The first blade shearing course of the season kicked off on the 26th and 27th of March at Fernhill Farm, setting the tone for another busy year ahead. With lambing season underway and shearing just around the corner, the timing couldn’t have been better for those looking to build or sharpen their skills.

Experienced instructor Andy Wear led the course, welcoming a mix of learners—some completely new to blade shearing, others returning to refine their technique. As with any good day on the farm, the session began with a proper introduction, helping everyone share their experience levels and learning goals for the two days.

🐑 Learning the Craft, Step by Step

Health and safety came first—no surprises there when you’re working with sharp blades and live animals. From there, Andy guided the group through the fundamentals: sheep handling, shearing technique, and wool care. He emphasised doing the job right—keeping stress low for the sheep and handling wool carefully to preserve its value.

Students also learned the tools of the trade. Andy covered blade preparation, maintenance, and sharpening in simple, practical terms—skills just as important as the shearing itself.

✂️ That First Sheep – A Big Moment

For many, the highlight (and biggest challenge) came when they sheared their first sheep. Organisers selected yearlings to give learners a manageable size and fleece to work with. It’s no small feat—there’s a lot to think about, and it takes both confidence and coordination.

Working in pairs meant learners always had help nearby. Tutors and peers supported each student through the process. That first sheep marks a real milestone, and it earned plenty of well-deserved congratulations.

☕ Time to Take It In

The days included regular pauses—not just for a brew, but to let everything sink in. Blade shearing isn’t something you rush. It takes time to develop a feel for it, and everyone progresses at their own pace.

Some learners managed to shear a single sheep by the end of the day, while others pushed further. Either way, the focus stayed on steady improvement rather than speed. Break-time conversations covered everything from shepherding to wool handling, helping create a relaxed, supportive atmosphere.

🔁 Day Two – Building Confidence

On the second day, participants revisited what they had learned, ironed out issues, and focused on personal goals. Some saw things really click, while others recognised their limits—but everyone left with a sense of achievement.

Blade shearing is a tough skill to master. It demands patience, technique, and physical effort. You hold sharp steel in your hand, work with a live sheep, and make constant decisions as you go.

🌱 A Rewarding Challenge

By the end of the course, every participant had made real progress. Whether they sheared their first sheep or simply deepened their understanding of the craft, everyone moved forward.

Due to strong interest and positive feedback from this first session, organisers have scheduled an additional blade shearing course for 29th and 30th April. Places will likely fill quickly, so anyone keen to take part should book early.

With the season now underway, courses like this play a vital role in keeping traditional skills alive while supporting the next generation of shearers. Judging by the energy at Fernhill Farm, it’s shaping up to be a strong year ahead.

Shearing Regional Lead: Experience, Standards and Supporting the Industry

We spoke to one of our Regional Shearing Leads Andy based in Wiltshire to learn more about his career, his role within British Wool, and his views on the future of the industry.

Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background in the shearing industry?

At 63, I live near Salisbury in Wiltshire and work as an agricultural fencing and livestock contractor. My shearing journey began at just 17, before moving into contract shearing at 21 for a local contractor.

Over time, I took on responsibility for a shearing run of 38,000 sheep, which I successfully managed for 10 years—building extensive hands-on experience and a strong reputation within the industry.

How did you become involved and what drew you to the role of Regional Shearing Lead?

In 2000, I was invited by Alan Derryman to join the British Wool training team, and have now been instructing for 25 years.

When the opportunity arose to become a Regional Shearing Lead, I stepped forward with a clear motivation—to ensure standards remain high. I am passionate about maintaining practical, effective training and continuing to deliver solid instruction to support the future of shearing.

What does the role involve, and what areas do you personally focus on?

As Regional Shearing Lead, I provide ongoing support to instructors across my area, acting as a reliable point of contact whenever guidance or assistance is needed.

I also works closely with the Shearing Co-ordinator, ensuring clear communication and consistency. My focus is on keeping everyone aligned and maintaining the high standards expected across British Wool training.

What makes British Wool training stand out

From your perspective, what sets these shearing courses apart from other training options?

British Wool courses are well-structured and delivered by highly experienced instructors who have spent years working in the industry.

With Highfield accreditation, the qualifications gained are recognised worldwide—giving trainees confidence that their skills and certification are valued wherever they go.

Why is formal shearing training important?

Formal training plays a crucial role in maintaining high standards of shearing and ensuring excellent animal welfare. It helps shearers develop consistency, efficiency, and confidence in their work.

Challenges facing the industry

What are the main challenges currently facing the wool and shearing industry?

One key concern is the potential shortage of overseas shearers, which could put pressure on labour availability during peak season. This makes developing home-grown talent through quality training more important than ever.

