You have elected Wyn Williams to serve as your Welsh Northern Regional Board Member.
Wyn will serve for a three-year term, beginning on 1 April.
Wyn farms in Llanfair Caereinion, Montgomeryshire and is the current Chair of the Montgomery branch of the Farmers Union of Wales (FUW). He also sits as a Farmer Director on the FUW Board and is a Director with Welsh Lamb & Beef Producers.
On notification of the election result, Wyn said:
“I feel privileged and delighted to have been elected on the Board to represent the Welsh Northern region and look forward to representing the best interests of sheep farmers. Wool is a natural, sustainable, and biodegradable fibre, and I look forward to learning more and working together to improve returns and awareness.”
We will conduct a full Q&A with Wyn after 1 April. This will give you the opportunity to hear more about Wyn’s priorities, ideas, and extensive background in farming.
We want to inform you as part of a joint initiative between British Wool, the National Association of Agricultural Contractors (NAAC), the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) and the National Sheep Association (NSA). To raise concerns regarding the availability of shearers for the 2026 shearing season.
Last week, the Home Office confirmed its decision not to allow a concession for overseas shearers to enter the UK, without work visas this year. This decision risks placing additional pressure on an already stretched shearing workforce. Which could have far-reaching consequences for animal welfare, farm businesses, and the wider sheep sector. British Wool is therefore asking for your support. We strongly encourage all involved in UK sheep farming. To write to their local MP. To highlight the importance of overseas shearers to the UK sheep industry and to urge the government to reconsider its position.
We have trained more than 4000 people on its shearing courses over the past five years. We will continue to invest in training and skills development. Our courses for the 2026 season have recently been announced. With almost 1000 places available, but the reality is that overseas shearers remain an essential part of the UK shearing workforce. Their contribution supports timely shearing, safeguards animal welfare, and strengthens the sharing of skills and best practices across borders.
Your voice matters. MPs need to hear directly from those affected on the ground. A short letter or email to your MP explaining how this decision impacts your business, the industry and the welfare of your sheep can make a real difference. A suggested letter template here.
letter to MP from contractors farmers Final
Overseas Shearers_Welsh Letter
British Wool, alongside NAAC, NFU and NSA, will continue to engage with government and industry partners on this critical issue.
Following our call for nominations for Members of the Board in the Scottish Southern, Welsh Northern, and English Southern Regions. We will hold an election in one region
Jim Robertson (Scottish Southern) and Penny Chantler (English Southern) the current Board Members for their respective regions, secured their seats unopposed.
The candidates nominated for the election in the Welsh Northern region are as follows:
Welsh Northern Region:
EVANS, HUW
Hengwrt Uchaf, Rhydymain, Dolgellau, Gwynedd
EVANS, SIAN
Erddreiniog, Tregaian, Llangefni
WILLIAMS, WYN
Penllwyn, LLanfair Caereinion, Welshpool, Powys
To find out more about the candidates visit britishwool.org.uk/farmers/our-representatives/elections/
Civica Election Services (CES) is administering the voting process for the Board Member Elections in 2026 on behalf of ourselves. 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.
CES will send voting details to all registered members in the region on Thursday 22nd January 2026 – Members must place their votes by 6pm. on Thursday, 12th February 2026. Please ensure postal votes arrive by this deadline.
The geographical counties remain the same as they were before the Local Government Act 1972 for the purpose of this election.
The term of office for each Board Member is three years, commencing 1 April 2026.
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. Therefore 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. While also learning 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. Further symbolising 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.
British Wool reports sharpest price increase in a decade
In our recent auction we saw the most intense level of competition in the last decade. All of British Wool’s main buyers were active, with UK, European and Chinese-focussed buyers competing to secure wool supplies. All core types traded significantly higher. The main grades of carpet wool trading close to 20% higher towards the end of the catalogue.
Prices in the sale on the 7th of October increased by 14.2% over the mid-September sale. Over the month the prices achieved in the our auctions have increased by 22.5%. The trend mirrors the price rises that have been seen in New Zealand with global demand for quality cross bred wools outstripping supplies.
The average sale price achieved on behalf of our members was £1.18 per kg. A marked increase over the average sale price for the 2024 season. Sale prices last season averaged £1.00 per kg.
