Sandy McEachern, Holmes Sackett consultant and director, reminded growers that it was all about their money.

“The wool levy might be a small proportion of overall expenditure, but unfortunately it’s currently a large proportion of potential profits,” Mr McEachern said.

And he said if woolgrowers didn’t think they would get a return from paying a levy, they actually had to take part in the vote and say this, rather than let others decide for them.

According to a FarmOnline survey conducted in the first week of September - 39.8 percent of wool growers won’t take part in this month’s WoolPoll, which will determine the level of funds go to Australia’s wool research and marketing body, Australian Wool Innovation.

That’s compared to 38.8pc (of the 196 who participated in the survey) who do plan to vote.

The results probably in part reflect a growing disenchantment in the industry.

“I think a significant issue is that people are not aware of the consequences of the results - what does 0pc levy mean for the industry?” Mr McEachern asked.

“What is the difference between 1pc and 3pc? It is not just the revenue that matters it is what will be done with that revenue under these different scenarios.

“If you are disenchanted with the wool industry it is hard to get motivated to vote if you don’t know the answers to these questions.”

The same online survey was run a month ago. During that first survey, only 27pc of growers were planning not to vote, while 47.5pc thought they would.

WoolPoll chair Will Roberts said he was disappointed by the increasingly negative results.

“Growers don’t seem to understand that the future of wool is on the line here,” Mr Roberts said.

“Even if woolgrowing is not your number one profit stream, this is your money we’re talking about. There is no benefit to you in ignoring it. You have to get involved.”

He said WoolPoll 2009 voter information kits will be posted to eligible growers in late September and that this information is already available on the WoolPoll website.

Under the Wool Services Privatisation Act 2000, AWI is required to conduct a poll of woolgrower levy payers every three years. Woolgrowers who have paid $100 or more in wool sale levy in the three years to 30 June 2009 will be eligible to vote in WoolPoll 2009.

The poll closes on Friday, November 6.