British Wool has announced two new board members, with Rosie Keenan from the Scottish Northern region and Richard Spencer from the English Central region taking up their positions on 1st April 2025.

Rosie Keenan

Rosie is crofting alongside her partner, Henry. They have a flock of Cheviot ewes and Belted Galloway cows.

Rosie has extensive knowledge and experience, and in 2023 she became the World Wool Handling Champion, an achievement that reflects both her skills and dedication to the craft. Rosie previously worked with British Wool as a field officer and depot worker, and more recently as a Brand Ambassador.

Rosie said:

“I look forward to taking up the role of Board Member at British Wool and believe my previous experiences working with British Wool as a field officer and depot worker have enabled me to gain invaluable insight into the wool intake, grading, and auction systems. More recently, I was proud to be a Brand Ambassador to promote wool and its place in sustainable agriculture. I believe in a collaborative approach to ensure that every farmer can maximise the potential of their wool and enhance their profitability.”

 

Richard Spencer

The new board member for the English Central region, Richard Spencer, is a fourth-generation farmer who farms in Derbyshire, just south of the Pennines. Richard runs a commercial flock of Lleyn, Meatlinc, Charolais, and Abermax and has been an active member of his farming community for many years, including serving on the local parish council and the NFU.

Richard studied agriculture at university and has twice been a national winner of the National Forage Competition. Among Richard’s many achievements as an advocate of wool and sheep, he was also a founding member working with a group of volunteers to organise the Sheep Fairs in Ashbourne and Uttoxeter.

Richard said:

“I’m delighted to be given this opportunity to represent sheep farmers in the English Central region. I am a huge advocate of wool and look forward to promoting and supporting British Wool to drive towards returning profitability to the primary wool producer.”

Melin Tregwynt launch 100% Welsh wool products

Melin Tregwynt, a working mill in Permbrokeshire, providing Welsh blankets, throws, cushion, fabrics and much more, has launched a limited-edition collection made from 100% Welsh wool – marking a significant milestone in the revival of Wales’ historic wool industry.

The collection features double cloth throws, fringed blankets and cushions and each product is available in three iconic Melin Tregwynt patterns in coordinating colourways.

The launch of the products follows the success of the Gwnaed  Gwlan/Made With Wool project and the unveiling of a Welsh Wool logo, all of which holds the collective aim of rebuilding a commercial supply chain for Welsh-grown wool.

Sophia Watts, Head of Textiles Design & Sustainability Coordinator at Melin Tregwynt, said:

“The Welsh woollen industry and weaving in Wales is the root of our rural business and so we are honoured to have been a part of this project. Creating a route to commercially source Welsh-grown wool helps to revitalise this industry and protect the rural economy. As an EOT, being able to support and sustain rural skills, communities, and jobs through this supply chain is important for our business.”

Graham Clark, Director of Marketing at British Wool, said:

“It’s great to see this exciting new collection, exclusively using Welsh wool, come to market. Melin Tregwynt is the first business to embrace the Welsh wool yarn developed by the Gwnaed  Gwlan/Made With Wool project.

“This commitment not only supports our local farmers but also underpins the long-term sustainability of our local wool industry. We hope this initiative inspires more local businesses to use Welsh wool in their products and in turn increase returns to local farmers for their wool.”

With limited availability click to get yours or find out more here 

NSA Events for 2025

From the very South of England to the Scottish Highlands and Northern Ireland – All corners of the UK will play host to NSA Sheep Events this year, providing sheep farmers across the nations with a great opportunity to enjoy a sheep focussed day out.

This year will see the return of five popular NSA events, kicking off with NSA Welsh Sheep on Wednesday 21^st May, followed by NSA North Sheep on Wednesday 4^th June, NSA Highland Sheep (Taking place for the first time since 2019!) on Wednesday 11^th June, NSA Sheep South West on Wednesday 25^th June, and finally NSA Sheep Northern Ireland on Tuesday 1^st July.

NSA Sheep Events are highly regarded for passing on the latest industry information attracting leading industry names, as well as being a great opportunity to get together and socialise. NSA members receive discounts on entry to NSA shows, where they will find attractions of seminars, workshops, demonstrations, exhibitors of all different varieties, including sheep focussed trade stands, and competitions, along with a peak behind the scenes during the ever popular farm tours.