Andrew Hogley, CEO, British Wool:
“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 wools 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 we continues to produce a greater proportion of No. 1 grades in the core types.”
We has 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,”
“As a co-operative British Wool seeks 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 for British wool.”
This September, we are marking 75 years of backing sheep farmers and championing wool.
Since 1950, British Wool has grown into a cooperative owned by more than 30,000 sheep farmers. Ensuring fair prices, quality, and the global promotion of UK fleece.
In that time, British sheep have produced over 2.5 billion kilograms of fleece, a reminder of the incredible scale of UK wool production.
To celebrate this milestone, across out 8 regional grading depots are opening their doors for a behind-the-scenes look at where the UK’s wool journey begins.
Andrew Hogley, CEO at British Wool, said:
“Whether you’re a sheep farmer, industry partner, student, or simply interested in the story of British Wool, join us for guided tours, demonstrations, refreshments, and a chance to learn more about how British Wool is working for farmers.
“Owned by approximately 30,000 sheep farmers in the UK, British Wool collects, grades, markets and sells British wool on behalf of its 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.”
Join us at an anniversary depot event throughout September and October. Spaces are limited, so be sure to book a place.
To learn more about the 75th celebrations and book a visit to a local open day, visit: britishwool.org.uk/corporate/75-years-of-british-wool/
Two Welsh Shearers team up to achieve a new British Shearing Record
Record-Breaking Day in Mid Wales
On the hottest day in Wales this year. Gethin Lewis from Rhayader and Llyr Evans from Aberystwyth were successful on Saturday in their shearing record. Achieving a new 8-Hour Two-stand British Ewe Shearing Record. Gethin was also successful in setting a new British Individual Record.
Shearing started at 7 am at Gethin’s family farm in Cwmdauddwr, Rhayader. After four shearing runs, the last ewe was shorn at 5 pm. With a combined total of 1,364 ewes shorn in 8 hours. The existing record was 1,075 ewes held by Martin Howlett and Jonny Roberts since 2019.
Both shearers were also up for the 8-Hour Solo British Record of 663 ewes held by Huw Jones from the previous week. Llyr shore 668 and Gethin became the new record holder, shearing 696 ewes.
Shearers Reflect on Their Achievement
Catching up with both shearers at the end of their successful attempt, Gethin said: “I’m delighted that our attempt was successful. It’s been a 12-month journey preparing for today, but all the hard work has been worth it.”
Llyr agreed and said: “All roads led to today, and I’m proud of what we have both achieved – it feels great to be a British Shearing Record Holder.”
Speaking about the hot weather, Llyr added: “ The extreme heat made the challenge more difficult. At times during the day it was extremely difficult and we both needed to dig deep to get through to the end.”
Both Gethin and Llyr wanted to pay tribute to all those who had supported their attempt. Speaking on behalf of both, Gethin said: “This record would not have been possible without the help and support of both our families. Thank you, it means so much to us both that we have achieved what we have here today. We’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 sheep, pen men that were here with us all day, the wool wrappers, and all our family and friends – a huge thank you.”
Congratulations from British Wool and Charity Support
Gareth Jones, Head of Member Engagement at British Wool, said: “On behalf of British Wool, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Gethin and Llyr on their incredible achievement. Setting a Shearing Record requires not only personal dedication and skill but also the collective effort of a strong support team. We commend everyone involved in making this success possible.”
British Wool recognises the importance of promoting excellence in the shearing industry and celebrates milestones that reflect the hard work and passion of those within the farming and wool community.
The Welsh Air Ambulance and Brain Tumour Research were the nominated charities, with fundraising taking place during the day.
More information is available at
https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/gethllyrbritishrecordattempt
Welsh shearers attempts British Shearing Record
All eyes were on Machynlleth in Mid Wales over the weekend as Huw Jones, a 27-year-old Welsh shearer, set a new 8-Hour Solo Ewe British Shearing Record, shearing 663 ewes and beating the previous record of 539.
Achieving a new 8-Hour Solo Ewe British Record shearing 663 ewes. This beat the previous record held by Martin Howlett of 539.
The record took place at Hendreseifion, the location of another record achieved by local shearer Meirion Evans 12 months ago.
After months of preparation, the record attempt started at 7 am and concluded at 5 pm with hundreds of well-wishers in attendance to support and congratulate Huw.
