Heiniger has launched the Xcell, a new battery powered clipper suitable for sheep and other large animals. The high-performance battery offers 60 minutes of run time whilst being light enough to fit into an ergonomic hand piece. Heiniger’s Hefin Rowlands says:
“The Xcell is a dual speed clipper that can be supplied with two batteries to help even the most demanding users to clip all day. The high-speed unit is capable of running at 2,500/2,800 double strokes a minute whilst remaining quiet with very low vibration levels,”
A new patent pending direct drive makes the Xcell well suited to shearing sheep and camelids or clipping cows, adds Mr Rowlands.
“It is a truly unique design that can be fitted with different combs and cutter combinations to make it suitable for a variety of applications. Unlike some battery powered clippers it is light, at just 1,334 grams, making it well suited to those operating for long periods of time,”
The Xcell features an easy-to-handle, soft touch grip with anti-slip coating which will make it well suited to those operating in challenging conditions for long periods. The battery can be recharged in 60 minutes to enable continuous running time with two batteries, concludes Mr Rowlands.
“Like all Heiniger clippers, the Xcell has been manufactured to be best in class. The combs are forged in our Swiss factory out of the strongest steel and the handpieces are built to last for years of demanding use. Our UK distributors are excited to have a new Heiniger product that we see as leading the way in battery operated clipping,”
The Xcell is available in the UK from spring 2025 from a nationwide network of supportive distributors that offer product support and information.
British wool on the Catwalk
British wool is increasingly being shown on the catwalks across the world, opening up new opportunities and changing perceptions of the natural fibre.
Haldi Kranich-Wood, Business Development Manager at British Wool, comments:
“We have spent the past 2-3 years targeting the fashion sector through attending European shows and presenting our new sourcing guides. These sourcing guides show all our partners certified British wool cloth and yarn ranges that are currently available to brands, and it is the first time they have been brought together to be shown as one complete collection, to make it easy to source genuine British wool with traceability back to our farms.
This has allowed us to have conversations with many brands who have never previously considered local wool in their collections. Part of this was the perception that British wool could only be used in carpets and was too coarse for this sector. The sourcing guides have really helped dispel this myth.”
Brands like Marc Jacobs, Viviene Westwood, Zenga and Dior have all shown British wool on the catwalk over recent months which is important as Haldi explains
“This high-end fashion helps shape more mainstream (volume) fashion so it’s important that we are shown in this arena.”
This activity has also seen several new yarn and cloth collections being launched across Europe and brands embracing this in their ranges which is helping grow the overall demand for British wool.
Haldi, concludes:
“It has been amazing to see brands being really engaged with our sourcing guides and asking questions about British wool as a fibre, some for the first time. They are also increasingly asking about farming standards; this activity gives us the ideal platform to communicate and educate about the high standards farmers in the UK work to and explain why some global standards are either not relevant or indeed impractical in the UK.”
Our depots will be open and ready to accept your wool starting in May 2025. We have a comprehensive network of depots nationwide, with over 110 collection centres points across the UK and even more on the way. This makes it easy for you to send your wool to us.
To make wool delivery easy and convenient for you we have introduced free haulage collection if you and your neighbours can get 100 fully packed wool sheets together. All you need to do is call us and we will arrange the collection.
After your wool is delivered, it is graded at one of our depots. Individual clips are combined to form commercially graded lots, which are then sold at auction. This process ensures a consistent supply of large quantities of wool that have a uniform type and quality, catering to the needs of the international textile industry.
Here are some important points to keep in mind when sending your wool to us:
- Pack your wool sheet to its full capacity. This will help reduce your transportation costs.
- Consider collaborating with your neighbours to combine your transport efforts. This can also lower your transportation expenses.
- Send your wool to us as soon as it is shorn. Delaying delivery may expose the wool to damp conditions or damage, which can decrease its value.
All wool must be delivered using our provided wool sheets. These sheets will be distributed by your local depot before the new wool season. If you require wool sheets, please contact your local depot directly.
To improve our depot operations, please ensure that wool sheets are evenly filled and properly packed. When correctly packed, wool sheets should weigh around 80 kg of wool, although this may vary depending on the type of wool.
All wool must be clearly labelled. All wool sheets should be clearly labelled with the following.
