal voting has closed but it can be done online at www.votewool.co.nz or voting forms can be faxed.
