2025 Shearing Training Courses Go Live

We are are pleased to announce that our shearing courses are now live on our website.

Our experienced team of instructors will run more than 100 courses between April and August this year, offering tuition in machine and blade shearing and wool handling.

Shearing courses are designed to develop good techniques and shearing practice from the outset. Courses cover key topics relating to shearing such as health and safety, the shearing environment, equipment, shearing technique, and care for your wool.

Courses are recognised across the world and tailored to individual levels of ability – from an absolute beginner (Blue Seal) to an advanced stage (Gold Seal). Course content is designed to achieve several individual objectives – from shearing your flock more efficiently and effectively, building foundations for career entry opportunities, and supporting entry at global competitions of the highest standards.

Offering both machine shearing and wool handling courses to suit all classes of trainees but anyone wanting an advanced machine shearing course should contact Emma Jagger or Richard Schofield by emailing [email protected] to obtain a booking on code.

One-day Machine and Blade shearing on-farm training courses are also available ranging from those having no experience to professional shearers traveling the world.

As in previous years, we launched our exclusive training offer for young farmers in January providing an opportunity for YFC members. This year this exclusive offer has been extended to include all young farmers, regardless of level and how many courses they have previously attended. A young farmer can benefit from 50% off British Wool Shearing Courses for the duration of their membership. This offer includes participation in both machine and blade shearing courses.

Gwion Evans, British Wool Ambassador and World Champion shearer says:

“I shorn my first ever sheep at home at 12 years of age. My dad taught me who was always keen on shearing, I also attended British Wool shearing courses. Attending courses is always a good way to learn and working with experienced instructors benefits you hugely in developing your knowledge and technique – my brother Gareth is now an instructor on the British Wool courses.”

Board Member Elections

Following our call for nominations for Members of the Board in the Scottish Northern, Welsh Southern, and English South Western Regions, an election will be held in two regions.

Alan Derryman, English South Western region Board Member has been returned unopposed.  The names of the candidates nominated for the election taking place in the Scottish Northern and Welsh Southern regions are as follows:

Scottish Northern Region:

MACKINTOSH, ELEANOR

Tombreckachie Farm, Glenlivet, Ballindallich, Banffshire, AB37 9BX

KEENAN, ROSIE

11 Strathnaver, Kinbrace, Sutherland, KW11 6UA

Welsh Southern Region:

DAVIES, JOHN

Blaenglowon Fawr, Talgarreg, Llandysul, SA44 4EX

PHILLIPS, JANE

Llanerchcoedlan, Erwood, Builth Wells, LD2 3TX

Civica Election Services (CES) is administering the voting process for the Board Member Elections in 2025 on behalf of British Wool. Voting in this election will either be online or a hard copy voting paper. Should you require any assistance regarding the voting process, contact CES by emailing: [email protected] or calling: 0208 889 9203.

Voting details will be sent to all registered British Wool members in both regions on Thursday 23^rd January 2025 – all votes must be placed by 6pm on Thursday 6^th February 2025. For those receiving voting papers in the post, these must also be received by this deadline.

The geographical counties remain the same as they were before the Local Government Act 1972 for the purposes of the election.

The term of office for each Board Member is three years, commencing 1 April 2025.