Continuing a busy 2025, in the second half of the year, NSA will act as the facilitator for the sale of more than 7000 collective head of sheep that are offered at NSA Ram Sales. The well-respected multi-breed sales offer rams that have all been individually inspected for health and quality before entering the sale ring. There are six sales throughout the year, including the NSA Wales & Border Main Ram Sale in September, one of the biggest sales in Europe. Only NSA members can sell at NSA Ram Sales, a further benefit of NSA membership.

For more information on NSA membership, the work of NSA as the voice of the UK sheep sector, and details on the events and ram sales above please visit www.nationalsheep.org.uk.

Newly Elected Board Member for British Wool’s Scottish Region

Rosie Keenan from Strathnaver, Sutherland has been elected as British Wool’s Scottish Northern Regional Board Member for a three-year term, beginning on 1 April.

Rosie runs a flock of Cheviot ewes and Belted Galloway Cows with her partner at their Croft and is the current Wool Handling World Champion. Rosie’s goal is to support and strengthen the relationship between British Wool and its Farmer Members and educate the importance of wool as an environmentally friendly fibre.

On notification of the election results, Rosie said:

“I am delighted to be elected to represent the Scottish Northern members and thank everyone who voted for their support. As a passionate advocate for the wool industry, I look forward to using my knowledge and experience to provide sheep farmers with a strong voice and representation on the Board of British Wool.”

Re-elected Board Member for British Wool’s Welsh Southern Region

John Davies, who farms in Ceredigion has been re-elected as British Wool’s Welsh Southern Regional Board Member for a further three-year term, beginning on 1st April.

Representing the Welsh Southern region since 2019, John farms a flock of Welsh Mountain (Tregaron type) and Welsh Cross Aberfield ewes in partnership with his wife Aubrey and son Bleddyn. The flock is run on a forage-based system selling lambs as finished and stores.

On notification of the election result, John said

“I feel privileged and delighted to have been re-elected back on the Board to represent the Welsh Southern region for a further three years.  We must work together to increase wool’s usage, and I look forward to continuing to represent the best interests of sheep farmers across South Wales”

Wool Price Enjoys Further Increase

Strong demand from buyers at recent British Wool sales has seen average prices received at auction increase by nearly 25%.

Against increasing prices for many in the sheep and beef sectors, wool has also enjoyed a more buoyant trade.

We typically offers between 1,000 and 1,500 tonnes in each of its 18 online auctions held throughout the year. Sales are made to wool merchants which supply processors and manufacturers both here in the UK and internationally.

Jim Robertson, Chairman of British Wool, says:

“Demand for British wool from the very first auction of the season in early July has been strong. We have seen full clearances in most of the 10 auctions held so far in the 2024/25 season. Approximately 57% of 2024’s wool has now been sold with some core types seeing more than 60% sold.”

“We hope improved prices will encourage those farmers with wool still on the farm to send this in – we appreciate prices are not at the level we’d like them to be, but the market and prices are improving which is encouraging to see.”

We work with a wide range of manufacturers and retailers to encourage more use of British wool and to create demand on behalf of its members. Recent marketing initiatives have included a partnership with Shaun the Sheep to support retailers in the carpet sector.

Jim says:

“As a collective marketing organisation, everything British Wool does is about adding value to members’ wool. The demand we work hard to create from manufacturers and retailers flows back to the auction buyers, increasing the competitiveness in the auction and making British wool less of a traded commodity.

We are committed to collecting wool and providing a service to all UK sheep farmers to drive sustainable demand for British wool to maximise returns for our members. Unlike other wool buyers, British Wool is representing the best interests of members and wants to see wool prices increasing.

To maximise the returns for all sheep farmers, we need members to return their fleeces to us in 2025. If you still have wool on-farm, contact us to arrange delivery or collection, as there is still demand.”

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.

Welsh and New Zealand shearers attempt World Shearing Record

Name:

Llyr Wyn Jones

Where are you from? 

North Wales

Age:

26

Your personal and professional achievements: 

2 stand 9-hour British Lamb Record in 2022 (836)

Representing Wales over in New Zealand.

Winning The Welsh Champion in Corwen Shears 2024.

How long have you been shearing?

I started at the age of 17.

