BWMB to show versatility of wool at Royal Welsh Show

The BWMB stand at the event will allow both farming and non-farming visitors to the event to gain a full understanding of the work of BWMB at all levels of the wool supply chain and see how wool can be used for a wide variety of uses and applications, explained BWMB Producer Communications Manager Gareth Jones.

"Wool is a truly sustainable, renewable material which has a wide variety of uses in both the fashion and interior design sectors, being used to create some of the finest fashions across the world, while also being an excellent material for use in floor coverings and soft furnishings."

Through its work with the Campaign for Wool, BWMB has been able to actively promote British wool to a worldwide audience and the result is increased demand and consistent trade at BWMB wool auctions, he said.

But while there is currently stability in the wool market there is a need to ensure the next generation of sheep farmers are working with BWMB to maximise the value of their wool crop, said BWMB Chairman Malcolm Corbett.

"High land prices, both in the freehold and rental market coupled with limited access to funding in an era of austerity is hampering a generation of go ahead, driven young sheep farmers.  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 to sheep farming should speak to BWMB staff and representatives, including Board members Bedwyr Jones and Gethin Havard, at the Royal Welsh Show and ensure their thoughts are heard.  "We are actively working on a new entrant’s scheme and want to hear from as many new entrants as possible this season.

As well as having a strong trade stand presence at the show BWMB is also represented on the judges list too, with Brian Jones, Depot Manager at Wool Producers of Wales' Brecon depot has the task of adjudicating in the show's fleece competition.

And of course BWMB representatives will be on-hand in the show's iconic shearing pavilion to speak to experienced and novice shearers about the opportunities for shearing training with BWMB.

"The Royal Welsh shearing competitions are renowned the world over as some of the toughest to win. But shearing is a skill anyone can learn and use in any country around the world," said Mr Jones.

"While winning a championship title at the Royal Welsh may be above the aspirations of many, shearing is a skill for life and one which can enable young people to establish their own businesses, both at home and abroad. 

"Last year BWMB trained more than 1100 shearers across the UK and anyone interested in learning to shear should contact Catherine Fairclough, BWMB's Welsh Shearing Co-ordinator, at the Royal Welsh Show."

British Wool Marketing Board