- Member’s name
- Address
- Registration number – this is a unique seven-digit to each member
Each wool sheet should have one label attached outside and another placed inside the sheet.
If you are using a haulier, please make sure to fill out the provided paperwork completely.
If your wool is not identifiable it is much more challenging for British Wool to ensure that you are paid correctly.
Last year, we introduced a QR code system at our collection centres. By using the camera on your smartphone to scan the QR code, you will be directed to a form. This form allows you to inform us that you have dropped off your wool, enabling us to release your payment.
The Woman Inspiring a New Generation of Farmers
Farming in the UK has seen an increase in female shearers entering the industry as more women take part in shearing competitions.
With the agricultural show season kicking off from May, one woman, Susie Parish, an award-winning shearer and British Wool Ambassador based in Hampshire, continues to inspire women across the UK to become shearers.
Susie’s expertise in shearing began at the age of 16, after working with sheep from age 10 on her family’s smallholding. When a local shearer failed to turn up one day, she took matters into her own hands and instantly found her calling.
Since then, she has competed in shearing and wool-handling competitions across the UK, winning the prestigious Ladies Competition at the Royal Welsh Show multiple times and is set to compete at the Royal Highland Show in 2025. Now, Susie judges junior shearing competitions, ensuring the next generation of shearers are given the opportunity to develop their skills. Susie, said:
“Over the past five years, I’ve seen a remarkable increase in female shearers entering the industry, particularly women and girls competing in shearing and wool handling competitions, many who are incredibly young and already so talented.
“It’s so important that woman represent their skills at these shows not only to inspire the next generation, but to preserve a traditional skill. It was a privilege to discover Marie Prebble, previous sheep-shearing World Record holder, pursued a shearing career after seeing me compete at a show.”
Susie’s drive to become a successful shearer and farmer stems from her passion of British wool. She said:
“Like so many people, I am passionate about British wool and it’s so important to shift outdated perceptions, particularly among older generations who remember wool as itchy.”
“Wool is one of the most sustainable materials we have; it’s breathable, biodegradable, and versatile. I want to ensure people understand just how valuable it is in fashion, interiors, home insulation, and so much more.”
Beyond the competition circuit, Susie has used her platform to educate the public on the value of wool and the realities of sheep farming, having appeared on Alan Titchmarsh’s Love Your Weekend, Countryfile, and even sheared a sheep live on The Jeremy Vine Show. Susie, said:
“The 2025 show season starts in just a few months’ time and I’m really looking forward to seeing a whole new wave of women visit for the first time, participate in competitions and feel inspired by the wealth of talent we have across the UK. I always recommend, whether from a farming background or not, people take the time to visit their nearest agricultural show and see first-hand the passion and determination from our farmers.”
Lambing Season with Susie Parish
Lambing season is always an exciting time on our farm. As a low-input, fibre-focused operation, our approach is relaxed and natural, allowing our ewes to lamb with minimal intervention. Our flock is made up of three breeds, the Gotland sheep, known for their long, grey, lustrous, and curly fleece, originating from the Isle of Gotland in Sweden. Our own Stein sheep, a crossbreed we have developed to produce a fleece with an exceptionally high softness factor alongside its lustre, and a small flock of Shetlands for our conservation grazing.
Our lambing season kicks off in April with the first group, followed on by the other groups through May and into mid-June. By staggering our lambing period, we ensure that we can manage the process smoothly, with plenty of time to monitor the flock while still maintaining a low-stress environment. The ewes lamb outside, which aligns with our low-input philosophy. They only get hay and general-purpose molasses tubs, without the need for additional concentrates.
One of the advantages of our breeds is their easy lambing. Gotlands and our Stein sheep are light, narrow-framed ewes, making birthing relatively straightforward. They rarely require assistance, and their strong maternal instincts mean that they take excellent care of their lambs. My role is primarily to keep an eye on the flock, ensuring all is going well and catching up lambs to ring the ram lambs when needed. Tail docking is seldom necessary, as Gotlands naturally have short tails, and our crossbreds also inherit reasonably short tails.
Since we farm for fibre rather than meat production, there is no urgency for the lambs to grow quickly. Our breeding strategy reflects this, as we typically lamb for replacements and maintain a significant number of wethers in the flock. To ensure our ewes remain in optimal condition, we rotate their lambing years, giving them a break between lambing cycles.