At the end of the record, a tired but delighted Huw said:
“Today has been an amazing day, thank you to everyone who has helped me achieve what I have here today. There are too many people to name individually, but you all know who you are. Records are not just about the shearer attempting but are very much a team effort. I could not have achieved this today without so many people. I thank you so much for the support you have given me.”
Huw continued by mentioning the support of his family:
“My family has always supported me to get me where I am today, no matter what I wanted to do, my family has always been there, and I thank them, it means so much. I’d like to mention my grandad, who is sadly no longer with us, but hopefully looking down on me today, he was the one who started me shearing.”
Huw concluded by thanking everyone who had attended on the day to support him, and the charities supported by the record, the Welsh Air Ambulance & Aberdyfi Search and Rescue.
Gareth Jones, Head of Member Engagement said:
“On behalf of British Wool we offer huge congratulations to Huw on his successful record attempt. This was a display of high-quality shearing, and Huw should be very proud of his achievements.”
“We appreciate the hard work that goes on behind the scenes in holding a record and therefore offer congratulations to everyone who has helped and supported Huw in successfully setting a new British Shearing Record.”
After 12 months of training and preparation, two Welsh Shearers are gearing up for a shearing challenge in July. Gethin Lewis from Rhayader and Llyr Evans from Aberystwyth will be attempting the 8-Hour Two Stand British Ewe Record.
Ahead of their record attempt, we met with both Gethin and Llyr:
Where are you from?
Gethin: Cwmdauddwr, Rhayader, Mid Wales
Llyr: Trawsgoed, Aberystwyth
Details of your farm/shearing business
Gethin: I have grown up on Glan Elan Farm and lived there all my life. We farm over 1,000 breeding ewes and have a 60-head suckler herd – all the stock is finished on the farm.
The shearing business is in partnership with my friend Ryan and was passed down to us in 2022 from Oliver Rees, whom I started shearing when I left college at the age of 17. Our shearing season begins in mid-May and finishes just after the Royal Welsh Show.
I have shorn in Norway for 5 seasons, and attained the shearing run there from Ross Thompson in 2023.
Llyr: I live on the home farm of Hendre Rhys , and we have about 300 ewes, which are Romney and Aberfields. We also rear a few calves
The shearing season starts early shearing down in Dorset at the end of April for Henry Mayo. This continues until the beginning of June, and at that point I return home shearing for my father, Gerallt, and do a few days for Gethin and Ryan as well.
In previous years I have worked in Scotland shearing for William Dickson in the Borders for 3 years, and also once for Matthew Seed in Turriff, Aberdeen
I also enjoy travelling the world shearing and have completed six seasons in New Zealand for Brendan Mahony and in Norway for four seasons in the autumn, and also three in the spring
I have also shorn in Denmark with my father a few times.
Personal and Professional Achievements
Gethin: There are many, but winning the Champion Shearer of Wales at the Royal Welsh in 2023 & 2024 and representing Wales for three seasons in New Zealand, being a part of the first ever Welsh test match team to win on New Zealand soil with Llyr Jones are up there as highlights for me.
Others would include winning the Great Yorkshire Show and Llysfasi Shears in 2023, as well as winning the Welsh Lamb Circuit Final in the same year at Cwmdauddwr Shears. I have been a part of the Welsh speed shearing team for two seasons, winning speed shear test matches in New Zealand and in Australia at the Wagga Wagga Speed Shear in 2024. Since the summer of 2025, I have also been a shearing instructor, which I enjoy.
One of my biggest personal gains from being within the shearing industry is that I’ve met so many new people who all want to help one another. I’m grateful to have made some lifelong friends and memories in various countries, all with shearing at the forefront.
Llyr: I have attended several British Wool shearing courses, which I’d recommend to anyone wishing to learn or develop their shearing skills.
Other achievements would include making a few intermediate finals in New Zealand in 2019-20. I have shorn a few tallies in the UK and New Zealand, including 734 in 9 hours as well as qualified for a few open finals in the UK.
I feel very fortunate to have shorn with many excellent shearers, meeting lots of good people, and making great friends and memories.
Tell us what motivated you to attempt the record?
Gethin: Since being involved with Nick Greaves and Llyr Jones’ 9-hour lamb record in 2022, it inspired me to want to attempt one myself. So, in 2023, we set out a Personal Best/Tally Day to see if I could shear 700 in 9 hours. I managed to shear 737, which motivated me further to try a record attempt with Llyr Evans, who shorn a tally of 734 in 2024.
