Wool Sales Update from Andrew Hogley – CEO

Dear Member,

I am pleased to share some positive news regarding the wool market. Since the start of July, we have seen significantly better demand in our auctions, and this has helped sale prices for your wool to reach their highest levels for four years.  Relative to this time last year average prices have increased by 17 pence per kilo. This equates to approximately 40 pence per fleece.

Prices have improved for all types with Blackface, Mule, Cheviot Cross and Romney types seeing the strongest uplift. Welsh Mountain and Swaledale types have seen an increase, but yet, this has not been to the same extent.

Demand has been driven by improved conditions in the contract carpet market. Manufacturers we work with in this sector such as Brintons, Haima and Shanhua are seeing an improvement in trade. Each of these companies specify British wool in the carpets that they supply to the leading hotel chains cruise ship industry.

In addition, the British Wool team has been actively working on a number of initiatives to enhance demand and improve pricing.

• To promote wool carpets in the residential sector we have launched a marketing campaign featuring Shaun the Sheep. Over the next few weeks this will be rolled out to 2,000 retailers in the UK. British Wool has worked with several manufacturers on this promotion.  Our aim is to increase the market share of wool carpets, and thus drive further demand for your wool.
• Earlier this year we announced a strategic investment in NexGen Tree Shelters which has developed biodegradable tree shelters made from wool. Our investment is helping NexGen to start commercial production and guaranteed that it will source its wool from British Wool’s members. Over the medium term this should provide a much-needed increase in demand for Swaledale and Welsh Mountain wool and help reduce the use of single use plastic in our environment.
• British Wool is now working with more than 160 brands through our licensee scheme. As we head into Wool Month we’ll be showcasing and promoting many of these brands at press events to increase consumer awareness.

We all recognise that prices need to increase further to give you a better return for your wool. The improved demand and success of these initiatives is however an encouraging step in the right direction.

Our depots and drop-off sites remain open. If you still have wool on farm, please contact your local depot to arrange delivery.

Thank you for your continued support.

Best regards,

Andrew

CEO, British Wool

Drop-Off Point Profile: Meet Paul Chuter

Many farmers might have crossed paths with Paul Chuter at the Cockermouth Depot during drop-offs, but we know it’s often a whirlwind of activity and there’s little time for a chat.

At British Wool, we want to help you get to know Paul better. We recently sat down with him for a short interview where he shared some insights about his background and what he loves to do. As the one in charge of storing and processing your wool after you drop it off, Paul makes sure it’s well taken care of before it heads out for grading.

Please read Paul’s response below;

I was born in Hampshire and grew up on my parents’ small dairy farm next to my grandfather’s bigger mixed farm. In 1979, I went to Wye College in Kent, the University of London, and graduated with a degree in Agriculture. 

After that, I worked as a truck driver for two years in the UK and Europe, which helped me save money for a house and a few old tractors. It was a good-paying job at the time! 

In 1981, I started an agricultural contracting business near Canterbury, Kent. The business grew a lot until 1993, when I sold it to a competitor, and it is still running today. 

Then we purchased High Gate Farm Bewaldeth in 1994, which I then farmed while starting an Agricultural Engineering Business. By around 2005, we focused on selling, servicing, and repairing quad bikes mainly for farmers in the North. 

In 2019, I sold this business to Carrs-Billington Agriculture, which moved everything to their Cockermouth branch, including me and my 11 staff members. 

Now, I work at the Cockermouth drop-off centre for British Wool, and I really enjoy it! I take in and store wool sheets after shearing, label them, do the paperwork, and then send them to Brampton when needed.

There’s no cost for the farmers, and I get to connect with many old and new customers. The job is simple, which I appreciate, and I get along well with Ian, the British Wool lorry driver who picks up the wool. The team at British Wool is easy to work with, and I’ve enjoyed my time there. Overall, it’s a nice little job.

In my spare time, I enjoy gardening, restoring classic tractors and cars, riding my Triumph Bonneville and doing the odd job fixing tractors or welding work for local farmers. 

Wool Prices Show Encouraging Growth

We can confirm a strengthened market for wool with prices at their highest levels for four years.

Since the start of the season, our auction prices have increased by 20% which equates to an average improvement of 17p per kilo. This equates to approximately 40p per fleece.