Tell us about what motivated you to attempt the record:

It has always been a dream to do a record. You don’t get any bigger than this.

Advice to young up-and-coming shearers:

Go to as many countries as you can to shear and always take advice and listen to the right people.

Proudest moment in shearing:

Winning senior at Corwen Shears.

2 stand 9 hr British record (836)

Representing Wales in the UK and New Zealand.

Winning the Welsh Open at Corwen Shears 2024

Who has been your inspiration? 

Gareth Evans and Matthew Evans (Hotdogs)

Name:            

Paerata Raymond Abraham

Where are you from? 

Born in Dannevirke, I live in Masterton New Zealand

Age:

41

Details of your shearing business:

My wife and I started our shearing run in 2016 when our oldest daughter turned 5.  We realised we couldn’t travel around shearing as she was starting school, so we decided to start a business. We had a lot of help from whanau (family) and have built a work environment where everyone is like family. We are so grateful to have such awesome staff and clients it makes running a business very enjoyable.

Your personal and professional achievements: 

I have two amazing daughters Ariana (11) and Mei-Marie (7)

Buying our dream home.

Winning PGG Wrightsons (2019) to be part of New Zealand Trans-Tasman team.

Winning Te Kuiti Circuit to be part of the New Zealand Team in the UK in 2023.

How long have you been shearing?

I started shearing later than most shearers, I was about 21

Tell us about what motivated you to attempt the record:

It has always been a goal of mine to have a world record. To be able to put your body through that is something not many people can say they have experienced. It’s not just the physical challenge but also the mental strength needed – a shearing record is one of the hardest things you will ever do

Advice to young up-and-coming shearers:

Go to Shearing School and don’t be shy, always ask questions to shearers you look up to.

Proudest moment in shearing:

My first Golden Shears Final in 2016… I knew after the second sheep I wasn’t going to win so I was going to be the fastest – I came 6th but had a lot of fun!

Who has been your inspiration? 

As a young shearer, I always wanted to shear like David Fagan and Dion Morrell.

Positive Mood at this year AGM and conference

Record breaking UK shearers were celebrated at this year’s AGM and annual conference last week.

Among those honoured was Staffordshire-based Nick Greaves, who broke the world lamb shearing record, which has been held exclusively in New Zealand for the past 50 years, when he sheared an impressive 764 lambs in eight hours. Also applauded was Scottish sheep shearer Una Cameron who smashed a world record beating the previous women’s solo strong wool ewe record by 59 sheep. Meirion Evans, an experienced Welsh shearer was also successful in his British record-breaking attempt, shearing 791 sheep across nine hours.

All three were presented with a Harris Tweed Hebrides cap made from 100% British wool and a voucher for the British Wool Shop.

Andrew Hogley, British Wool’s CEO congratulated those who had broken shearing records and highlighted the positive direction the wool price has taken in recent times.

He said:

“Recent British Wool auctions have achieved the highest prices for more than five years and we’ve seen strong demand. With prices up by more than 25% since the start of the season this bodes well for improved member returns. Prices need to recover further to give farmers the returns they need for their wool, but we are currently in a much better position than we have been for some time.”

He also highlighted some of the marketing initiatives during the last year including a recent Shaun the Sheep carpet promotion.

This collaboration embraces the work of British Wool and The Campaign for Wool and is seen as a key platform to aid the promotion of wool carpets to consumers. Over 1,000 retailers across the UK have Shaun the Sheep point-of-sale materials which are designed to educate consumers about the natural benefits of wool.

Delegates were also told about collaborations with Patrick Grant and Joe Lycett which have helped to increase consumer awareness of British Wool and British wool-rich products.

Andrew said:

“The team at British Wool remain committed to driving consumer demand through campaigns and work with brand partners, manufacturers and processors. We are determined to continue building on this success for the benefit of all sheep farmers.”

Also addressing the conference were Gary Hurlstone from NextGen Tree Shelters and Mark Hogarth from Harris Tweed Hebrides who both spoke about the importance of British wool to their businesses and products.

The meeting was coupled with a trip for delegates to the Harrison Spinks‘ factory. Harrison Spinks is a major user of traceable British wool for their mattresses and recently hosted Princess Anne who presented them with the King’s Award for Sustainable Development.