Border Union Show to showcase BWMB activities

The BWMB collects, grades and markets wool for all UK sheep farmers, and provides a high quality service to all producers regardless of the type or amount of wool produced.

The Board’s display at the show will include information on the latest wool prices whilst illustrating the various parts of the organisation’s work including marketing and promotion, and the valuable work it does training new shearers explains Hugh Blythe, BWMB’s Vice Chairman and Board Member for the Scottish Southern region.

“Last season’s buoyant wool market means that wool payments are set to rise for the fourth year in succession, by an average of 22p/kg in 2012. Resulting in a significant increase of the Average Producer Clip Value to £1.24/kg for the 2011 season, compared to £1.02/kg in 2010.” These payments are after all operating costs have been deducted, and excluding VAT.

Wool auction prices have risen over the last few years and it is hoped these high prices will be maintained throughout the 2012 selling season said Mr Blythe. “It should be noted, we should not become complacent due to the overall economic outlook and the slower growth in China in recent months. We acknowledge the current market is difficult, but we confidently predict the market will improve in autumn and into next year to achieve predicted producer returns.”

On the farming front, BWMB’s Regional Manager, Stephen Ballinger says farmers should recognise that it is the BWMB’s unique involvement at all levels of the supply chain which, together with its competitive auction system, puts it in such a strong position to be able to help the UK sheep industry extract the maximum value for its wool. There is still more many farmers could do to earn more from their wool. We invite all wool producers attending the Show to come to the BWMB stand to meet BWMB staff and talk through how to maximise the value of their clip. Mr Ballinger will be present on the BWMB stand for the duration of the show to meet with producers.

Visitors to the stand will also have the opportunity to take part in a wool identification competition, with fleeces from different breeds to be identified by contestants. Mr Ballinger says this competition will help visitors recognise the many different fleece qualities, allowing them to see why some are more suitable for certain uses than others.

A key element to BWMB’s promotional work is its involvement in the Campaign for Wool which will also be highlighted at the show as part of the organisation’s promotional activities. BWMB are determined to continue to make consumers aware of the quality of the wool British Farmers produce.

British Wool Marketing Board (BWMB)