Andrew Hogley, British Wool’s CEO, said:

“It’s encouraging to see the market strengthening and prices improving. Since the start of the season, prices for British wool have increased by 20%. Average prices for 2024 season wool have increased for every core grade of British wool.”

“The team has been working on a number of initiatives to support demand for British wool and deliver better prices. In addition, the tests we run on each sale lot confirm that the wool this season has higher yields. The incessant rain over the last year means that there is less dirt and grease in each fleece. This is also helping to support improved prices.”

We have been working with manufacturers to strengthen demand for wool to deliver better wool prices and now has more than 160 brand partners on its licensee scheme.

In the same vein, we have made a strategic investment in Nexgen Tree Shelters to help bring wool based biodegradable tree shelters to market. This innovative product should drive demand for mountain wools over the medium to long-term and take single use plastic out of the environment.

A Shaun the Sheep marketing campaign has been launched to support wool carpet sales through UK retailers. This is intended to increase the market share of wool carpets in the residential carpet sector. The promotion is being rolled out to more than 2,000 carpet retailers.

873 shearers and wool handlers have been trained on our courses this year with almost 700 being awarded a coveted Blue, Bronze, Silver or Gold Seal.

Andrew concluded:

“With the initiatives we have in place, and feedback from the market, we are confident the recent price gains are sustainable. Prices need to increase further, but this is a positive step in the right direction. Our depots and drop off sites remain open and ready to receive wool.”

A summer of shearing records

Following on from Meirion Evans’ successful new British Shearing Record that took place in Machynlleth during July, we saw two World Record attempts taking place in August. Please see below details on both Nick Greaves and Una Cameron’s World Record attempts:

Staffordshire Shearer Sets a New World Shearing Record

Staffordshire based shearer Nick Greaves was top of the world after achieving his dream by setting a new World Shearing Record which took place on his home farm in Stafford during August.

An experienced shearer, Nick successfully set a new 8-Hour World Lamb Shearing Record by shearing 764 lambs beating the previous record held by Jack Fagan of New Zealand in 2022 by 10 lambs.

At the end of his successful record attempt, Nick said:

“I’m delighted to be a World Record holder and can’t quite believe what has happened.  This has been a long journey that started way before my two-stand record back in 2022. It was always a dream of mine and the entire record’s success is down to a huge team effort.”

Nick continued:

“This record would not have been possible without the help and support of my wife Kate and the entire family.  Thank you, it means so much to me that we have achieved what we have here today as a family.  I’d also like to pay tribute to the support and commitment of so many people, too many to name individually.  From the farmers supplying the lamb, pen men that were here with me all day, the wool wrappers, those supporting me with my gear and all my family and friends – without all of you, today would not have been possible.”

Cancer Research UK was the record attempts nominated charity with fundraising taking place during the day. More information is available from Nick Greaves Solo 8-Hour World Lamb Shearing Record Attempt www.cancerresearchuk.org

Una Shears 517 to Achieve New World Record

Scottish sheep shearer, Una Cameron, who is the only woman to qualify in the top 30 at the coveted Goden Shears in Masterton, New Zealand has smashed a World record set by Kiwi Sacha Bond in Southland, New Zealand on February 9th this year.

Fifty-one-year-old Una has certainly not let her age define her, she has been in training for the past year, lost three stones in weight and honed her shearing skills gained over the past three decades.  She triumphantly surpassed Sacha Bond’s tally of 458 by four in the afternoon, giving her an hour on the clock to raise the Solo Women’s Nine Hour Strong Wool Ewe Record by 59 to a staggering tally of 517.

Shearing Romney sheep at Trefranck Farm in Cornwall, Una tallied 113 in the opening run of two hours and followed with successive 1hr 45min runs of 105, 101, 104 and 94.

With a support crew of around forty from the shearing fraternity from as far as New Zealand, the Falklands and Norway, Una was delighted to accomplish her dream and said:

“I had a wonderful team behind me, and they believed that I could do it. I was focused on passing the 458 mark, but always wanted to shear 500. I can’t thank everyone enough, especially Matt and Pip Smith, who hosted the event on Trefranck Farm.”

Una also achieved the British Record.

Gareth Jones, Head of Member Engagement, British Wool said:

“On behalf of British Wool, we offer huge congratulations to Nick and Una on their successful World Record attempts.  This was a display of high-quality shearing and both should be very proud of their achievements.

