The open day, will allow farmers to take part in a guided tour of the depot and be walked through the work of the depot. This will include all aspects of the depot’s work, including wool intake, grading and packing, explains BWMB Producer Relations Manager Gareth Jones.

"Many farmers aren’t aware of what happens to their wool once it’s been delivered to the depot and this is their chance to gain a real understanding of how the grading and selling process works.

"For some, wool grading is something of a mystery, but hopefully those attending the open day will leave with a much better appreciation of why certain wools are more valuable than others. Grading wool is a highly complex job, but it is an essential one if BWMB is to auction producers’ wool to their best advantage."

Visitors to the open day will also have the chance to talk to BWMB Regional Board Members, Gethin Harvard and Bedwyr Jones, as well as Chief Executive Officer, Ian Hartley and depot staff, about all aspects of the wool supply chain and the BWMB''s work, including marketing, shearing and its involvement in the Campaign for Wool.

"Adding a fun element to the day will be an ‘Identify the Breed’ competition which will challenge producers to identify wools from a number of different breeds of sheep," says Mr Jones.

"Wool prices will, of course, also be another hot topic for discussion and the 22p/kg average increase in producer payments will no doubt be a talking point for many farmers attending the open day." These payments are after all operating costs have been deducted, and excluding VAT.

The day will also provide producers with a chance to give valuable feedback on wool pricing and other BWMB activities to Board Members and BWMB staff present, he adds. "As a Board we are always looking for ways to connect better with producers and open days like this provide a great opportunity for us to interact with them and to take on board their feedback."

British Wool Marketing Board (BWMB)