Llyr: I have helped with several records and enjoyed being involved and supporting the attempt.
I always enjoy being surrounded by hard-working people, which makes me push myself a bit more to get to their level
Advice to up-and-coming shearers.
Gethin: Work hard, get your gear and grinding correct from the start. Always ask for help and advice, as every day is a school day. Get out to New Zealand for a shearing season as soon as you can and really enjoy the learning process every season.
Llyr: Work hard, but make sure you enjoy yourself at the same time. Go on a shearing course as these are an excellent way to learn and continually improve.
Whats your proudest moment in shearing?
Gethin: Winning Champion Shearer of Wales in 2023 and retaining the title in 2024 to remain in the Welsh test team for another 12 months.
Llyr: Having a good group of friends who are willing to help me achieve my goal.
Who has been your inspiration?
Gethin: I have watched, shorn with, learned from, and become friends with some of the best shearers in both the UK and the World over the years, I couldn’t just pick one.
Llyr: My father has been a big influence in getting me into shearing and letting me travel all around the World. There are so many other people I have worked with who have given me a lot of help and guidance over the years. It’s impossible to pick one from so many great people.
Gethin and Llyr’s record attempt will take place at Glan Elan, Cwmdauddwr, Rhayader, LD6 5HG.
The record will start at 7 am on Saturday, 12th July 2025.
Welsh shearer attempts British Shearing Record
A 27-year-old Welsh shearer will attempt a shearing record in July. Huw Jones from Abergynolwyn in Mid Wales will attempt the 8-Hour Solo Ewe British Record.
For approximately 6 months of the year, Huw’s normal shearing routine would be spent between here in the UK and New Zealand. The rest of the year would be farming on the family farm, along with some contract sheep dipping alongside his brother.
Huw said:
“As far back as I can remember, farming has always been my main passion. I would always be outside farming with my parents, and when staying with my grandparents. Luckily for us, Mum and Dad have always included me and my brother in a lot of farming decisions from a young age (sometimes too young), but it helped us learn how important it is to consider all aspects before making a decision.”
Shearing normally starts for Huw at the end of April in England before coming back home to Wales to shear from the end of May. Huw shears with his friend Gwydion and they’ve shorn together for several years on local farms, starting with the rams and yearlings and then on to the ewes and mountain flocks. The aim is always to finish shearing at the Royal Welsh Show so he can enjoy the show!
In terms of personal achievements, graduating as an Agricultural Engineer from Harper Adams University would be one of them. Huw says:
“Although I don’t fully use my degree now, it was important to me, even though I loved shearing and farming, that I always had something I could fall back on, education and learning are never a waste and always a good thing.
Another personal achievement was winning the Louise Owen Memorial Shearing Scholarship, which allowed me to travel to New Zealand to shear for Brendan Mahony in Napier. I was incredibly grateful for the opportunity, and I still go shearing for Brendan every year.”
In recent years, many shearing records have taken place, and Huw comments:
“Seeing Matt Smith, Rowland Smith, Gareth Daniel, and Ian Jones achieve their records, planted a thought in my mind that I would like to do something like that one day, but realised I was years away from it! After waiting patiently, I finally achieved a long-term goal 2 years ago in New Zealand, shearing 554 lambs in 8 hours. But I still wasn’t satisfied. I wanted to do 600, so when I got home, I asked my brother if I could try and do a personal best on his sheep. Thankfully, he agreed, and then on the 12th of July 2023, I shorn 704 ewes in 9 hours. That was the big motivation to attempt a record. I set my goal for about 2 years and chose the record I wanted to attempt to break!”
Finally, as the day of Huw’s attempt draws closer, he concluded:
“I have a few proud moments in shearing, and winning the Senior Championship in Corwen Shears was a personal highlight. There are many shearers and people outside of shearing who have inspired me in different ways, but for me, Rowland Smith has always been a big inspiration. Not only is he an outstanding shearer in shows/records and in the shed, but he also has an incredible work ethic. I could never manage lamb shearing until I watched Rowly shear lambs in front of me; that is when I finally stopped making excuses of being too tall for lambs and found a way to get it done.”