While our own lambing season is generally laid-back, I do miss the hands-on aspect of more intensive lambing systems. This means I’m always eager to help friends nearby with any challenging births, no matter the time of day or night! There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of successfully delivering a lamb in a tricky situation.
The biggest challenge we face is the weather. Our flock is shorn in January or February, meaning that by lambing time, the ewes have short wool. In particularly wet years, if they are in fields without shelter, I sometimes need to bring a few back in to protect them from the elements. However, for the most part, lambing remains an enjoyable and rewarding time of year.
With the arrival of new lambs, we look forward to another year of producing high-quality fibre. Here’s to another smooth and successful lambing season!
Meet Our Shearing Admin Instructors
We’re thrilled to announce that our 2025 shearing courses went live on 3rd February 2025, and we can’t wait for you to secure your spot!
Our admin instructors liaise with farmers to secure new venues, coordinate with shearing instructors in their area, and feed information back to the shearing team at head office, ensuring courses run smoothly and effectively.
We met with them to learn more about their background and the shearing process.
Andy Barratt – Southern England
“I am an agricultural fencing contractor and shearer. I began my career in the year 2000, which is now a quarter of a century ago! I take great pleasure in witnessing the progress of my trainees as they advance through the levels and achieve their goals, regardless of what they may be. Some trainees even go on to represent their country and set records! It is incredibly rewarding to know that I have played a part in their success.
I encourage everyone to attend as many shearing courses as possible and to focus on mastering the basics, particularly footwork. When the sheep is positioned correctly, the shearing action will follow naturally, and speed will develop with perseverance.
British Wool’s shearing and wool handling courses are an excellent way to learn vital skills and can open numerous opportunities within the industry. With the new advanced seals now recognised by Highfield, these qualifications are acknowledged across various sectors globally.
Competitions provide an excellent platform to showcase quality shearing, while records serve to raise public awareness, highlighting the skills of shearers and inspiring the next generation to pursue careers in shearing and wool handling.”
Hywel Wigley Jones – Wales
“I own a hill farm in North Wales, specialising solely in sheep. I began shearing at the age of 14, working alongside a local contractor and instructor for several years before establishing my own operation. I also spent a few seasons shearing in New Zealand, which provided me with invaluable experience.
I have been involved in shearing training for over 25 years, and it is immensely satisfying to witness trainees develop their shearing skills over the two-day course. Through this training, I have had the pleasure of meeting many people.
If you wish to learn how to shear, I recommend enrolling in a British Wool shearing course and attempting to secure a position with a local contractor. Shear, shear, and shear some more, and then consider joining another British Wool shearing course, where instructors will assist you in advancing your shearing abilities.
Wool handling courses are also crucial and are becoming increasingly popular. All these initiatives contribute to ensuring that our shearers and wool handlers are well-prepared when competing on a global scale.”
Kieran Mc Cullough – Northern Scotland
“I live and work on a mixed sheep and beef farm on the west coast of Scotland. I shear sheep for local farmers in my area. For the past seven years, I have been involved in British Wool shearing training.
I take great pleasure in meeting trainees, both old and new, and watching them develop their skills. For those keen to learn, I advise them to attend courses and then put their knowledge into practice.
The courses offered by British Woll are the cornerstone of the industry in which we aspire to be involved. Our shearers and wool handlers are a testament to their own abilities and to what we can produce in the Northern Hemisphere.”
Our courses are also available at £220 plus VAT.
We offer any members of the YFC a discounted price of £110 plus VAT exclusively to anyone who register before the 31st of March 2025.
For more on YFC offer
Meet Richard Alderson – Head of Wool Sales
What does your role as Head of Wool Sales entail?
My main role at British Wool is the link between our depots, where the wool is received and graded through to our auction buyers. I work closely with our quality control team to ensure the wool is graded to the high standard expected by the buyers as this is essential to maximise the price achieved. I have regular discussions with both our UK and overseas buyers to ensure the wool they buy meets expected standards and that the flow of wool through our auctions is meeting any demand they may see.
A lot of work goes into preparing the auction from building it through to pricing ready for auction day itself – along with my colleague Jen, we would run the auction. I also work with any potential new buyers explaining our grades and advising which types would fit their specific requirements.
