WOOL returns received by British Wool’s members are at the highest level since 2018. This has been driven by strong demand from buyers over the course of the last year. And the trend has been hailed by the organisation’s chairman, Jim Robertson, who lives near Langholm.
He said: “With an average auction price of £1.00 per kg, British Wool’s sale price is 18p per kg higher than last year. Coupled with strong cost control, this price increase has flowed through to improved member returns. “Demand for British wool through the middle of the selling season was exceptional, with many auctions having nearly full clearance.”
The strong market led to British Wool having sold 83% of its supplies by midApril. The remaining wool is scheduled to be auctioned in May and June before the new season’s wool is ready for auction in July. Jim hopes the prices will persuade farmers to send in their wool after decreasing volumes received in recent years. He added: “As wool prices improve; better returns should hopefully encourage more UK farmers to send in their wool. This year, British Wool will be opening several new collection centres around the UK to improve convenience for members. We want to make it as easy as possible for farmers to deliver their wool.
“British Wool is the only organisation in the world that collects, grades, sells, and promotes fleece wool. We are committed to collecting wool from all sheep farmers, regardless of quantity, quality, type, or location. Demand for wool from UK farmers is improving, and to maximise returns, British Wool urges its members to send in their fleeces in 2025. Please contact your local depot or visit the British Wool website for details of your nearest collection centre.”
