Wool board members re-elected for three years

Three British Wool Marketing Board (BWMB) Board Members have been re-elected unopposed for a further term of three years in recent elections.

The three Board Members, whose regions cover some of the most diverse sheep producing regions of the British Isles, bring with them a wealth of experience of both the wider industry and BWMB's activities, having all farmed for a number of years and having previously served as Board Members.

Hugh Blythe, Vice Chairman and Board member for the Scottish Southern region from Maybole, Ayrshire has been chosen to represent wool producers in the region for a third term. Mr Blythe, who runs a flock of 600 ewes alongside a 50-cow suckler herd, has been a long-time supporter of BWMB, having previously served as a regional committee member prior to his election to the Board in 2008.

Trevor Richards, Board member for Southern England, a sheep and arable farmer from Westwell, Kent has been elected for his second term. Running a flock of 400 ewes, made up of both Suffolk x Mule and Romney ewes Mr Richards has also served as a regional committee member in the past and is firmly committed to ensuring BWMB delivers value and price improvements for wool producers across the country.

Bedwyr Jones, Board member for North Wales has also been chosen for a second term. Mr Jones from Nant Gwynant, Beddgelert, farms 3,000 acres, with his farm carrying a total of 2,500 Welsh Mountain ewes.

A former member of his regional committee Mr Jones believes structured, cooperative marketing is the only way to ensure a fair price for British wool producers, particularly those whose flocks produce lower grade wools.

BWMB Chairman Malcolm Corbett said he was delighted to have three influential farmers back on the Board. "All are well respected in their regions and bring a wealth of experience and talent to BWMB."