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, 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) to provide 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.

British Wool shearing courses are built on one thing above all else, exceptional instructors with real shed and competition experience.

Our experienced team of instructors delivers a comprehensive training programme designed to build confidence, skill, and industry-standard technique. Running from April to August, the programme features more than 95 courses, offering a wide range of training opportunities in machine shearing, blade shearing, and wool handling. With flexible course options available, there’s something for everyone, from beginners to advanced shearers.

What the Training Covers

Our shearing courses are designed to develop best practice and strong technique from the outset. You will learn every key aspect of shearing, including:

• Health and safety requirements and safe working practices

• Preparing and managing the shearing environment

• Selecting the right equipment and maintaining it effectively

• Developing efficient shearing technique

• Ensuring high standards of wool care and handling

This training helps you build the skills needed to work safely and confidently while improving both speed and quality.

Who the Courses Are For

Our courses are internationally recognised and tailored to suit all levels of experience. They are ideal for:

• Complete beginners starting with Blue Seal training

• Intermediate learners looking to refine their technique

• Advanced shearers working towards Gold Seal accreditation

• Farmers wanting to improve efficiency when shearing their own flock

• Individuals planning a career in shearing

• Competitors preparing for high-level and international standards

Whether you are aiming to improve your day-to-day shearing skills or build a pathway into professional shearing, the training provides clear progression and structured development.

Why choose British Wool?

• Industry leading instructors

• Proven training pathway from beginner to open level

• Strong focus on technique, efficiency and animal welfare

• Certified by Highfield

Whether you’re starting out or looking to refine your skills, our courses provide the foundation, confidence, and standards needed to progress in the shearing shed.

Learn from the best. Train with British Wool.

Course Options

We offer both machine shearing and wool handling courses that cater to every trainee level. Each course is designed to deliver practical, hands-on experience with expert guidance and feedback. You’ll receive training in real-world conditions, helping you apply new skills immediately and confidently.

Book a course after the 9^th of February click here

Alternatively, for more information contact our shearing team:

Shearing Team – 01274 688666 – [email protected]

Our Board Member for the English Central region had the honour of travelling to the USA to serve as a judge at the inaugural North American Hill Sheep Show, proudly representing our organisation on the international stage.

Can you share a bit about your background and how you’re involved in the wool industry?

I’m a fourth-generation farmer, with the fifth and sixth generations already following in our footsteps. Like many of my generation, my introduction to sheep came early—on a medium-sized Midlands farm with a bit of everything. One of my first jobs, at around age four, was to bottle-feed the lambs.

In the early 1970s, I studied Agriculture at Reading University, where my interest in sheep really took hold. I was fascinated by the new and emerging breeds and crossbreeds, names like ABRO Damline and Colbred (now gone), and Finn, Friesland, Cambridge, and Meatlinc, the latter developed by Henry Fell and now successfully continued by his son and grandson, George. It was an exciting time, though my focus back then had to remain on our dairy herd rather than sheep.

That changed in 2009 when the dairy herd left the farm, giving me time to direct my energy toward new interests. Sheep replaced cows, and as I began reading the annual publications from British Wool, I noticed there was no Derbyshire County representative at the Central Region. One thing led to another, I became Chairman of the Central Region and, much to my surprise, am now a Board Member. Having seen first-hand the consequences of the Milk Marketing Board’s demise, I’m determined to support British Wool and protect our industry from a similar fate.

What inspired your trip to the USA, and what were your main goals for going?

The trip to the USA wasn’t planned at all. Through organising local Sheep Fairs to promote the sheep industry in all its forms, I met an excellent Cheviot breeder, James Metcalf, who had been invited to judge at the inaugural North American Hill Sheep Show in 2024. Their aim is to breed British-type sheep, and for the 2025 show, they were looking for a judge for the “Any Other British Breed” category.

The invitation came as a complete surprise. I accepted with both excitement and a fair amount of trepidation, but with a firm resolve to judge by UK standards.

How would you describe your experience while you were in the USA?

We the four judges invited were treated with extraordinary hospitality, truly “like royalty.” One evening, around 10 p.m., while walking back to our condo, we passed a members’ club and were invited in by two men, one of whom turned out to be the mayor of Escanaba. He insisted that drinks were on his tab all night!

That level of generosity and kindness continued throughout the week. We always had a car and driver available, often from one of the large local families. Many families in the area live simply, no TV, no mobile phones until the children are working and with an average of around ten children, all homeschooled. It was inspiring to see so many polite, hardworking, and confident young people who were eager to talk and engage.

Escanaba, on the northwest coast of Lake Michigan, is a rural area with modest farms and strong support for Donald Trump. The sheep we judged over three days were, with very few exceptions, of a remarkably high standard, many would have held their own against serious competition in the UK.

There are about five million sheep in the USA, but lamb and mutton remain unpopular. The story goes that during the world wars, American troops stationed in the UK were fed poorly cooked mutton, and that bad experience still lingers. Attendees travelled anywhere from 3 to 48 hours to reach the show, which had a wonderfully social, friendly atmosphere quite different from most shows in the States.