There is also a common misconception that wool prices are directly linked to shearing costs. In reality, shearing is a highly skilled profession, and shearers are paid for their expertise, efficiency, and commitment to animal welfare.

How can shearers help strengthen the industry?

Shearers play an essential role by consistently delivering high-quality work and maintaining strong welfare standards. They also help educate farmers on proper wool handling, storage, and care—ensuring fleeces retain their value and achieve the best possible return.

The rewarding side of shearing

What do you find most rewarding about working as a shearer?

For me, it’s about doing a job properly and taking pride in the result—leaving a well-shorn, tidy sheep behind.

I also value the strong sense of community within the shearing world. There’s a spirit of teamwork, shared learning, and mutual support that makes the work truly worthwhile.

Is there a particular moment that stands out?

Serving as Chairman of BISCA was a proud achievement, as was judging at two World Championships—an opportunity to see the very best shearers in the world up close.

If you had to sum up shearing in just three words, what would they be?

Hard, satisfying, rewarding.

Shearing Regional Leads: Supporting the Future of the Industry

The role of Regional Shearing Leads is vital in ensuring high-quality training, strong participation, and continued standards across the shearing industry. We spoke to one of our Regional Leads Lowri in Wales to learn more about her background, her work with British Wool, and her perspective on the industry today.

Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background in the shearing industry?

Based in North Wales, I am married with three children and run a beef and sheep farm. My connection to shearing came through family—marrying into the industry, as my husband is a professional shearer. I also spent three seasons working in New Zealand, gaining valuable experience and insight into large-scale shearing operations.

How did you become involved with British Wool and what drew you to the role of Regional Shearing Lead?

I have worked with British Wool for the past five years, starting by running the collection centre in Ruthin and now operating one from home. With my husband also working as a British Wool shearing instructor, stepping into the role of Regional Shearing Lead felt like a natural progression. My passion for the organisation is clear, with a strong belief that British Wool delivers the highest standard of training in the industry.

What does a Regional Shearing Lead role involve, and what areas do you personally focus on?

The role is centred around organising the logistics of shearing courses across Wales. This includes understanding demand, identifying training needs, and selecting the most suitable instructors. To ensure strong attendance and effective learning outcomes. Delivering high-quality training for the next generation of shearers is a key priority, alongside raising awareness of the important role British Wool plays within the industry.

From your perspective, what sets British Wool shearing courses apart from other training options?

The standout factor is the quality and experience of the instructors. They are highly skilled, knowledgeable, and dedicated to passing on best practice to future generations of shearers.

Why is formal shearing training important for anyone looking to develop their skills in the shearing shed?

Formal training allows shearers to develop and refine their skills while maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare. It also promotes continual improvement, efficiency, and confidence in the shearing shed.

What do you see as the main challenges currently facing the wool and shearing industry?

Like many areas of agriculture, the industry faces challenges in attracting and retaining new entrants. Maintaining high welfare standards and ensuring wool remains a valued and viable product are also key concerns in an evolving agricultural landscape.

In what ways can shearers help to support and strengthen the wool industry?

Shearers play a vital role by producing well-shorn, high-quality fleeces and maintaining excellent animal welfare standards. Engaging with training and industry initiatives is also essential in helping to raise standards across the sector.

If you had to sum up shearing in just three words, what would they be?

Addictive, rewarding, challenging — with a smile, “observations as a wife!”

The eyes of the global shearing community turned to Masterton in early March, as 27 international teams gathered for the 20th staging of the prestigious World Shearing Championships 2026. The event ran alongside the 63rd annual Golden Shears, one of the sport’s most iconic fixtures.

Steeped in history, the first World Championships were held in England in 1977. Over the past 49 years, the event has travelled the globe, with host nations including New Zealand, Wales, Australia, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, Scotland, Norway, and France.

This year’s championships featured around 150 competitors across machine shearing, blade shearing, and woolhandling disciplines, with both individual and team titles up for grabs. The standard was exceptionally high across all categories.

Strong UK Representation

The UK was strongly represented, with teams from all four nations – England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland – competing at the highest level. Among them were reigning world champions Gwion Evans (machine shearing) and Rosie Keenan (woolhandling). England’s blade shearing team featured father-and-son duo George Mudge and Andrew Mudge, while Northern Ireland’s woolhandling effort included sisters Ellen Murphy and Rachel Murphy.

UK Finalists

As the championship reached its climax and finals day, several UK based competitors made the finals. This included:

Machine Shearing:

• Gavin Mutch – Scotland
• Gwion Evans – Wales
• Llyr Jones – Wales

Blade Shearing:

• Andrew Mudge – England

Woolhandling:

• Rosie Keenan – Scotland

New Zealand Dominates

After three days of intense competition, it was host nation New Zealand that dominated proceedings. They secured five titles, including all three team events—machine shearing, blade shearing, and woolhandling. Individually, Joel Henare claimed the woolhandling title, while Rowland Smith took top honours in machine shearing. The final title, individual blade shearing, went to Bonile Rabela of South Africa.