How long have you been at British Wool and worked in the wool industry?
I joined British Wool in 2018 but have worked in the wool industry for 40 years. I spent the first 30 years of my wool journey working for wool merchants and over those years I bought millions of kilos at the very same auctions I now run. I also spent the best part of 18 months working at a scouring plant overseeing production and quality.
How is the current market in terms of prices and demand?
Demand for British wool from the very 1st auction of the season in early July has been fantastic, we have seen virtually full clearances in all 10 auctions held so far in the 2024/25 season. The average price achieved at auction this season has increased by nearly 25%. The nearest comparable market to the UK is New Zealand which historically used to sell at a premium over British but in more recent seasons the price of UK wool has tracked New Zealand wool and vice versa.
We are seeing the highest prices at auction since 2018, why is this?
The simplistic answer would be demand meeting and outstripping supply, and whilst this is the major factor, it’s how demand has increased that has made the difference. British Wool has worked tirelessly with many manufacturers and retailers to encourage them to either increase the amount of British wool they use in the case of manufacturers and for retail to insist that the products they sell are made from or include British wool. This demand then flows back to the auction buyers increasing the competitiveness in the auction and making British wool less of a traded commodity as buyers are committed to using British wool and can’t substitute for cheaper options.
There has also been a shift albeit slow from consumers trying to move away from fast fashion made from planet-damaging man-made fibres onto more sustainable environmentally friendly woollen goods.
I must add that like most of the world, sheep numbers in the UK have fallen, meaning less wool is available and this cannot be ignored as a factor.
How important is the auction system in maximizing the price of wool for our members?
Since the creation of the British Wool Marketing Board in 1950 the wool has always been sold at auction, and this is still the best vehicle for maximising the price of the wool. The auctions have moved from being originally open cry to becoming electronic in the late 90’s and since 2020 and the outbreak of Covid they have been held online. By holding the sale online this takes away the need for the buyers to attend the sale in person at our Head Office in Bradford. It gives them the freedom to log on from, in principle anywhere in the world on a PC, tablet, or even mobile phone. Since going online our registered buyers have attended the auctions remotely which has helped the auctions become much more competitive.
Are there any exciting projects that you’re working on at the moment?
We have projects running all the time and far too many to list, a large number are in the traditional applications where wool has always been used such as carpets, home furnishing and knitwear but we don’t dismiss any ideas put to us no matter how far off the wall they may seem. Wool, particularly British wool is a very versatile fibre and shouldn’t be pigeon-holed into a limited number of applications. My biggest and constantly ongoing project is to increase participants in our auctions which will only help maximise returns to our members.
Educating Consumers on the Wonders of Wool
Increasing consumer awareness is a key part of our marketing strategy. This is all designed to increase front-end demand for British wool rich products and increase the price of our members wool; a key tool to achieving this is PR.
During the past 12 months, we have seen a significant increase in consumer press coverage, with 160 pieces secured across national and regional media.
Graham Clark, Marketing Director, said:
“Over the past three years, British Wool has focused on two main areas: Increasing the number of brands using British wool in their products (through the licensing scheme) and increasing brand awareness amongst consumers.
PR plays a crucial part in this as it allows us to target a wide audience through our activity. During this time, we have secured coverage across many different national publications such as The Guardian, The Telegraph and The Financial Times, as well as great regional press coverage. This is key as we strive to drive more consumer demand for British wool rich products.”
Working with influencers is also key as Graham, added:
“Working with influencers can boost consumer awareness dramatically and we have been very fortunate to work with three great influencers over the past 12 months; Shaun the Sheep, Patrick Grant (Great British Sewing Bee) and the comedian Joe Lycett.”
Examples of the coverage gained on the back of these partnerships include:
- Over 350,000 views of the first Shaun the Sheep social media collaboration.
- Radio interview with Patrick Grant played 952 times with 120,000 views across social media.
- 36,000 likes on a post by Joe Lycett about a jumper he had made from British wool.
Graham said:
“We don’t just target the consumer through PR, we also use social media (over 110k consumer followers across our channels), exhibitions and events, working with our licensee partners and the British Wool online shop, where sales have increased by 20% during the past 12 months.