What key takeaways or positives did you bring back from the trip?

Wool, for many in the USA, is something of an embarrassment. Many exhibitors process their own wool at home, it’s a small-scale, cottage-style industry, often run by family members. Despite that, the quality of the yarns and the natural dyes they produce were impressive.

There’s real potential for a gradual introduction of British genetics to help improve carcass quality in American flocks. Thanks to John Royle of the NFU, I’m now in regular contact with John Wilkes of AHDB in the USA and have reconnected with Cody Heinke, one of the key figures driving progress in their sheep sector.

How do you see your experience influencing your work in the wool industry moving forward?

The biggest takeaway for me, as a Board Member, was the reminder of how fortunate we are in the UK to have a functioning auction system, where buyers actively compete for our wool, recognising its quality. As Cody said, rather ruefully, in the US much of their wool is simply “left in a corner until I can find a use for it.”

That contrast has strengthened my resolve to continue standing up for and promoting British Wool. We have an incredible product and a system worth protecting.

AGM Highlights Sector Confidence as Prices Reach Nine-year High

We have celebrated a year of positive progress at our Annual General Meeting and Conference, reflecting renewed confidence across the UK wool sector, with rising wool prices, stronger consumer engagement and continued improvements in services for our farmer members.

Stronger returns

We confirmed that in the latest auction, held on 4 November, achieved the highest average prices for nine years, with the index up 27% in the past two months. The average auction price reached £1.21 per kg, compared to £1.00 per kg last season, marking a significant boost for producers across the UK.

“All core types are now trading at significantly higher levels than last season,” said Andrew Hogley “If current trends continue, our members can expect stronger returns in the year ahead.”

Supporting farmers and strengthening services

The AGM also showcased a series of service improvements designed to make it easier for farmers to deliver and market their wool, including more convenient collection centres and enhanced support at regional depots.

We paid tribute to our team and community, with long-serving Head of Shearing, Richard Scholfield, honoured for his outstanding contribution to the industry upon his retirement.

Driving demand through marketing and partnerships

In our 75th anniversary year, our focus on consumer engagement has also delivered impressive results. Our nationwide open days attracted widespread attention, with coverage on BBC, ITV, GB News and numerous radio outlets.

A visit from HRH The Princess Royal to the South Molton depot in October further underscored our heritage and importance to the UK’s rural economy.

“Our 75th anniversary celebrations have been an excellent platform to tell the story of British wool – sustainable, traceable and proudly homegrown,” added Andrew.

Speaking at the conference, Chris Tattersall from The Woolroom reinforced the commercial importance of British Wool’s traceability and sustainability from a customer perspective.

“British wool plays a key role in our products, and we’ve seen strong growth in both domestic and export markets thanks to its provenance and quality,” he said.

Highlighting the efforts that we are taking to engage consumers of all ages about the benefits of wool, Andrew pointed to a successful initiative to engage primary school children and their parents.

He said: “Our creative partnership with Aardman and Save the Children saw more than 800 primary school pupils submit designs for a Christmas jumper for Shaun the Sheep made from British wool. The competition was judged by Gyles Brandreth, with the winning design now being made into 100 limited-edition jumpers to raise funds for charity.”

Overall, the AGM reflected a positive outlook for the sector, with optimism for continued growth into 2026.

Recent auction sales  have seen strong competition for wool and a significant increase in prices.  All of the main buyers of British wool have been active, with UK, European, and Chinese-focussed buyers competing to secure wool supplies.  All core types of British wool are now trading at significantly higher levels than we saw last season.  Indeed, prices are at the highest levels for almost a decade, which should help support returns for British Wool’s members this season if higher prices can be sustained.

The British Wool index has increased by 27% over the last two months and the average auction price reached £1.21 per kg in the sale on 4^th November.  Sale prices last season averaged £1.00 per kg.

The trend mirrors the price rises that have been seen in New Zealand, with global demand for quality cross-bred wool outstripping supplies.

British Wool’s depots are still open to receive wool this season.  The greater the volume of wool handled by your cooperative the lower the overall operating costs per kilo will be at year end.

Andrew Hogley, CEO: “Following some very positive conversations with the trade, our sales team is confident the strong demand will continue throughout the selling season.

“Sales in New Zealand over the last few weeks have also been very competitive with global market demand for quality cross-bred wool outstripping supply.”

This season’s wool is also generally of a higher quality than last season’s wool.  The dry spring and summer resulted in whiter wool this season with more of the clip being classed as a No. 1 grade.

Andrew says: “Test results for new season wool continue to be significantly better than last year for colour and continues to produce a greater proportion of No. 1 grades in the core types.”

We have received a large quantity of wool from new and returning members this season, but the overall volume handled to date is running around 2% to 3% below last year.