We appreciate the hard work that also goes on behind the scenes in holding records such as this and therefore offer congratulations to everyone that has helped and supported Nick and Una in successfully setting their new World Shearing Records.”

Una was fundraising for Blood Cancer UK & St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth. If you would like to join in and support please follow the Donation Link: https://gofund.me/4ea1e73a

The Cloth Sourcing Guide

We have launched a new initiative to showcase the best in British wool fabric, working with 16 of the leading cloth manufacturers across Europe.

The Cloth Sourcing Guide provides a comprehensive overview. Simplifying the process for buyers and designers interested in incorporating British wool into their projects. The range includes cloths from Harris Tweed Hebrides, Lochcarran of Scotland, Fox Brothers, Kynoch of Scotland, Mallaleieus and many others.

Haldi Kranich-Wood, Business Development Manager at British Wool, said:

“We are delighted to unveil the British Wool’s Cloth Sourcing Guide, a comprehensive resource aimed at making it easier for fashion brands worldwide to source high-quality fabrics made from British wool. All the ranges have been through our licensing scheme and are fully certified for British origin, meaning they can use the iconic Shepherds Crook Mark.”

These distinctive cloths serve as tangible demonstrations for buyers and designers. Illustrating the remarkable breadth of possibilities that British wool offers. When buyer/designers are crafting new apparel collections for the autumn and winter 25/26 season.

Through this initiative, we are not only urging the fashion industry to reconsider the possibilities of British wool fibre. But also inspiring industry professionals to push boundaries. And embrace the limitless potential that this remarkable local material holds.

Haldi, said:

“Many of the brands we have engaged with did not realise the versatility of British wool and the breadth of the British wool cloth qualities already on the market. As well as supporting our mission to promote sustainable fashion the guide also highlights the mills across the UK and Europe that already specify British wool in their fabrics. By connecting global brands with the high-end mills and British sheep farmers, we are fostering a more sustainable and ethical fashion industry.”

The Cloth Sourcing Guide is underpinned by the Shepherd’s Crook mark, a symbol of quality and integrity. This logo guarantees that the cloths included in the collection are exclusively made from British wool sourced from local sheep farmers. It acts as a trusted seal of approval, providing assurance to buyers and designers that they are working with authentic British wool.

For brands, the Shepherd’s Crook mark offers peace of mind. Ensuring that the yarns and fabrics they select are not only of superior quality, but also ethically and sustainably sourced. It enables them to make informed choices and support local British wool growers while contributing to a more transparent and responsible supply chain.

Supporting British Wool is key to growing long-term value for wool and representing the best interests of members

As we head into September and the busy breeding sales season and autumn on the horizon, I wanted to write in this month’s Graze to highlight the important role British Wool has in supporting the UK sheep industry and encourage any farmers with wool still on their farm to deliver this into their local British Wool drop off site.

As a sheep farmer myself, I appreciate that wool returns in recent years have been disappointing. Indeed, wool prices globally have been challenged, with farmers in countries such as New Zealand and our neighbours in the Republic of Ireland in the same situation – we are all aware that we operate in a competitive environment for wool.

What is unique in the UK, however, is that British Wool exists as a farmer co-operative to represent the best interests of you, our farmer members. Our sole focus is on maximising the value of your wool in the short and long term. This contrasts with direct purchasers. As well as focusing on growing demand for British wool to create value over the long-term, there are many other unique ways that British Wool supports the UK industry, such as:

• Providing a service to all sheep farmers regardless of wool type, volume, or location.
• Having more than 100 drop off sites located across the UK.
• Working with more than 160 brands/manufacturers using British wool, helping to create valuable demand for your product for the future.
• Providing certified shearing and wool handling training courses to more than 800 people every year.
• Supporting innovation such as our recent announcement on our strategic partnership with Next Gen Tree Guards – a fantastic new product.

I know we all need to see wool prices increase but we can only build long-term value by sticking together. Every kilo of wool that British Wool handles, makes a vital contribution to ensuring this work and high level of service continues. Our sole objective is to see wool prices at auction – and consequently your return from wool – increase. If wool is marketed through British Wool rather than sold direct from farm, then it increases the demand at our auctions and supports these improved prices.

By working together and using our collective strength, British Wool can continue to build on the good work being done to grow long-term value for wool by representing the best interests of members and of the UK agricultural industry.

For more information on your local British Wool site please visit: www.britishwool.org.uk/depot-network