It is great to see the amount of coverage secured over the past 12 months through our PR activity and digital channels. This is helping us push the British Wool brand to new audiences who are increasingly looking for more sustainable options when making purchasing decisions.”
Meet Emma Jagger – Shearing Supervisor
Emma Jagger is the Shearing Supervisor and has been with British Wool since January 2019. Along with our Shearing Manager, Richard Schofield, and a small team of Area Admin Instructors, we organise and promote our Shearing Courses.
Tell is more about your role.
This role is logistics-heavy and requires coordination with farms across the UK to provide sheep for shearing, suitable spaces to hold courses, our talented shearing instructors, and a fleet of shearing trailers and machines. These elements ensure the best opportunities for hands-on training.
What are your key responsibilities?
My key responsibilities is managing our booking website, including uploading new courses and monitoring participant numbers. I also provide trainees with detailed information on what to expect during a shearing course and issue certificates upon completion.
Tell us a bit about your experience in shearing.
Recognising the importance of understanding the trainee experience, and not being from a farming background I attended a shearing course. This firsthand experience assisted me in addressing trainee questions and concerns effectively. I am proud to have achieved my Blue Seal with the guidance and patience of my instructors, Roger and Stuart.
If you are interested in attending one of our courses in 2025, they will now be available to book via our website, Book Online.
What other areas do you cover in your role?
Part of my role is attending agricultural shows, where I meet individuals who have benefitted from our training. Hearing about their achievements – from competing and travelling abroad to breaking British and World Records – is truly inspirational.
Tell me a bit about yourself.
Outside of work, I enjoy travelling in my self-built campervan, often to destinations near water where I can (albeit wobbly) paddleboard, or theme parks as I am a massive rollercoaster enthusiast. I love crafting and experimenting with new creative pursuits. My current obsessions include working with polymer clay and using my Cricut machine. Above all, I love spending time with my son and husband.
50% off Shearing Courses for Young Farmers’ Members
Young Farmers Club members are eligible for a 50% discount on our shearing courses again this year. British Wool is keen to support Young Farmers in developing their shearing skills and is once again offering its shearing courses at the discounted price of £110 excluding VAT.
The discounted offer is valid for YFC members who register their interest with their regional YFC contact before 31st March 2025. Discounted courses offer the same content covering all the essentials to have a successful shearing season, including shearing equipment and hands-on practice to develop your technique in either machine or blade shearing.
The discount is open to any young farmer who is a member of the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (NFYFC), the Scottish Association of Young Farmers’ Clubs (SAYFC), or CFfl Cymru/Wales Young Farmers’ Clubs and is also available to those that have undertaken British Wool training in previous years.
Let’s see what the clubs and young farmers are saying about our courses:
NFYFC Chair of Council, Drew Bailey said:
“More than 700 YFC members have benefited from British Wool’s discounted courses over the last seven years and developed their sheep shearing and wool handling skills. NFYFC is proud to be working with British Wool and helping to improve shearing standards. An important element of our national Sheep Shearing competition is that all competitors must have at least a Blue Seal qualification. YFC members are now able to continue improving their skills as this British Wool offer covers all shearing training, regardless of their experience in the industry.”
Ally Burton, the National Chair for SAYFC said
“We are thankful to British Wool for once again offering our members discounts for their shearing and wool handling courses. It’s fantastic that young farmers in Scotland can acquire these valuable agricultural skills, which can benefit them both at home and in their future careers.”
Wales YFC Rural Affairs Chair
“Wales YFC is extremely thankful to British Wool for their continued support this year. Their shearing courses offer a unique opportunity for our members to learn and develop new skills.”
Sam Jones, from Ruthin YFC, who won NFYFC’s Sheep Shearing competition in 2025, encouraged others to take advantage of the discounted courses on offer.
“You must keep going on the courses as you’ll keep on improving. There’s always room for improvement. I try to do a course every year and you can take advantage of the savings through YFC as well. Do a few courses, keep travelling and shear as many sheep as you can. Don’t give up and keep trying. Never hold yourself back.”
To register for your discount please contact your national YFC contact:
England
Margaret Bennett
02476 857216
[email protected]
Scotland
Penny Montgomery
01313 332445
[email protected]
Wales
Angharad Davies
07852 71537
[email protected]