“Improved prices in the 2024 season encouraged many farmers who had been holding onto their wool, or using it on-farm, to present it for sale this year,” says Andrew.

“As a co-operative, we seek to maximise the returns for all sheep farmers. With prices having shown a further improvement over recent weeks, we encourage any members who still have wool on farm to send it in before the winter.

“If you still have wool on-farm, please contact us to arrange delivery to one of our collection centres or arrange to have it collected.  By collectively marketing the clip we can continue to promote British wool and drive demand to deliver improved prices.”

Throughout 2025, we have been celebrating 75 years of representing sheep farmers and collectively marketing the UK clip.

To mark this milestone, we opened our doors and hosted several open days, including a special visit to our South Molton depot in Devon.

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, President of the UK Fashion and Textile Association (UKFT), visited our South Molton depot during October, which carried special significance as it took place during Her Royal Highness’s own 75th birthday year, bringing together two landmark milestones that honour a shared commitment to sustainability, craftsmanship, and rural communities.

During the visit, The Princess Royal toured the depot’s grading facilities, met with local farmers, staff, and innovators from across the region, and learned more about how we are driving forward the use of natural, traceable fibres in fashion, furnishings, and beyond.

Andrew Hogley, CEO, said: “It was an enormous honour to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal to our South Molton depot in this milestone year. Her Royal Highness’s lifelong support for British farming and her deep understanding of the UK’s fashion and textile sector made this a truly special day for everyone involved.”

During September and October, across its UK, several Open Days were hosted, offering a behind-the-scenes tour of the grading and sorting operations while exploring the many uses wool is used for from high fashion and interiors to garden products, pet beds, and even tennis balls.

The events also shone a spotlight on the people and stories that have helped shape the wool trade over the years, including:

• Trevor Richards and Frank Langrish (ex Chairmen) are both long-standing figures in the history.
• Alun Evans, ex-Chairman from 1985-2000. At 92 years of age, Alun still helps on his family farm, which has now been passed down to his son.
• Former, long-standing employee, Dewi Jones – who retired in 2013 after clocking up 48 incredible years at the Brecon Depot
• Gareth Jones, Head of Member Engagement who started his career in 1990.
• Gethin Havard – Welsh-based sheep farmer from Sennybridge whose family has been farming for 960 years! Gethin was a Board Member for 12 years and ex-Vice Chairman
• Billy Hewitson, former Depot Manager at Irvine, who is now Head of Operations – after starting as a temporary worker in the 80s!
• Area Manager, David Swinton, who started his career in 1984 as a Trainee Wool Grader
• Chairman and farmer to his own 950-sheep flock, Jim Robertson

Gareth Jones, Head of Member Engagement, said: “Owned by more than 30,000 sheep farmers in the UK, we collect, grade, market and sell British wool on behalf of our members to the international textile industry for use in flooring, furnishings and apparel.

“British wool isn’t just a legacy fibre, it’s a material for the future, and is gaining new relevance in a world increasingly concerned with environmental impact. Every fleece tells a story, and by choosing British wool, the UK is backing a thriving industry that values people and the planet.”

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal marks 75th Anniversary with visit to our South Molton depot

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, President of the UK Fashion and Textile Association (UKFT), visited our South Molton depot today to mark our 75th anniversary, celebrating three-quarters of a century championing UK sheep farmers and promoting the value of British wool.

The visit carried special significance as it took place during Her Royal Highness’s own 75th birthday year, bringing together two landmark milestones that honour a shared commitment to sustainability, craftsmanship, and rural communities.

During the visit, The Princess Royal toured the depot’s grading facilities, met with local farmers, staff, and innovators from across the region, and learned more about how we are driving forward the use of natural, traceable fibres in fashion, furnishings, and beyond.

To commemorate the occasion, Her Royal Highness unveiled a special plaque at the South Molton site, officially marking 75 years of British Wool.

The Princess Royal was also presented with a handcrafted shepherd’s crook by Jim Robertson, Chairman, as a symbol of the organisation’s heritage and enduring connection to the UK’s farming community.

Andrew Hogley, CEO, said: “It was an enormous honour to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, to our South Molton depot in this milestone year. Her Royal Highness’s lifelong support for British farming and her deep understanding of the UK’s fashion and textile sector made this a truly special day for everyone involved.

British wool has been woven through generations of farmers and makers since 1950, and it continues to play a vital role in sustainable fashion and interiors today. The Princess Royal’s visit is a fitting tribute to an industry that is both proud of its past and optimistic about its future.”

The South Molton depot is one of our eight key regional centres operated across the UK, collecting and grading fleece from thousands of sheep farmers.

Her Royal Highness’s visit forms part of a wider series of 75th anniversary celebrations held across our network of depots this autumn, each event honouring the people, skills, and stories that have shaped the UK’s wool industry for generations.

The gallery of images from Her Royal Highness’s visit captures the spirit of the celebrations, and an institution that has stood at the heart of the UK’s wool industry for decades.