Malvern, Visitors Will Have The Opportunity to Gain a Detailed Understanding of The Work

At this month's NSA Sheep 2014 (Wednesday 30th July) being held at the Three Counties Show Ground, Malvern, visitors will have the opportunity to gain a detailed understanding of the work done on behalf of UK sheep farmers by the British Wool Marketing Board (BWMB).

The BWMB, a mainline sponsor of the event, will display information on the latest wool prices whilst illustrating the various parts of the organisation’s work including; marketing and promotion, and the valuable work it does training new shearers. Examples of this shearing action can be seen in the Open and YFC Shearing competitions being held in the Shearing Shed at the event.

The BWMB will be staging a Wool Clinic on its stand in Wye Hall 4 throughout the day, providing advice to producers on improving wool clip presentation and quality. Additionally, wool from a variety of sheep breeds will be judged by Stephen Spencer, BWMB Wool Marketing Manager at the show’s fleece competition.

An iconic three metre high installation will form the stunning centrepiece of the BWMB's stand which is being organised jointly with the Campaign for Wool (CfW).

“The centrepiece of the stand, the 'WOOL' installation is a dramatic statement piece covered in different wool applications which has drawn enormous attention wherever it has been shown before. The nature of the piece means it is very much a touch and feel piece as well as a stunning visual display’’ BWMB Chairman and Northumberland sheep farmer Malcolm Corbett explains.

“The piece is a perfect reflection of the British wool industry, showcasing a wide variety of uses for wool from the massive range of breeds and types farmed across the world."

In terms of prices and the current global market for wool, the last 12 months has seen demand for British wool increase once again and as a result prices achieved at BWMB wool auctions have also increased, Mr Corbett adds.

"While producers will naturally always want to see higher wool prices, the levels we've seen wool trading at in the last year are very welcome and show signs of continuing for the coming season.

"Demand from all our major trading partners is still strong and reducing sheep numbers across the world means there is less wool to meet this demand. The effect of this strong market means the Average Price of wool achieved by your Board is significantly higher than last year; up 34% on average (2013 Average Wool Clip Value £1.03 compared to 2012 Average Wool Clip Value £0.77). Average 2014 Guide Wool Clip Value for Texel wool for example, is expected to be £1.26/kg and Mule types £1.25/kg.’’

The BWMB collects, grades and marketswool for all UK sheep farmers, and provides a high quality service to all producers regardless of the type or amount of wool produced.  Mr Corbett says farmers should recognise that it is the BWMB’s unique involvement at all levels of the supply chain which, together with its competitive auction system, puts it in such a strong position to be able to help the UK sheep industry extract the maximum value for its wool.