Team Results

The UK based teams all performed strongly in the teams’ championships with very respectable placings of:

Machine Shearing Team:

• 2nd – England
• 3rd – Scotland
• 4th – Wales
• Northern Ireland achieving 6th in the Teams B Final

Blade Shearing Team:

• 4th – England
• 5th – Wales

Woolhandling Team:

• 6th – England

Reaction

Gareth Jones, Head of Member Engagement said:

“Huge congratulations to all teams at the World Shearing and Wool handling Championships – there was real skill, commitment and spirit demonstrating the high standards we have here in the UK. All competitors can be very proud of their achievements in representing their country on the global stage.”

Looking Ahead

Looking ahead, the next World Championships are set to take place in Australia in 2029, with early indications suggesting a slot in the first week of November.

Strong Market Performance Continues

The strong demand for British wool in the second half of 2025 has continued into 2026. We have seen further improvement and clearances have been high. This will be welcome news to all our members. With the improved prices set to support improved member returns this year.

Since September, values have risen by by 40%. Average auction prices are now at the highest level since 2015.

Andrew Hogley, CEO, said: “Global demand for crossbred wool is now back in balance with supply. Our colleagues in New Zealand cleared their excess wool supplies from the covid pandemic just over a year ago. This has now fed through to better prices in both the UK and New Zealand wool auctions. Global wool markets are now trading at the highest levels for many years and in real terms prices are back at pre-pandemic levels.”

Season to Date Prices and Outlook for 2026

Season-to-date our average selling prices (illustrated in Red on the chart below) are up for all core types, generally by around 15p to 20p per kg. This equates to around 40p more to members for every fleece. Latest prices are even higher (illustrated in Green on the chart below). If these prices are maintained over the last few sales of the season, average prices will continue to rise.

The higher current prices also provide a positive outlook for our members as we head into the 2026 season. Latest prices are as much as 40p to 50p per kilo higher than in the 2024 season. Which would see member returns next year increase by around £1 per fleece.

Supporting Members and Driving Demand

Andrew continued: “Our work to build brand awareness on behalf of our members is also supporting the market for British wool. Consumer research shows that our brand awareness is improving. We now have over 170 brands on our licensee scheme and specifying British wool in their products. Sales of traceable wool at a premium to the commodity market have also seen good growth over the last twelve months.

“With the market showing clear signs of improvement and higher returns this year, I encourage all members to deliver their wool. Handling more wool improves our efficiency, and allows us to invest more in driving demand from manufacturers and consumers to support member returns.”

We want to inform you as part of a joint initiative between British Wool, the National Association of Agricultural Contractors (NAAC), the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) and the National Sheep Association (NSA). To raise concerns regarding the availability of shearers for the 2026 shearing season.

Last week, the Home Office confirmed its decision not to allow a concession for overseas shearers to enter the UK, without work visas this year. This decision risks placing additional pressure on an already stretched shearing workforce. Which could have far-reaching consequences for animal welfare, farm businesses, and the wider sheep sector. British Wool is therefore asking for your support. We strongly encourage all involved in UK sheep farming. To write to their local MP. To highlight the importance of overseas shearers to the UK sheep industry and to urge the government to reconsider its position.

We have trained more than 4000 people on its shearing courses over the past five years. We will continue to invest in training and skills development. Our courses for the 2026 season have recently been announced. With almost 1000 places available, but the reality is that overseas shearers remain an essential part of the UK shearing workforce. Their contribution supports timely shearing, safeguards animal welfare, and strengthens the sharing of skills and best practices across borders.

Your voice matters. MPs need to hear directly from those affected on the ground. A short letter or email to your MP explaining how this decision impacts your business, the industry and the welfare of your sheep can make a real difference. A suggested letter template here.

letter to MP from contractors farmers Final

Overseas Shearers_Welsh Letter

British Wool, alongside NAAC, NFU and NSA, will continue to engage with government and industry partners on this critical issue.

Meet your World Championship teams

The Golden Shears 2026 World Shearing and Wool Championships’ will take place in New Zealand from 4–7 March. We are proud to sponsor the teams travelling from England, Scotland and Wales. Find out more about each of the teams.

We have recently published new independent research into the performance of wool and sleep. This was carried out by Bangor University and funded by the Welsh Government.

