With consumers turning to wool products, what better platform for the British Wool Marketing Board (BWMB) to showcase the positive future of wool and to engage with wool producers, than regional and county agricultural shows.
These shows are important rural events and the BWMB is taking to the road once again to give producers and visitors the opportunity to learn more about the entire wool process.
At the Royal Cornwall Show, which takes place 9th – 11th June wool producers will be able to learn about the Board’s role in helping to maximise the value of their wool through a range of exhibits and displays.
Consumers will also be able to learn about benefits of wool as a quality fibre.
The BWMB is the UK’s last remaining agricultural commodity board, making the wool sector unique.
Representing 45,000 wool producers, the Board offers real strength in the global market place, giving producers a voice, which in turn allows them to maximise the value of their wool.
Wool preparation and presentation are vital to maximising returns and an integral part of highlighting these are the ‘Fleece’ and ‘Wool on the Hoof’ competitions which will be judged by BWMB’s Wool Marketing Manager Stephen Spencer and South Molton’s Depot Manager Mike Berry respectively at this year’s Royal Cornwall Show.
Encouraging best practice
Mr Berry said: "These competitions are important for the industry as they encourage best practice and highlight the range of different fleece types.
"I am hugely honoured to be invited to judge and I’m certain I’ll see a very high standard of entries.
"As a judge, I'm looking for a high quality, uniform fleece, which should be clean and free from contamination."
Also taking place at the Royal Cornwall Show is the ‘Inter-Show Wool on the Hoof Championship’.
The Champion of the Wool on the Hoof Classes from this Show will also be judged against the Champions of the Devon County and Royal Bath & West Shows.
Maximising value
Keen to highlight the importance of wool preparation and presentation, the Board has outlined simple steps for wool producers to follow to ensure that they are maximising the value of their clip.
"Sheep should be shorn as cleanly as possible with fleeces being free from contamination of any type, such as straw, string or vegetation, and coloured fleeces kept separately," added Mr Berry.
"These simple steps mean that fleeces are delivered to grading depots, in a good condition, and will ensure producers benefit from the maximum potential of their wool."
New for 2016, the champion fleece from the Royal Cornwall Show and 11 other nominated agricultural shows, will automatically be entered into the BWMB National Golden Fleece Competition, in association with JG Animal Health.
The show season is woven into the BWMB calendar, and underlines the efforts made to maximise the value of all producers’ wool.
Alongside information on shearing courses and clip presentation, the BWMB will also be promoting the ‘Campaign for Wool,’ whose patron is HRH The Prince of Wales.
A global endeavour, the key aim of the campaign is to raise awareness amongst all consumers about the unique and natural benefits offered by the fibre.
The campaign has been instrumental in educating consumers about the versatility of wool, and has also influenced a new demand for wool on an international scale.
