BWMB welcomes new entrants at Great Yorkshire Show

BWMB is acutely aware of the challenges, both in terms of resources and finances facing the current generation of new entrants and wants to do all it can to help them maximise the value of their wool, explained BWMB chairman Malcolm Corbett.

"These new entrants are the future of our industry and BWMB is keen to encourage them wherever possible," he explains.

Mr Corbett said new entrants should speak to BWMB staff and representatives at the Great Yorkshire Show and ensure their thoughts are heard.  "We are actively working on a new entrants scheme, so want to ensure we hear from as many new entrants as possible this season.  Like existing producers, new entrants to sheep farming have much to gain by marketing their wool through the BWMB’s competitive auction system which helps maximise the true value of their wool."

"Our intention is to engage with potential ‘young’ producers and discuss ideas on what would benefit them if a scheme was introduced.  We’ll also discuss any potential ideas with stakeholder groups.”

The BWMB stand at the event will be located in the same tent as the show’s fleece competition and a number of BWMB staff and Board members will be on hand throughout all three days to discuss the current wool market with sheep producers, added Mr Jones.

Farmers and visitors attending the Great Yorkshire Show will also have the opportunity to learn just how BWMB operates at every level of the wool supply chain.  The BWMB stand will feature examples of all the work done by the organisation at every stage, explained Mr Jones.

“BWMB is active at all stages of the supply chain from wool harvesting to grading fleeces and onward to the sale of wool to processors and manufacturers and the promotion of British wool to the worldwide market.”

A key part of BWMB's activities in recent years has been its input in to the Campaign for Wool and this will also be highlighted on the stand, explained BWMB Chief Executive Ian Hartley. "The CfW has made an incredible impression on consumers and manufacturers around the globe, in a relatively short period of time and has helped stimulate demand when it could otherwise have been flat.

“This is just one example of BWMB working with others in the sheep industry to promote the industry and its products to our consumers," he added.

British Wool Marketing Board