The study compared wool duvets with synthetic and feather-and-down alternatives under controlled conditions designed to reflect a full night’s sleep. The results showed that wool performed significantly better. Maintaining a more stable sleeping temperature and moving moisture away from the body much more effectively, particularly as temperatures increased. Both of these factors are key to helping the body regulate its temperature overnight.

These findings are particularly relevant, with almost one in five UK adults saying they wake every night because they feel too hot or too cold. While 79% report experiencing this at least once a week.

Commenting on the research, Graham Clark, Director of Marketing, said:

“For many people, the benefits of sleeping under wool are already well understood — it’s a natural fibre that works with the body rather than against it. What this research provides is robust, independent evidence to support what we have known for some time. Despite its proven performance, wool still accounts for a relatively small share of the bedding market. By clearly communicating these benefits to consumers, there is a real opportunity to grow demand for wool products, strengthen the market and deliver better long-term returns for our members.”

The research forms part of a wider consumer-focused campaign highlighting the benefits of wool for sleep and has been shared with both UK and international partners.

We’re pleased to announce our full programme of shearing and wool handling courses for 2026, which will go live on 9 February. Between April and August, more than 100 courses will run across the UK. These courses cover machine shearing, blade shearing, and wool handling, with training available for all levels of experience. Whether you are just starting out or looking to refine your skills, our courses help you progress with confidence in a supportive, hands-on learning environment.

Training Built for Real Life in the Shed

Our courses build strong shearing technique from the outset. From day one, training focuses on working safely and efficiently in real shed conditions. Specifically, it covers:

• Health and safety in the shearing shed

• Setting up the shearing environment

• Equipment selection and maintenance

• Shearing technique and wool care

As a result, participants gain practical, real-world knowledge that translates directly into everyday work. The training structure supports a wide range of goals – from improving your own flock shearing, to building a career in the industry, or progressing to high-level and international competition standards. Each course is delivered by experienced instructors, who bring extensive industry knowledge and hands-on expertise, ensuring learners develop good habits from the very beginning.

Course Levels & Accreditation

We offer training for everyone, from complete beginners through to advanced shearers:

• Blue Seal training for beginners

• Gold Seal progression for advanced shearers

• Machine shearing and wool handling courses for all trainee levels

All courses carry international recognition and help participants achieve accredited skills that are respected across the industry. Whether your goal is to improve farm performance, gain confidence handling equipment, or work towards competitive shearing standards, there is a course tailored to your needs.

Subsidised Training for Young Farmers

In addition, we’re proud to partner with the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (NFYFC), CFfI Cymru/Wales YFC, Scottish Association of Young Farmers’ Clubs (SAYFC), and the Young Farmers’ Club of Ulster (YFCU) to provide subsidised training for Young Farmers Club members. Now in its eighth year, this collaboration offers 50% off shearing and wool handling courses for affiliated YFC members.

Discounted course rates for YFC members (valid 2 February–30 April 2026):

• Shearing course: £115 + VAT

• Wool handling course: £42 + VAT

Meanwhile, non-members can still book at £230 + VAT, offering excellent value for small-group tuition and expert instruction.

How to Register

To register your interest, complete the online form on our website – click here

Secure your place today and take the next step in your shearing journey.

We are once again partnering with the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (NFYFC), CFfl Cymru/Wales YFC, Scottish Association of Young Farmers Club (SAYFC) and Young Farmers’ Club of Ulster (YFCU). Providing subsidised shearing and wool handling training for Young Farmers Club (YFC) members across the UK.

Now in its eighth consecutive year. This collaboration continues to support young farmers by offering a 50% discount on our shearing and wool handling courses for affiliated YFC members. The discount applies to machine shearing, blade shearing, and wool handling courses. Making this training accessible at every stage of a young farmer’s shearing journey.

What the Training Includes

Our two-day shearing courses and one-day wool handling courses run nationwide and focus on the core principles of effective and efficient shearing. Attendees receive hands-on training designed to improve technique. While emphasising animal welfare, correct use of shearing equipment, and maintaining safety in the shearing shed. With small-group instruction and expert guidance, participants can develop confidence and skill in a supportive learning environment.

Who Can Apply

This discounted training is open to absolute beginners, as well as intermediate and advanced shearers. We encourage Young Farmers to continue developing their skills through further training opportunities and progression routes. Whether they are preparing to shear their own flock, pursue a career in shearing, or compete at higher levels.

How to Access the Discount

YFC members can access the exclusive discounted rate by registering between 2 February and 30 April 2026:

Shearing course: £115 + VAT

Wool handling course: £42 + VAT

Non-members can still attend at the standard price of £230 + VAT, which remains excellent value for high-quality, small-group tuition delivered by experienced instructors.

To register your interest, please contact your local YFC group. Full course details and booking information will be published on our website on 2 February.