As the fallout from former AWI chief Brenda McGahan's resignation continues, Mr Ashby said if an investigation occured, woolgrowers risk losing their voice and returning to government-appointed boards that had no knowledge of the wool industry.

"Australian Wool Innovation must get on with what it is there to do - look after grower interests," he said.

Mr Ashby said if AWI board directors could not be relied upon to guide the industry forward, then they were not fulfilling their obligations to the farmers who elected them.

"They have a responsibility to growers, and if they are not prepared to oversee the execution of the clear mandate given by growers at the last AWI AGM and through the WoolPoll process, then they should be asking themselves if they are the right people to accept such responsibility," he said.

South Australian Farmers' Federation sheep industry representative Geoff Power said there was renewed optimism in the wool industry, despite the events of the past few weeks.

Mr Power said that while the turn of events was disappointing, AWI needed to be able to get on with the job of moving Australian wool forward.

"There's renewed optimism in the industry, which we haven't seen since the price of wool collapsed in 1990," he said.

"Farmers are starting to get more confidence in the industry. With wool tracking upwards nicely, there's plenty to be confident about."

Mr Power said he caught up with AWI chairman Wal Merriman and acting chief executive Stuart McCullough at this week's Merino Field Days at Burra, and was pleased with what he heard.

"What has happened is unfortunate, but I'm sure AWI can get its act together and get on with the job," he said.

Mr Power said he believed the new CEO of AWI needed experience within the industry, marketing knowledge, a good rapport with woolgrowers and contact with overseas mills.

* Full report in Stock Journal, March 18 issue.