BWMB activities to be displayed at Kent County Show

BWMB’s Chief Wool Marketing Officer, Mark Powel will be present at the show judging both the fleece and the Wool on the Hoof competitions.

The combined BWMB and Kent Wool Growers (KWG) display at the show will include information on the latest wool prices whilst illustrating the various parts of the organisation’s work including the marketing and promotion, and the valuable work it does training new shearers explains Trevor Richards BWMB’s Board Member for the South of England.

“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 Richards. “It should be noted that 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, Mr Richards 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.

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. “We’re here for everybody and it’s our collective marketing which helps British farmers get the best price possible for their wool” added Mr Richards.

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)