This year’s Royal Welsh Show, at Builth Wells, from Monday – Thursday, July 24-27, will once again be an opportunity for wool producers to meet key British Wool personnel and understand more about what the organisation is doing on behalf of wool producers.

There is no doubt that many wool producers are keen to learn more about what happens to their wool once it leaves their farm and also to appreciate the issues facing the global wool market at this present time, said southern Welsh board member Gethin Havard.

“Of course the key thing on producers’ minds when it comes to wool is the price, but there is much more to the organisation than simply selling wool. There is a huge amount of work done in the background to market British wool across the world and to maximise wool values.

“Importantly, Welsh wools are of major importance to the success of British Wool’s activities and Welsh sheep farmers have much to gain from working with us,” he added.

Acting producer communications manager Lauren Boulton said: “The British Wool stand will once again this year be located on the balcony of the sheep building adjoining the shearing shed.

“The stand will be showcasing the whole range of activities that British Wool is involved in across the wool supply chain, including explanations about how the organisation grades and markets wool.

“British Wool will of course be explaining the current season prices and helping farmers understand what they can do to maximise the value of their clip. The organisation is unique in UK agriculture and it is in farmers’ interests to support British Wool in its work to sell British wool to buyers across the world.”

A key feature of British Wool’s involvement in the show is of course the fleece competition which will be judged by Brian Jones, depot manager at British Wool’s Brecon depot.

“This competition is a qualifier for the UK wide British Wool 2017 National Golden Fleece competition which is this year again being supported by JG Animal Health,” explained Miss Boulton.

In addition to its stand at the show, British Wool will also be present in the shearing area, being a major sponsor of the Royal Welsh shearing competitions, said Mr Havard.

“Shearing is the start of the wool supply chain and high quality shearing is essential to ensuring wool is presented in the best possible manner to maximise its value,” he added.

“British Wool staff and board members will be on hand throughout the show to talk to farmers about the current situation in the wool market and the outlook for wool prices this year.”