Bluefaced Leicester wins the 2016 BWMB Golden Fleece

Champions Jayne & Myrfyn Roberts
Champions Jayne & Myrfyn Roberts

A Bluefaced Leicester fleece entered by Jayne Roberts on behalf of Roberts and son based in Gaerwen in Anglesey has been named the best fleece in the UK, the 'Golden Fleece'.

The winning fleece beat strong competition from across the country to be named the Golden Fleece and was one of eight fleeces in the final - two from each home nation, one traditional carpet type and one speciality/knitwear type.

Ian Buchanan, Chairman of the competition organised by the British Wool Marketing Board (BWMB) in association with JG Animal Health, said: “This nationwide competition was open to all producers marketing their wool through the BWMB who could enter their fleeces at any of our network of depots across the UK. The champion fleeces from 12 regional agricultural shows were also automatically entered to the four country finals” said Mr Buchanan.

Mark Powell, BWMB Chief Operating Officer who was judge of the final said the standard of fleeces in the final eight had been exceptional.

“There were some great fleeces on display in the final and I wholeheartedly congratulate all those producers whose fleeces made it this far as well as commending those who entered fleeces but never progressed from the earlier rounds.

“The winning fleece displayed everything I was looking for in terms of style of wool, uniformity of quality, strength of staple, colour and presentation. It was an outstanding entry and clearly from a producer who takes pride in their wool crop,” he added.

Jayne Roberts, 2016 Golden Fleece competition winner said it had been an honour to reach the final let alone win the competition.

“We really didn’t expect to even get this far. We take pride in the wool we produce, but didn’t think we’d have a chance of winning such a prestigious national competition.” Roberts and son farm 70 Bluefaced Leicester’s along with 1100 Welsh, Suffolk cross and Texel cross mules.

Mr Buchanan added with more than 12million fleeces being presented at BWMB depots every year, the winner was to be congratulated on their success: “The quality of the fleeces and presentation was exceptional with all finalists earning their place and congratulated for getting as far as they have. However, there can only be one winner and my congratulations goes to the Roberts family on their success this year.”

Mr Buchanan also confirmed the competition would be running again next year: “The response to the competition in 2016 has been encouraging and we look forward to working with wool producers and agricultural shows to build on that in 2017,” he said.